The Korea Heritage Service (Administrator Huh Min), in collaboration with Shinsegae Co., Ltd. (CEO Park Joo-hyung), will host the special exhibition "The Horse: Galloping into Eternity", highlighting horse-related national heritage, including Silla clay figurines (Towu) and Gaya horse armor, from January 9 to 25 at 'The Heritage', Shinsegae Department Store Main Branch (Jung-gu, Seoul) to mark the Year of the Horse.

In celebration of the 2026 Year of the Horse, this exhibition features replicas of horse-related artifacts excavated from sites such as the Jjoksaem Tomb in Gyeongju by the National Research Institute of Cultural Heritage (Director General Lim Jong-deock), affiliated with the Korea Heritage Service. Photographs of Jeju Horses, a designated Natural Monument, are also presented to shed light on the diverse facets of these animals. In addition, 'The Heritage' at Shinsegae, the venue of the exhibition, is housed in the newly renovated and reopened former Korea First Bank Headquarters, a Tangible Cultural Heritage site designated by the Seoul Metropolitan Government, further enhancing the significance of the exhibition.

Divided into five sections, this exhibition traces the journey of the horse humanity’s companion since prehistoric times—through a diverse array of excavated replicas, traditional crafts, modern artworks, and digital imagery. It aims to visually interpret the time and energy of the horse, connecting the past and present with the future.

The exhibition opens with an AI-generated video symbolizing the year 2026, the Year of the Red Horse. It is organized into five distinct sections:

• Part 1: Features replicas of Silla horse-shaped clay figurines (Towu) and pottery engraved with cavalry processions, showcasing the cute and friendly imagery of horses in ancient times.

• Part 2: Spotlights the role of horses at the front lines of war through replicas of Gaya horse armor and horse regalia.

• Part 3: Explores the aesthetics of horse regalia, featuring a replica of a saddle flap (Maldarae) decorated with jewel beetle wings—a designated Natural Monument— excavated from Gyeongju Jjoksaem Tomb No. 44. This section also showcases Gat, traditional Korean hats created by a master of the National Intangible Cultural Heritage 'Gat-il' (Hat Making).

• Part 4: Presents the artwork "Beside" by sculptor Jake Lee. The piece, depicting a mare and her foal standing side-by-side, symbolizes care, connection.

• Part 5: Allow visitors to view a photography exhibition of Jeju Horses (Natural Monument), captured by the Natural Heritage Photo Crew in a collaboration between the Korea Heritage Service and National Geographic Apparel.

*Towu (土偶, Clay Figurines): Earthenware objects or figurines crafted in the shapes of people, animals, or various objects

The exhibition is open to all visitors free of charge during the following hours. *Visiting Hours: (Monday–Thursday) 10:30 a.m.–8:00 p.m.; (Friday–Sunday) 10:30 a.m.–8:30 p.m.

This exhibition serves as an opportunity to understand, through excavated artifacts, that horses have been much more than a mere means of transportation throughout our long history. They have stood as companions on the battlefield and as symbols of dignity and power through acts of adorning and embellishing horses. Furthermore, the exhibition is expected to confirm that the strength and energy of the horse are not confined to the past. Instead, they continue to live on alongside us today as "National Heritage"—encompassing cultural heritage, intangible heritage, and natural heritage.

The Korea Heritage Service plans to continuously expand opportunities to communicate and share the value of excavated artifacts with the public.