The Nobel Prize Museum in Stockholm has officially launched its first Korean-language audio guide service, marking a significant milestone in cultural accessibility for Korean visitors. The new service, developed in collaboration with the Korean Cultural Center Sweden, was officially unveiled on September 17 during a special opening ceremony at the museum.
The launch ceremony featured distinguished speakers including Nobel Prize Museum Director Anna Rastner and Korean Ambassador to Sweden Hyung Jong Lee, who emphasized the importance of this cultural bridge between Korea and Sweden. Both officials highlighted how this initiative represents a deeper commitment to making Nobel Prize history accessible to Korean-speaking audiences worldwide.
What makes this audio guide particularly special is the inclusion of a personal welcome message from Han Kang, the 2024 Nobel Prize in Literature laureate, which appears at the conclusion of the first track in both the adult and children's versions. This personal touch adds significant value to the visitor experience, connecting contemporary Korean literary achievement with the broader Nobel Prize legacy.
The Korean audio guide service is available in two distinct versions designed to cater to different age groups and interests. The adult version provides comprehensive information about the museum's exhibits and Nobel Prize history, while the children's version has been specially crafted to engage younger audiences with age-appropriate content and storytelling approaches.
Particularly noteworthy is that the Korean children's audio guide represents a groundbreaking addition to the museum's services. It stands as the only children's audio guide offered in a foreign language other than Swedish and English, demonstrating the museum's commitment to reaching Korean families and young visitors specifically.
The development of this Korean-language service was made possible through extensive collaboration between Nobel Prize Museum staff and significant support from the Korean government. This partnership reflects the growing cultural ties between Sweden and Korea, particularly in the areas of education and cultural exchange.
Visitors using the Korean audio guide can explore exhibits featuring personal items donated by notable Korean Nobel Prize winners. The museum proudly displays artifacts from former President Kim Dae-jung, who received the 2000 Nobel Peace Prize for his efforts in promoting democracy and human rights, as well as items from author Han Kang, the recent 2024 Nobel Prize in Literature recipient.
Beyond the Korean laureates' contributions, the audio guide provides Korean-speaking visitors with comprehensive access to the personal journeys and remarkable achievements of Nobel Prize winners from around the world. This global perspective helps visitors understand the universal nature of the Nobel Prize's recognition of human achievement across various fields.
Museum officials express hope that this new service will particularly inspire young Korean visitors by exposing them to the spirit of challenge and innovation embodied by Nobel laureates throughout history. The unique stories and personal artifacts displayed throughout the museum are expected to motivate the next generation of Korean scholars, writers, scientists, and peace advocates.
