This computer rendering, provided by the National Palace Museum, shows its branch to be constructed in Hwaseong, Gyeonggi Province. (Yonhap)
SEOUL, Dec. 4 (Korea Bizwire) — The National Palace Museum of Korea will build its first branch in Hwaseong, Gyeonggi Province, with completion targeted for 2030, to showcase royal heritage from the Joseon Dynasty and the Korean Empire, officials said Thursday.
The museum said it will sign a memorandum of understanding at Hwaseong City Hall with the Hwaseong city government and the Korea Land and Housing Corporation (LH) to push ahead with the project.
The planned facility will occupy about 25,000 square meters of land within a residential development district near Yungneung and Geolleung, the royal tombs of King Jeongjo (1776-1800) and his father, Crown Prince Sado (1735-1762). The area also houses Yongju Temple, built to commemorate the late prince.
Authorities chose Hwaseong after reviewing several candidate sites around the UNESCO-listed royal tombs of the Joseon Dynasty, citing the city’s historical links to the royal family and its future development potential.
Museum officials described the site as an ideal location to experience Korea’s royal heritage, noting it will become the first national museum in southern Gyeonggi Province.
The branch will include an “open storage” facility allowing visitors to view artifacts under preservation, offering closer access to royal relics.
Completion is targeted for 2030, with the museum expected to open to the public between 2031 and 2032 after the installation and preparation of collections.
The main National Palace Museum, located within Gyeongbok Palace in Seoul, opened in 2005. It holds treasures, such as the Water Clock of Changgyeong Palace, as well as royal portraits and royal seals, but faces storage constraints, with its capacity exceeding 160 percent. Only about 3 percent of its artifacts are currently on public display, according to officials.
(Yonhap)
