A golden Porsche crest appears at Changdeokgung as heritage reaches for the world

A golden Porsche crest now stands among the historic buildings of Changdeokgung, an unexpected meeting of a global car brand and Korea’s traditional craft.

The work appears as part of the “K-Heritage Art Exhibition: Lines of Connection,” which opened at Nakseonjae. The exhibition’s theme, “The Road of Dreams,” links the journeys of master artisans with contemporary artists’ perspectives, connecting past and present, tradition and the future.

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The lines extending in many directions mean that Porsche should spread even farther around the world.

Forty-eight holders and students of National Intangible Cultural Heritage and contemporary artists are presenting about 160 works. The exhibition route runs through Nakseonjae, Seokbokheon and Sugangjae. Traditional materials and techniques, including gilt work, woodcraft, lacquer and embroidery, appear alongside painting, photography and installations.

The palace buildings are not merely a setting. Their aged surfaces, quiet spaces and traditional lines become part of the exhibition, allowing old and new works to sit together without feeling out of place. Among the most discussed pieces are collaborations between Porsche Korea and lacquer artisan Jeong Su-hwa and gilt artisan Kim Gi-ho.

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I devoted myself to it so completely that it took a full three months just to complete.

Jeong’s work uses traditional lacquer and mother-of-pearl techniques, combining the Porsche crest with a peony motif. “The lines extending in many directions mean that Porsche should spread even farther around the world,” Jeong said. “I devoted myself to it so completely that it took a full three months just to complete.” Kim’s “Porsche Golden Auspicious Path” uses pure gold leaf on ramie fabric and silk, with a Goryeo Buddhist painting star pattern, the Porsche crest and a radial mandala extending toward the universe.

Porsche Korea CEO Matthias Busse said the exhibition gives Korean cultural heritage a contemporary language and connects it with the world. The exhibition forms part of Porsche Korea’s Future Heritage program, launched in 2022 to promote and support the transmission of Korea’s intangible cultural heritage. The company says it has donated 1.221 billion won through the program.

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The exhibition is very meaningful because Korean traditional culture and national heritage are being reinterpreted in today’s language and connected with the world.