Porsche Korea announced on the 19th that it held the opening ceremony for a special exhibition titled ‘1899, Gifts Sent to Prince Heinrich,’ which recreates three gifts from the late King Gojong located in the Hamburg Rothenbaum Museum in Germany.
The opening ceremony was attended by Holger Gehrmann, CEO of Porsche Korea, Choi Eung-cheon, head of the Cultural Heritage Administration, Choi Young-chang, chairman of the Korea Cultural Heritage Foundation, Michael Reiffenstuel, German Ambassador to Korea, and Martin Henkelmann, head of the Korean-German Chamber of Commerce and Industry, along with intangibly cultural heritage inheritors involved in the crafting of the exhibition items. They shared the importance of preserving cultural heritage while commemorating the 140th anniversary of Korea-Germany diplomatic relations.
Holger Gehrmann, CEO of Porsche Korea, stated, “The exhibition ‘1899, Gifts Sent to Prince Heinrich’ serves as a milestone in creating a future based on history, and especially commemorating the 140th anniversary of Korea-Germany relations makes it significant. Porsche, as a brand rooted in tradition and innovation, plans to continuously support the inheritance and dissemination of Korea’s rich cultural traditions to create future value.
Additionally, Porsche Korea provided a support fund of 30 million KRW for the ongoing support of the country’s intangible cultural heritage. This includes 5 million KRW for each of the two individuals in the crafts and performing arts fields and 10 million KRW for a group in the traditional performing arts field.
The exhibition ‘1899, Gifts Sent to Prince Heinrich’ was conceptualized as a project to highlight the historical significance of Korea, particularly in light of the 140th anniversary of Korea-Germany diplomatic relations, and aims to preserve the craftsmanship that has been passed down through generations.
Among the over 40 artifacts gifted by King Gojong to the German Prince Heinrich von Preußen, the first state guest of the Korean Empire, three items including armor, a helmet, and an armory case will be showcased.
The special exhibition will take place at Deoksugung Palace until July 2nd. The recreated works presented in the exhibition will be donated to Deoksugung. Admission to the special exhibition is free (separate entry fee for Deoksugung), and further details can be checked on the Korea Cultural Heritage Foundation website (www.chf.or.kr).
Lee Sang-jin daedusj@autodiary.kr