Kim Hye-kyung visits Genghis Khan museum, hopes to deepen ties with Mongolia

Kim Hye-kyung, accompanying President Lee Jae Myung on a state visit to Mongolia, toured the Genghis Khan National Museum in Ulaanbaatar on Thursday (local time) alongside Lkhagvasuren Bolorchuluun, wife of Mongolian President Ukhnaagiin Khurelsukh.

The Genghis Khan National Museum is one of Mongolia's foremost cultural institutions, housing more than 10,000 artifacts spanning from the Xiongnu era before the Common Era through the 20th century. The museum maintains a range of cooperative ties with the National Museum of Korea, and the South Korean government provides support for exhibitions and education through its official development assistance program.

Kim said she was "very pleased to tour this meaningful place that represents Mongolia's history and culture together." Bolorchuluun responded that she hoped Thursday's schedule would "deepen the friendship between the two countries."

Guided by the museum director, the two first ladies viewed artifacts, photographs and video materials documenting Mongolian history across the ages.

While examining portraits, horse saddles and ornaments from the Mongol Empire, Kim noted that combs used by Mongolian women in the past resembled the traditional Korean fine-toothed comb, and drew comparisons between cosmetics used by Mongolian women during the Khanate period and traditional Korean rouge, pointing to cultural similarities between the two nations.

Standing before the golden statue of Genghis Khan on the ninth floor, Kim said "understanding a country's history and culture is the first step toward understanding its people." She added that she hoped "Korea and Mongolia will continue to deepen the friendship between their peoples, building on their long history of cultural exchange."

A surprise traditional fashion show prepared by the Mongolian side was also held at the venue.

Kim said seeing Mongolia's history and culture firsthand had given her a clearer sense of "why the two countries have maintained such a close, brotherly relationship over the long years." She expressed hope that Bolorchuluun would "visit Korea when the opportunity arises and tour the precious cultural heritage at the National Museum of Korea together."