First Lady Kim Hye-kyung Tours Genghis Khan Museum with Mongolian First Lady, Extends Invitation to National Museum of Korea

▲ First Lady Kim Hye-kyung, who is on a state visit to Mongolia with President Lee Jae-myung, walks and converses with Luvsandorj Bolortsetseg, spouse of President Ukhnaa Khurelsukh, at the Genghis Khan Museum in Ulaanbaatar on July 9 (local time).

First Lady Kim Hye-kyung, currently on a state visit to Mongolia with President Lee Jae-myung, toured the Genghis Khan Museum with Luvsandorj Bolortsetseg, the spouse of Mongolian President Ukhnaa Khurelsukh, on the afternoon of July 9 (local time).

First Lady Kim remarked, "I am very pleased to tour this meaningful place that represents the history and culture of Mongolia together," to which First Lady Bolortsetseg responded, "I hope today's schedule will be a time that further deepens the friendship between our two countries."

While examining artifacts such as portraits, horse saddles, and ornaments from the Mongol Empire, First Lady Kim noted similarities between the two cultures, such as the resemblance between combs used by Mongolian women in the past and the traditional Korean fine-toothed comb, as well as comparing cosmetics used by Mongolian women during the Khanate era to the traditional Korean makeup style known as yeonji-gonji.

Guided by the museum director, the two First Ladies viewed various artifacts, photographs, and videos depicting Mongolia's history and eras. When the director mentioned that they are working toward registering heritage related to the Xiongnu period as World Heritage sites and plan to attend the 48th session of the UNESCO World Heritage Committee in Busan starting on July 19, First Lady Kim expressed her delight, asking, "Are you coming to Busan?"

Notably, the Xiongnu-era artifacts were excavated through the Korea-Mongolia Joint Archaeological Research Project.

The museum director explained that the jointly excavated artifacts are sent to Korea for conservation treatment, and First Lady Bolortsetseg stated that given the significant scale of the ongoing joint excavation project, she looks forward to meaningful achievements in the future.

In response, First Lady Kim said, "It is very impressive that the historical achievements uncovered by researchers from both countries are on display here," adding, "I hope that the cooperation between our two nations for the preservation of cultural heritage will continue to serve as a solid bridge that brings our people even closer together."

First Lady Kim also extended an invitation, saying, "After seeing Mongolia's history and culture firsthand, I better understand why our two countries have maintained such a close, brotherly relationship for so long," and added, "If the opportunity arises, I hope you will visit Korea and tour the precious cultural heritage at the National Museum of Korea together."

The Genghis Khan Museum is a representative cultural space symbolizing Mongolia's history and identity, housing over 10,000 artifacts ranging from the Xiongnu period to the 20th century.

Ahn Gwi-ryeong, Deputy Spokesperson for the Office of the President, explained in a written briefing, "(The Genghis Khan Museum) not only engages in various forms of cooperation with the National Museum of Korea but also receives support from the Korean government for exhibitions and education through Official Development Assistance (ODA)."

(Photo: Joint Press Corps, Yonhap News)

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