Hwaseong: The National Palace Museum of Korea is set to expand its reach by establishing its first branch in Hwaseong, Gyeonggi Province, with a projected completion date of 2030. This initiative aims to exhibit royal heritage from the Joseon Dynasty and the Korean Empire, as announced by officials on Thursday.

According to Yonhap News Agency, the museum plans to formalize this development by signing a memorandum of understanding with the Hwaseong city government and the Korea Land and Housing Corporation (LH) at Hwaseong City Hall. This agreement marks a significant step forward in the project.

The branch is set to occupy approximately 25,000 square meters in a residential development area near Yungneung and Geolleung, the royal tombs of King Jeongjo and his father, Crown Prince Sado. The area also features Yongju Temple, constructed in memory of the late prince. Hwaseong was selected after a thorough review of several potential sites around the UNESCO-listed royal tombs, due to its historical connection to the royal family and its promising development prospects.

Museum officials have highlighted the strategic location's potential to offer an immersive experience of Korea's royal legacy. It will be the first national museum in southern Gyeonggi Province, featuring an "open storage" facility that allows visitors to observe artifacts under preservation, thereby providing closer access to royal relics.

The branch is scheduled for completion in 2030, with public access anticipated between 2031 and 2032 after the installation and preparation of its collections. The main National Palace Museum, located in Gyeongbok Palace, Seoul, has been operational since 2005. It currently houses significant treasures like the Water Clock of Changgyeong Palace, royal portraits, and seals, but faces storage challenges, operating at over 160 percent of its capacity. Presently, only about 3 percent of its artifacts are available for public viewing, as noted by officials.