Busan showcases Gaya pottery exhibition and UNESCO heritage festival

The Busan Bokcheon Museum is hosting a special exhibition titled “Memories of Tombs, Shaping Today,” which runs from May 22 to August 17. A free public lecture on July 30 will feature two sessions: “The Essence of Gaya Culture, Gaya Pottery” presented by researcher Jo Sung‑won of the National Research Institute of Cultural Heritage in Gyeongju, and “The Transformation of Ceramics: From Tradition to Modernity” by Professor Kim Hyun‑sook of Busan University. The program highlights artifacts ranging from ancient Gaya earthenware to contemporary Korean ceramics, with museum director Seong‑hyun Joo noting that “the exhibition connects prehistoric pottery to modern art, offering citizens a deeper understanding of our cultural heritage.”

In parallel, the UNESCO World Heritage Committee’s meeting in Busan includes a ten‑day “K‑Heritage House” at BEXCO (July 20‑29). The venue offers 38 traditional performances such as Cheoyongmu, Buk‑cheong‑sa‑ja‑nol‑eum, and Dongnae‑hak‑chum, alongside exhibitions by government agencies and cultural foundations. A limited‑edition Baekje soju (33 ml) and over 140 heritage‑themed products are sold at a pop‑up store. The event aims to promote Korea’s 17 UNESCO world‑heritage sites and engage the public with interactive cultural experiences.