The exhibition "Silla Gold Crowns, Power and Prestige" at the Gyeongju National Museum in Gyeongju, Gyeongsangbuk-do Province, from Oct. 28 to Dec. 14 displays six gold crowns from the ancient Silla Kingdom (57 B.C.-A.D. 935). From left are crowns from the tombs of Gyodonggobun, Hwangnamdaechong, Geumgwanchong, Seobongchong, Geumnyeongchong and Cheonmachong. (Gyeongju National Museum)
By Kim Hyelin
Gyeongju, Gyeongsangbuk-do Province, is steeped in 1,000 years of the Silla Kingdom's history (57 B.C.-A.D. 935) as a symbolic space for the roots and identity of Korean culture and the capital of the ancient kingdom.
The city has preserved Silla's illustrious legacy of Buddhist art, architecture and crafts in showing the essence of ancient Korean culture.
To this day, Gyeongju is considered a city of world heritage.
Thanks to its hosting of this year's Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) summit, Gyeongju has recaptured the global spotlight as an international cultural hub where tradition and modernity and art and technology coexist.
The Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism is holding diverse events throughout Gyeongju to coincide with the summit such as exhibitions, performances, media art and Korean content to show the true essence of Korean culture. Its goal is to present a wide range of cultural experiences to APEC attendees and domestic and foreign visitors.
From Oct. 28 to Dec. 14, the Gyeongju National Museum will host the exhibition "Silla Gold Crowns, Power and Prestige" as an official cultural event of the APEC Summit. The display will be opened to the public from Nov. 2.
The gold crowns shown were excavated from the tombs of Geumgwanchong (1921), Geumnyeongchong (1924), Seobongchong (1926), Gyodonggobun (1972), Cheonmachong (1973) and the northern tomb of Hwangnamdaechong (1974). This is the first time for all six crowns that represent Silla's golden culture to be displayed together.
The National Jeongdong Theater of Korea will present its original dance drama "Pure Heart" from Oct. 31 to Nov. 4 at Munmu Hall of Gyeongju Expo Park's Cultural Center on the occasion of the APEC summit. (National Jeongdong Theater of Korea)
Performing arts will also coincide with APEC. The Seoul International Dance Competition will host a show on Oct. 27 on a stage of Cheomseongdae Observatory. The next day will see a reenactment of the royal banquet of the Joseon Dynasty (1392-1910) at the traditional residence near the observatory.
"Our Hanbok, Flying Toward Tomorrow," a fashion performance featuring Silla-style to APEC-commemorating Hanbok (traditional clothing) as well as futuristic versions, will be held on Oct. 29 at a stage over Woljeonggyo Bridge.
The National Jeongdong Theater of Korea from Oct. 31 to Nov. 4 will present its original dance drama "Pure Heart" at Munmu Hall of Gyeongju Expo Park's Cultural Center. General ticket sales are available only for shows from Nov. 2-4.
2025 Cultural Heritage Media Art at Gyeongju Daereungwon Ancient Tomb Complex (Gyeongju City Hall)
Media art using the latest technology will illuminate the night sky of Gyeongju. Bomunho Lake Square through Nov. 2 will hold a convergence media performance featuring water screens, lasers and drones.
Gyeongju Daereungwon Ancient Tomb Complex through Nov. 16 will display the exhibition "Daereungwon National Cultural Heritage Media Art," a blend of ancient tombs, forests and video projections to expand Gyeongju's historical spaces into a new type of cultural stage.
The K-Content Festival through Nov. 15 is being held at the Gyeongju National Museum and Bomun Tourist Complex. The event exhibits new technological content based on traditional culture to create a stage for the creative coexistence of the past and future.
The ministry will broadcast 15 promotional videos on tourism in Korea at Gyeongju Hwabaek International Convention Center, the APEC summit venue, and run customized tours for summit participants and their families.
kimhyelin211@korea.kr