Interior ministry opens presidential gifts exhibition

The interior ministry said Monday that the Presidential Archives will open a special exhibition of 56 gifts received by South Korean presidents, running from Nov. 3 through Sept. 26, 2027, in the planning gallery on the building's first floor.

The show, titled "Presidential Diplomacy, Embracing the World," covers Southeast Asia, South Asia and Oceania. It is the third in a series that pairs state gifts with the culture, art and history of the countries that gave them, following an Africa and Central Asia edition and a Europe edition. This year's edition broadens the series' scope to the three regions, closing out the continental run.

The first section, "Promises of Presidential Diplomacy," centres on a 2.5-meter tower holding 19 gifts, alongside commemorative plaques, paintings and presidential speeches that trace how relations between countries begin and develop. It includes "Pokarekare Ana," a traditional New Zealand song also sung by soldiers during the Korean War. The second section turns to leaders who spoke through culture and art, with traditional instruments, paintings and sculptures showing how cultural exchange has eased tension and supported peace.

Explanatory text about the gifts is printed on floors and walls as well as on display cases. A third section conveys the hospitality, courtesy and conviction embodied in the gifts, and a separate archive room presents a collage of photographs from presidential overseas trips alongside light boxes.

Deputy Interior Minister Kim Min-jae toured the gallery on Monday, the day before the opening, to inspect preparations. "Please do your utmost to run the facilities carefully so that visitors can view the exhibition safely and comfortably," he told staff. "I hope this exhibition becomes a valuable opportunity for more people to rediscover the value of presidential records and to understand more deeply what summit diplomacy means through presidential gifts," Kim said.