In the end of 19th century, the Joseon Dynasty faced the tribulations domestically and externally: the collapse of the traditional society and the aggression from the imperialist powers. However the proclamation of the Korean Empire in 1897 heralded a start to strive towards independence and autonomy. Tenacious fights against the Japanese colonialists for independence had finally resulted in the liberation of the nation from the colonial rule in 1945.
The National Museum of Korea is staging a thematic exhibition titled “The Korean Empire, Dreaming of a Modern State” on the occasion of the 70th anniversary of Korean Independence, to commemorate the liberation of the country and the sacrifices and devotion of Koreans that made it possible. This exhibition provides a historic venue to reflect on the meaning of the 70th anniversary of Korean Independence.