Often found at theaters and museums, Kwon Mee-yoo has covered a wide range of cultural fields from K-pop and dramas to theater and fine art for over a decade. Now as K-Culture Desk editor, she tries to connect Korean culture with global readers through fresh perspectives.
PHOTOS CookieRun characters meet Korean heritage
What happens when CookieRun’s beloved characters are let loose in the heart of Korea’s royal past?
“CookieRun: In Search of Korea’s Lost Heritage” transforms Dondeokjeon Hall at Deoksu Palace into a playground where animated cookies wander through the dramatic story of the Korean Empire. Blending playful game icons with real historical artifacts, this special exhibition, co-organized by the Korea Heritage Service and game studio Devsisters, invites visitors to explore history through a mix of curiosity, imagination and nostalgia.
The show opens Dec. 9, aligning with National Heritage Day, and continues through March 1, 2026.
Visitors look at a digital image of Seoul featuring CookieRun characters on an LED screen as part of the “CookieRun: In Search of Korea’s Lost Heritage” exhibition at Dondeokjeon Hall in Deoksu Palace, central Seoul, Dec. 8. Yonhap
By Kwon Mee-yoo
"Deoksugung, The Emperor’s Vision Fulfilled" is an imagined drawing of Deoksu Palace with a two-story Junghwajeon Hall and a Baroque-style garden, aligning with the original vision of the Korean Empire's main palace, then called Gyeongun Palace. Courtesy of Korea Heritage Service and Devsisters
Cho Kil-hyeon, CEO of Devsisters, speaks at a press preview for "CookieRun: In Search of Korea’s Lost Heritage," Dec. 8. By teaming up with the Korea Heritage Service, the game developer hopes to spark wider interest in Korean history through the appeal of the CookieRun universe. Yonhap
A pyeongyeong, a traditional Korean percussion instrument, created by a national intangible cultural heritage holder bearing the image of Ginger Brave, a CookieRun character, is on display at "CookieRun: In Search of Korea’s Lost Heritage" exhibition, Dec. 8. Yonhap
A traditional fan crafted by a national intangible cultural heritage master and featuring Wind Archer Cookie is on view at "CookieRun: In Search of Korea’s Lost Heritage" exhibition, Dec. 8. Yonhap
A visitor views a painting that reimagines the 40th anniversary ceremony of King Gojong’s enthronement with CookieRun characters during the "CookieRun: In Search of Korea’s Lost Heritage" exhibition, Dec. 8. While King Gojong planned a Western-style celebration with modern diplomatic protocol in 1902, the event was canceled due to a plague and international tensions. The artwork draws inspiration from commemorative stamps, uigwe (royal protocol) and original blueprints. Yonhap
A visitor takes a photo of a reproduction of an official seal of the Korean Empire on display at the “CookieRun: In Search of Korea’s Lost Heritage” exhibition, Dec. 8. The original national seal, created in 1897 to mark the proclamation of the empire, was taken by Japanese authorities in 1911, returned in 1946, but lost again during the 1950-53 Korean War. Master jade artisan Kim Young-hee, a national intangible cultural heritage holder, crafted this replica, which Devsisters donated to Deoksu Palace. Yonhap
Reporters attend a press preview for the “CookieRun: In Search of Korea’s Lost Heritage” exhibition, Dec. 8. Visitors can access a free audio guide, narrated by CookieRun characters in both Korean and English, by scanning a QR code. Courtesy of Korea Heritage Service