First Lady Kim Hye-kyung Invites Mongolian First Lady to Visit National Museum of Korea

South Korean First Lady Kim Hye-kyung visited the National Museum of Mongolia in Ulaanbaatar alongside Mongolian First Lady Luvsandorj Bolortsetseg, viewing the country's rich cultural heritage.

During their visit on July 9 (local time), Kim expressed gratitude for Bolortsetseg's hospitality, stating, "I am very happy to be able to tour together a meaningful place that represents Mongolia's history and culture." Bolortsetseg responded, "I am happy to share Mongolia's history and culture," and expressed hope that the day's events would deepen the friendship between the two nations.

The National Museum of Mongolia, a symbol of Mongolian history and identity, exhibits approximately 10,000 artifacts spanning from the Xiongnu era to the 20th century. The two first ladies also observed Xiongnu-era relics unearthed through the joint Korean-Mongolian archaeological research project. The museum director explained that these jointly excavated artifacts would undergo preservation processes in Korea.

Bolortsetseg noted the significant scale of the joint excavation project, expressing anticipation for future results. Kim remarked on the impressive display of historical achievements uncovered by researchers from both countries, hoping that cooperation in cultural heritage preservation would serve as a bridge connecting their peoples.

Kim also inquired about the World Heritage Committee's upcoming 48th session in Busan, South Korea, where the museum director plans to seek World Heritage status for the Xiongnu heritage. Observing a comb used by women in the Mongolian Empire, Kim noted its resemblance to traditional Korean combs. She concluded by stating that understanding a nation's history and culture is the first step to understanding its people, expressing her hope for continued friendship between Korea and Mongolia based on their long history of cultural exchange. Bolortsetseg expressed a desire to visit South Korea's National Museum of Central, having heard it houses many beautiful and valuable artifacts.