Symbol of Joseon Dynasty's royal legacy returns home after over 100 years

A piece of royal heritage has finally returned home in about a hundred years.

Our Lee Eun-hee covers its journey back and its importance.

This centuries-old piece of royal heritage has finally made its way back home.

This is believed to have been the nameplate of Seonwonjeon Hall within the grounds of Gyeongbokgung Palace, one of the four main royal palaces of the Joseon Dynasty.

Seonwon means the "origin of jade."

The hall was considered the most sacred hall within the palace, home to the portraits of past kings and royal rituals.

This month, the Korea Heritage Service successfully repatriated the nameplate from Japan.

It is unclear how the plaque ended up there, but it's believed to have been taken by the first Japanese governor-general of Korea in the early 1900s, during the Japanese colonial period.

"The plaque features gold letters on a black lacquered background, with intricately carved cloud patterns on the frame, featuring its prestigious significance and exceptional artistic quality."

The nameplate was first publicly discovered in 2023 when it appeared at a Japanese antique auction.

The Korea Heritage Service and the Overseas Cultural Heritage Foundation were quick to take action.

The return of this priceless cultural heritage was made possible through negotiations and sponsorship from gaming giant Riot Games.

"For the past 12년, Riot Games has supported the protection and return of Korean cultural heritage. As a company shaping modern culture, we believe preserving Korea's heritage holds great significance for everyone including our players and Riot Games."

The Gyeongbokgung Palace's "Seonwonjeon" nameplate will be studied and managed at the National Palace Museum of Korea in Seoul, with plans for in-depth research and future exhibitions to further honor its historical significance.

Lee Eun-hee, Arirang News.