GANGNEUNG, Aug. 29 (Korea Bizwire) — In a bid to breathe new life into its currency museum, the city of Gangneung is set to create a space where visitors can view current banknotes and coins from around the world, all under one roof.
The Ojukheon Museum, located within the historic Ojukheon complex, signed a memorandum of understanding on August 28 with the Yulgok Research Institute and Shinhan Bank’s Gangneung Financial Center.
This collaboration aims to establish a dedicated area for displaying international currency.
The agreement lays the groundwork for inter-institutional cooperation, facilitating the curation and donation of exhibition items.
City officials plan to unveil the new global currency showcase in October, adding a cosmopolitan flair to the existing collection of domestic currency and commemorative coins.
“We’re excited to expand our offerings and create a unique attraction within the Gangneung Currency Museum,” said Cho Seong-gak, director of the Ojukheon Municipal Museum.
The museum, which opened its doors in November of last year, currently houses an impressive array of 776 items across 340 different types of currency.
The Ojukheon complex holds a special place in Korea’s numismatic history. It is the birthplace of Shin Saimdang and her son, Yi I (also known as Yulgok), who are featured on South Korea’s 50,000-won note — the world’s first banknote to depict a mother and son.
“Our goal is to transform Ojukheon into a multifaceted cultural space that honors the legacy of Shin Saimdang and Yulgok Yi I while offering educational and artistic experiences,” Cho explained.
“By continually enhancing the value of the Gangneung Currency Museum, we’re working towards that vision.”
Image credit: Yonhap, Gangneung City / photonews@koreabizwire.com
