The Gyeongju National Museum has announced visitor restrictions for an extraordinary exhibition featuring six gold crowns from the ancient Silla Kingdom, marking the first time these precious artifacts have been displayed together in one location. The exhibition, titled "Silla Gold Crowns: Power and Prestige," opened to the public on Sunday with such overwhelming interest that long lines formed outside the museum before its 10 a.m. opening time.
To manage the unprecedented crowds, museum officials have implemented a strict visitor limit of 2,550 people per day, allowing only 150 visitors per viewing session. Tickets are distributed at the museum starting at 9:20 a.m., with visitors admitted in groups every 30 minutes throughout the day. This controlled access system ensures that each guest can properly appreciate these rare treasures from Korea's ancient past.
The exhibition, organized to coincide with APEC 2025, showcases gold crowns that were discovered in royal tombs of the Silla Kingdom, which ruled from 57 BC to AD 935 in what is now Gyeongju, North Gyeongsang Province. These remarkable crowns are typically housed in different museums across Korea, making this temporary gathering a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity for visitors to see them together. The display also includes 20 additional gold artifacts, including six ornate belts that complement the crown collection.
One of the most significant pieces in the exhibition is a National Treasure gold crown that was excavated in 1973 from Cheonmachong, known as the "tomb of heavenly horse." This tomb received its distinctive name from a mural depicting a heavenly horse that was discovered inside the burial chamber. The crown gained recent international attention when South Korea's President Lee Jae Myung presented a gold replica of this very crown to US President Donald Trump on Wednesday, highlighting the global significance of these ancient artifacts.
The Silla Kingdom, which lasted approximately 700 years during Korea's Three Kingdoms period beginning in the late first century BC, is often referred to as the "Golden Kingdom." This nickname reflects the exceptional quality and quantity of gold artifacts produced during this era, which historians note surpassed the golden treasures of both Goguryeo and Baekje, the other two kingdoms of the Three Kingdoms period. The craftsmanship and artistry of Silla's goldwork continue to amaze scholars and visitors alike.
The history of discovering these treasures dates back over a century, with the first gold crown unearthed in 1921 at Geumgwanchong, a tomb located in Noseo-dong, during a construction project. Archaeological experts estimate that this particular crown was crafted in the fifth century and it has since been designated as a National Treasure. This crown is widely regarded by historians and archaeologists as the finest example of Silla's golden crown-making tradition, representing the pinnacle of ancient Korean metalworking skills.
The exhibition will continue through December 15, providing visitors with several months to experience this rare collection. Given the limited daily capacity and the historical significance of these artifacts, advance planning is recommended for those hoping to witness this unprecedented display of Korea's golden heritage.
