The National Palace Museum of Korea is commemorating 20 years of scientific conservation work with a major exhibition titled "Re:Born, Connecting Time Through Conservation Science," which opened Wednesday and will run until February 1, 2026. Located within Gyeongbokgung Palace in Seoul, the museum is showcasing the typically hidden world of conservation laboratories and the scientific methods used to preserve Korea's royal and imperial artifacts.

The exhibition offers visitors an unprecedented look into conservation science, presenting it not merely as restoration work but as a sophisticated scientific practice that extends the lifespan of cultural treasures and connects their historical value to future generations. The show traces two decades of preservation efforts that have been conducted since the museum's opening in 2005.

"This exhibition reflects on the history of our conservation science lab, which has scientifically preserved and studied royal heritage since our opening in 2005," said Chung Yong-jae, director of the National Palace Museum of Korea, during a press briefing on Tuesday. "It is incredibly meaningful to share the value of revived heritage with the public, especially at a time when conservation and scientific preservation have become essential fields for communicating cultural heritage."

Chung emphasized the dedication behind conservation work, adding, "I hope this exhibition helps visitors understand the countless hours of accumulated expertise and the hidden dedication of conservators who work to bring artifacts back to life." The exhibition aims to reveal the meticulous processes and decision-making that go into preserving Korea's cultural heritage.

The exhibition is organized into three distinct sections, each highlighting different aspects of conservation science. Lab 1: Extending Time presents the first public display of the Glass Beads Curtain, which is believed to date from the Korean Empire period (1897-1910). This remarkable artifact features intricate geometric patterns and the Chinese character for double happiness, but had suffered from severely weakened cords and missing beads over time.

In an unusual approach, conservators are displaying the Glass Beads Curtain while treatment is still ongoing, allowing visitors to witness the conservation process in real-time. "This is an unusual case where an artifact mid-treatment is being shown to the public," explained Lee Hyun-joo, a conservator in the collection management division. "We wanted to reveal how we weigh options and make decisions during the conservation process. Typically, only fully restored artifacts are exhibited."

The first section also features the retreatment of the Jar With Floral Design, which has been preserved to improve both its structural stability and aesthetic integrity. Conservators are working to reinforce the structural threads of these artifacts to ensure their long-term preservation.

Lab 2: Illuminating Time focuses on science-based investigations that reveal the origins, materials, and manufacturing techniques of significant artifacts. One of the key pieces in this section is the Box With Inlaid Mother-of-Pearl Chrysanthemum and Scroll Design, a piece of lacquerware from the Goryeo Kingdom that was returned from Japan in 2023. Using advanced X-ray imaging and analytical methods, researchers have uncovered previously unknown details about the artifact's construction and craftsmanship.

This section also allows visitors to explore analytical results from the Royal Seals of the Joseon Dynasty, which have been studied through sophisticated microscopy and radiography techniques to identify their materials and composition. These scientific investigations provide valuable insights into the manufacturing processes and artistic techniques used during different historical periods.

Lab 3: Reviving Time showcases one of the museum's most ambitious projects: the digital restoration of the Portrait of King Taejo, who founded the Joseon Kingdom in 1392. This restoration project presents unique challenges, as only two versions of the portrait survive today. One is enshrined at Gyeonggijeon in Jeonju, North Jeolla Province, while the other is a partially burned version owned by the museum.

Conservators have undertaken the painstaking work of reconstructing the image using 1910s glass-plate photographs and comparative historical records. While the portrait was first digitally restored in 2013, the new exhibition reveals an expanded and detailed breakdown of the entire restoration process, showing visitors how modern technology can bring historical artifacts back to life.

To enhance public understanding of conservation science, the exhibition offers comprehensive educational programs designed for different audiences. The museum has organized three expert lectures that delve deeper into conservation techniques and methodologies. Additionally, twelve specialized educational sessions have been designed specifically for elementary school students in grades four through six, making conservation science accessible to younger audiences.

These educational components reflect the museum's commitment to public engagement and its goal of making conservation science more accessible to the general public. The programs are designed to inspire the next generation of conservators and cultural heritage professionals while raising awareness about the importance of preserving Korea's cultural treasures.

Looking toward the future, the National Palace Museum of Korea has announced its commitment to continuing advancement in conservation research and digital transformation. The museum aims to expand the future value of royal and imperial cultural heritage through innovative preservation techniques and cutting-edge technology. This ongoing commitment ensures that Korea's precious cultural artifacts will be preserved and accessible for future generations to study and appreciate.