A fire broke out at the National Hangeul Museum in Seoul on Saturday, causing significant damage to the upper levels of the facility.
In an effort to protect its cherished collection of approximately 89,000 artifacts, the museum is taking proactive steps by relocating these treasures to the nearby National Museum of Korea, as several Korean media outlets have reported.
Relocation of Artifacts
On Sunday, a representative from the museum revealed that plans were already in motion to transfer about 80,000 artifacts from the first floor following a thorough assessment of the situation.
This initiative highlights the museum’s dedication to safeguarding its priceless heritage while ensuring that these items remain secure.
The National Hangeul Museum, which celebrates the distinctive Korean writing system and its historical development, is currently navigating this challenging situation.
Thankfully, firefighters managed to control the blaze after approximately seven hours of relentless effort, and remarkably, no artifacts were damaged during the incident.
Significant Historical Items
In response to the fire, the museum swiftly moved around 250 significant items, including nine that hold historical importance, to both the National Museum of Korea and the National Folk Museum of Korea.
Among these transferred pieces are outstanding historical texts from the 15th and 16th centuries, associated with influential monarchs like King Sejo, who published a Buddhist work, and King Jeongjo, known for his letters.
Officials at the museum maintain a positive outlook regarding the transfer of the entire collection, which they anticipate completing in about a month.
While the exact cause of the fire is still under investigation, the future of the museum remains promising.
The Museum’s Commitment
Since its establishment in 2014, the National Hangeul Museum has served as a crucial educational hub, widely recognized for highlighting the rich history of the Korean language.
Although renovations were already in progress with a reopening slated for October 2025, this recent incident is regarded as a temporary hurdle on its path to improvement.
The resilience displayed by the museum and its forward-thinking actions illustrate a deep commitment to preserving cultural heritage for generations to come.