Authentic Egyptian mummies ready for display in Seoul

By Shin Hae-in
SEOUL, April 14 (Yonhap) -- Seoulites will be offered a glimpse of the gods and
civilization of ancient Egypt later this month as the National Museum of Korea
will play host to a rare exhibition of Egyptian treasures and art works, museum
officials said Tuesday.
For the first time in Korea, four real mummies will be displayed along with some
230 pieces of Egyptian art and treasure, allowing local viewers to personally
witness relics of one of the world's oldest civilizations.
Co-organized by the state-run Korean museum and the Austrian National Gallery in
Vienna, the first batch of the Egyptian treasures was flown to the South Korean
capital last week. The Austrian gallery possesses one of the largest collections
of Egyptian treasures in the world, officials explained.
"It is of great pleasure to present such a valuable exhibition in time with the
100th anniversary of the Korean museum," national museum director Choi Kwang-sik
told a press gathering Tuesday. "While former exhibitions were mostly comprised
of replicas, this will be the first showing originals from the ancient
civilization."
"This exhibition will indeed present the rich culture of Egypt to the rest of
humanity. I feel honored that Egypt has been chosen for this occasion," Egyptian
Ambassador Reda El-Taify said. "This is going to be the beginning of a rich
interaction between Korea and Egypt."
Marking the 15th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between
the two countries next year, the government of Egypt is also planning to host
events there featuring Korea, the ambassador added.
Running from April 27 through the end of August, the exhibition will be presented
in chronological order to give a better understanding of this ancient world.
Upon entering, visitors will see awe-inspiring remains that date back thousands
of years, including bodies that have been preserved for millennia, a Pharaoh's
stone image and images of the sphinx, amulets, pots, gravestones, tools,
accessories, letters and even a toilet seat.
In addition, there will be a special pavilion with holograms, a historical
three-dimensional viewing room and, to amplify the educational side of the
exhibition, a study hall.
There will also be traditional Egyptian musical performances and shows.
Visitors will get an understanding of how the ancient Egyptians loved and feared
their deities.
Tickets for the exhibition, which will be held at the national museum in Yongsan,
central Seoul, will be available for 10,000 won (about US$7.5) with special
discounts for students and disabled people. The event is sponsored by the Korean
culture ministry, the Egyptian Embassy and the Austrian Embassy in Seoul.
hayney@yna.co.kr
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