Kim Geon-ho, the honorary curator of Sahmyook University Museum, has made a remarkable contribution by donating four national treasures to the institution.

The donated items include:
– A 19th-century blue-and-white porcelain bottle
– Two 12th-century black-and-white inlaid celadon cups and saucers featuring a chrysanthemum design
– An 18th-century blue-and-white porcelain bottle adorned with a dragon motif

These treasures have an estimated total value of around 40 million won.

Honorary Curator Kim has been instrumental in laying the groundwork for the university museum through his extensive collection of artifacts. With a career in the timber industry, Kim’s interest in ancient relics sparked in his early twenties, leading him to begin his art collection in 1978, which has spanned an impressive 45 years. In 1994, he founded the Jinju Dabo Fortress, an exhibition space for antique art, and served as a director of the Korean Antique Association the following year.

In 1999, he made a significant impact by donating over 2,500 artifacts from both China and Korea, including items from the Han Dynasty and the Spring and Autumn Period, to Sahmyook University. This generous donation helped establish the Sahmyook University Museum, which opened in July 2000. Today, visitors can explore the “Dasong Donation Exhibition Room” on the second floor, showcasing the artifacts gifted by Kim.

Kim has continued to enhance the museum’s collection by donating over 3,000 additional national treasures, including bronze artifacts and woodworking tools. His efforts in 2008, when he acquired and donated biblical artifacts like the Dead Sea Scrolls, were pivotal in positioning the museum as a center for Christian history. Since 2010, he has dedicated himself to the museum’s growth as its honorary curator.

Reflecting on his journey, Kim shared, “I have seen this as my life’s mission. It’s a privilege to share the historical and cultural significance of these artifacts with others. I hope future generations can learn and delve into our rich heritage through them.”

President Jae Haejong remarked, “These valuable donations will be on permanent display in the Dasong Donation Exhibition Room, providing essential educational resources for understanding Korean culture and history. We are committed to honoring Mr. Dasong’s legacy and will continue to strive for the museum’s development. It’s our goal to ensure these national treasures inspire and educate many for years to come.”