InterviewVeteran designer engraves Korea’s legacy, APEC spirit onto commemorative coins

Kim Jae-min, design project manager at the Korea Minting, Security Printing & ID Card Operating Corp. (KOMSCO), poses in front of a screen displaying the official emblem of the 2025 Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) Economic Leaders' Meeting, which is featured on the reverse side of a commemorative coin series, at his office in Daejeon in late August. Courtesy of KOMSCO

The commemorative coins for the 2025 Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) Economic Leaders’ Meeting are the latest additions to a decades-long portfolio of finely crafted work by Kim Jae-min, a veteran designer at the Korea Minting, Security Printing & ID Card Operating Corp. (KOMSCO).

Made of silver, the two-coin series features distinct cultural elements from Gyeongju — the host city of the APEC summit in North Gyeongsang Province — on their obverse sides.

Coin I showcases the ornate lattice door pattern from Gwaneumjeon Hall at Bulguk Temple, symbolizing connection and prosperity.

Coin II highlights Cheomseongdae, East Asia’s oldest astronomical observatory, representing Korea’s spirit of scientific innovation.

The reverse side of both coins displays the official emblem of the 2025 APEC summit.

Together, the designs embody the theme of the APEC Economic Leaders’ Meeting — “Building a Sustainable Tomorrow: Connect, Innovate, and Prosper.”

From left, the ornate lattice door pattern from Gwaneumjeon Hall at Bulguk Temple and Cheomseongdae observatory — two heritage symbols of Gyeongju, host city of APEC 2025 — are featured on the front of the commemorative coins, with the official 2025 APEC summit emblem displayed on the reverse side. Courtesy of KOMSCO

These works reflect over 20 years of Kim’s dedication at KOMSCO, where he has honed his ability to convey a thoughtfully curated national identity through a blend of artistic vision and technical mastery in engraving.

“To encapsulate historical events and eras within a small, 35-millimeter space requires precise design and metalworking skills,” said Kim, who serves as the design project manager at KOMSCO, in a recent interview with The Korea Times ahead of the summit.

Kim attributes his expertise to a broad range of public design initiatives, through which he has learned how to “visually embody the nation’s identity and trust while pursuing both artistic excellence and technical perfection in public security design.”

His previous work includes commemorative items for the 2010 G20 Seoul summit, 2014 Incheon Asian Games, 2018 PyeongChang Winter Olympics and 2019 centennial of both the March 1st Independence Movement and the founding of the Provisional Government of the Republic of Korea.

Kim said the 2025 APEC summit holds special significance not only because Korea is hosting the regional meeting for the first time since 2005 in Busan, but also because the event coincides with Korea’s rising global visibility through K-culture, marking a moment of harmony between the country’s traditions and modernity.

“Engraving the cultural significance and national moments of our era on metal indeed holds special historical importance,” he said.

With Gyeongju often referred to as a “museum without a roof,” Kim said he carefully selected symbols that would resonate with the city’s rich Silla heritage.

“Our team focused on visually harmonizing the regional character of Gyeongju’s cultural heritage with the idea of a mutual economic network shared among APEC member economies,” he explained. “In particular, we wanted to showcase Korea’s cultural beauty and historical depth alongside scientific advancement and a forward-looking vision.”

Still, Kim said the two-coin limitation posed a challenge.

“It was regrettable that we couldn’t include more of Gyeongju’s rich heritage,” he said.

Asked about his future goals, Kim reflected on the deeper meaning of his craft.

“To engrave our memories and what we value onto metal is, I believe, among the highest callings of a designer,” he said.