Cyber Diplomacy Organization VANK, in collaboration with the Korea Culture Foundation, has launched a “Hallyu Stars in Korean History” exhibition hall in the metaverse, utilizing the ZEP platform. This innovative exhibition hall aims to spotlight Korean cultural heritage and historical figures as Hallyu stars, expanding the global appeal of Korean culture beyond K-pop and K-drama.
ZEP, a leading metaverse platform in Korea, boasts over 6 million cumulative users and 1 million monthly active users (MAU) as of July 2023. Accessible via mobile, tablet, and computer, it enables seamless interaction from anywhere in the world.
The Hallyu wave, which includes K-pop, K-drama, and K-movies, has taken the world by storm, with global fans exceeding 170 million. However, foreign interest in Hallyu has primarily focused on pop culture. There is a pressing need to extend this interest into Korea’s rich and illustrious history.
It is essential to inform the world that Hallyu stars existed throughout Korea’s history, from the ancient Gojoseon and Goguryeo kingdoms to the Joseon dynasty and even the resistance during the Japanese occupation. By utilizing a metaverse platform, VANK aims to broaden the Hallyu wave to include historical and cultural heritage, thus enhancing Korea’s national brand globally.
The “Hallyu Stars in Korean History” exhibition consists of four main sections, each dedicated to different historical periods. Just as modern-day Hallyu stars like BTS and BLACKPINK have elevated Korea’s international standing, this exhibition introduces cultural heritage and historical figures from Korea’s past who similarly contributed to the nation’s glory.
The exterior design of the exhibition hall has been inspired by Seokjojeon, the Western-style palace built during the reign of Emperor Gojong, with the cooperation of the Cultural Heritage Administration. This design symbolizes Gojong’s active modernization efforts during the late Joseon Dynasty.
The four exhibition halls are as follows:
- Prehistoric and Gojoseon Exhibition: Featuring relics such as hand axes, dolmens, and the Danyeosemunjing, all chosen as Hallyu stars.
- Three Kingdoms and Unified Silla Exhibition: Showcasing the Imwonjo, the Gema Warrior, the Golden Gilt Bronze Incense Burner, and the Great King Muryeong’s tomb, along with notable figures like Jang Bogo and Seongdeok the Great.
- Goryeo Dynasty Exhibition: Featuring treasures like the Tripitaka Koreana, Goryeo celadon, Jikji, and Goryeo naval artillery as Hallyu stars.
- Joseon Dynasty and Korean Independence Movement Exhibition: Highlighting important historical items such as the Hunilgangri Yeokdae Gukdo Map, the Korean script Hangul, the Geumgangjeondo, and figures such as King Sejong the Great, Ahn Changho, and the independence activists of the March 1st Movement.
One key highlight of the exhibition is Dr. Homer Hulbert, Korea’s first “foreign ambassador of Korean culture,” who is also featured as a Hallyu star. Dr. Hulbert, who came to Korea in 1886 as a teacher, played a vital role in introducing Korean history and culture to the world through 20 books and over 300 papers. He also authored the first Korean language textbook and translated the preface of the Hunminjeongeum (the Korean script) into English, promoting it globally.
Visitors to each of the four halls will encounter interactive quizzes related to Korea’s historical Hallyu stars. For example, at the entrance to the Goryeo exhibition, visitors will be asked, “What is the oldest surviving metal-printed book in the world, printed in 1377 at Heungdeoksa Temple in Cheongju?” The answer, “Jikji,” must be provided to proceed. This highlights how Jikji, printed 78 years before Gutenberg’s Bible, is an essential part of global heritage and a key historical Hallyu star.
VANK hopes that the “Hallyu Stars in Korean History Metaverse Exhibition” will become a platform for spreading awareness of Korea’s great cultural heritage and historical figures. To further promote this initiative, VANK will host the “Find the Hallyu Stars in Our History!” event continuously.
Through this exhibition and ongoing campaigns, VANK aims to unearth hidden historical Hallyu stars from Korea’s 5,000-year history and share them with the global Hallyu fanbase of 170 million, as well as with people around the world. This will not only showcase K-pop and K-drama but also illuminate Korea’s deep and brilliant history and culture on the global stage.