GANGNEUNG CITY ENG - 솔향강릉

- Following the inaugural event on Monday, the 6th, the museum will commence full-scale operations, showcasing an extensive array of 340 categories and 776 currency-related items -

    The Gangneung Currency Museum, slated for an official opening on the 7th (Tuesday), stands as a beacon of education, culture, and arts, drawing inspiration from the legacy of the world's inaugural mother-and-son currency icons. It is poised to cast a new light on the historical and cultural significance of Gangneung.

    ​On the 6th (Monday) at 3 PM, in front of the Gangneung Currency Exhibition Hall within Ojukheon, approximately 300 citizens will gather for the opening ceremony, which will include performances, a progress report, the unveiling of the signboard, and a facility tour, marking the start of its full operation.

    ​In January 2020, Gangneung City forged a partnership with the Bank of Korea to initiate the currency exhibition hall project. The initiative repurposed the old ‘Local Folklore Museum’ into a cutting-edge space, embedding it with a blend of modern digital technology and enabling it to host dynamic displays and interpretative presentations.

        ​The Gangneung Currency Museum, established with a total investment of 9 billion KRW, comprising contributions of 3.6 billion from the national government, 1.62 billion from the provincial government, and 3.78 billion from the city government, boasts a total floor area of 1,637㎡. It features three permanent exhibition galleries, one special exhibition gallery, and a rest area on the ground floor, while the basement is dedicated to educational spaces, storage, and machinery rooms.

        ​The museum's exhibitions are sectioned into five thematic zones: the lobby, the prestige of currency, the spirit of art, the journey of currency, and the special exhibition space. These areas are crafted to foster an interactive dialogue with visitors focused on the extensive currency collection, which encompasses 340 varieties and 776 items.

    ​The museum also brings to life the artistic prowess of Shin Saimdang and the philosophical contributions of her son, Yulgok Yi I, through interactive elements such as automata and video narratives. Additionally, it displays creative artworks fashioned from retired currencies.

    ​The exhibition not only introduces the entire currency cycle from creation to disposal but also offers a variety of hands-on programs that allow visitors to design their own currency and detect counterfeit bills. This transforms it from a mere display space to a comprehensive cultural venue that provides a full-sensory experience to enable the discovery of the value of currency.

    ​Among the exhibits, the ‘Kinetic Media Art’ exhibition embodies the spirit of art. This contemporary piece blends the illustrious legacy of Saimdang and Yulgok with the scenic beauty of Gangneung, Ojuk Forest, and Mongryongsil, bringing it to life through real-time participation from visitors.

        Directed by Professor Mok Jin-yo from Yonsei University, renowned for his role as the video director of the opening and closing ceremonies of the 2018 Pyeongchang Winter Olympics, this exhibit enables visitors to take home a personalized commemorative image featuring their own face.

    ​A spokesperson for Gangneung City remarked, "The Gangneung Currency Exhibition Hall, erected on the hallowed ground that honors the origin of the world's earliest mother-and-son currency figures, merges classical allure with contemporary elegance, emerging as a key tourist and cultural hub. We aspire for it to become an iconic destination that encapsulates Gangneung's authentic spirit, harmonizing with surrounding landmarks including Ojukheon and the City Museum.”

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