Journey into Tomorrow: Commemorating 140 years of Korean-German diplomatic relations

Johann Bolljahn, left, teaches at Hansung State German Language School in this April 6, 1903 photo. Courtesy of Embassy of Germany in Seoul

The German Embassy in Seoul is scheduled to hold a special exhibition, titled "Journey into Tomorrow," in collaboration with the Deoksugung Palace Management Office of the Royal Palaces and Tombs Center under the Cultural Heritage Administration.

This exhibition is set to run from Dec. 9 to 17 at Deoksu Palace's historic Dondeokjeon Hall, marking the 140th anniversary of diplomatic ties between Korea and Germany.

The exhibition, inaugurated by German Ambassador to Korea Georg Wilfried Schmidt and the palace management office Director Kwoen Jeom-su, strategically utilizes the symbolic Dondeokjeon Hall, once a hub for diplomatic activities during the Korean Empire. Following its restoration, the hall was opened to the public in September.

Divided into three sections — Past, Present and Future — the exhibition unfolds the rich tapestry of Korean-German relations.

The first section delves into the 140-year history, from the signing of the Treaty of Friendship and Commerce in 1883 to the present day. Through captivating photographs and videos, visitors are invited to explore pivotal moments such as the 1899 state visit of Emperor Gojong, the dispatch of Korean miners and nurses to Germany in the 1960s and glimpses of the first German-language educational institution in Korea, the Hansung State German Language School, established in 1903.

The residence of Paul Georg von Mollendorff, a diplomatic adviser to King Gojong, and his wife Rosalie von Mollendorff in Seoul in 1884 / Courtesy of Embassy of Germany in Seoul

The second section, dedicated to the present, begins with a commemorative video for the 140th anniversary. It reflects on the various events that unfolded throughout the year, celebrating the enduring diplomatic relations between the two nations. The third and final section embraces an interactive approach, envisioning an advanced future through digital installations focusing on climate change, societal transformations, emerging technologies and other shared challenges.

The opening day on Dec. 9 promises additional excitement, with a special program scheduled in the Archive Room on the second floor of Dondeokjeon Hall. Visitors can engage in a unique dialogue session with German Ambassador Schmidt, gaining insights into the bilateral diplomatic ties. Additionally, participants will have the opportunity to immerse themselves in a German language workshop.

The German Embassy in Seoul expresses its aspiration that this special exhibition will serve as a meaningful platform for visitors to reflect on the profound 140-year-old friendship between Korea and Germany, as well as to envision the shared future they will shape together.