Can't-Miss Korean Art at the National Museum of Asian Art

Imagine how rich you'd be -- and how much art you could buy -- if you owned Samsung. Now, come see it in person at this extraordinary, exquisite exhibition of Korean art that hardly ever leaves South Korea. Discover Korea's Mark Rothko, Kim Whanki, or fall in love with the cool green shades of serene Korean ceramics, or smile at the slightly imperfect perfection of a Korean moon jar. Or, just come to see Molly in full nerd mode -- she ADORES Korean art! It'll be a good time.

MEET AT: Outside the front main entrance (the one facing the National Mall) to the museum. Look for Molly with the rainbow LAL sign.
COST: FREE!
NEAREST METRO: Smithsonian (orange/blue/silver lines)

Collecting is a timeless passion—an enduring way to preserve memories, express one’s taste, and safeguard traditions for generations to come. Korean Treasures: Collected, Cherished, Shared honors this practice by presenting a remarkable selection of masterpieces generously donated to the Korean nation by the family of Lee Kun-Hee, the late chairman of Samsung Group. Spanning ancient times to the present, the works featured in this exhibition embody the depth and diversity of Korea’s artistic legacy. Once held in private, these treasures now belong to the public, reflecting the Lee family’s profound commitment to preserving Korea’s cultural heritage and making it accessible to all. The objects on view were originally created for a range of settings, including royal palaces, Buddhist temples, Confucian academies, scholars’ studios, and modern art spaces. Together, the works trace the evolution of Korean innovation, revealing shifts in style, power, belief, and technology over time. In Korean Treasures, the voices of those who made, used, and collected paintings and objects are displayed through letters, inscriptions, and dedications—offering glimpses into their lives and insights into the meanings these objects held before and now.