Being in South Korea in April, I did a round‑trip holiday with the Explore company. One of the places I went to was the Gyeongju National Museum and saw a fair few items that are currently on loan to the Guimet Museum in Paris, which were unavailable to see at the time in Korea.
So, me being me, I booked the Eurostar across to go see the exhibit, and those artifacts are impressive. Because I’d only just been in South Korea, I felt I’d already learned enough, so there was a lot of overlapping information. But for locals in Paris, or anyone in France who has never been to South Korea, this is an easier option. And a nice option.
I have the advantage of understanding written French fairly well, far better than I can converse in it. There is a fair amount of accompanying English for people to read, and there are French and English leaflets available to help visitors understand the exhibit better.
For the centre of Paris, I am surprised by the lack of people in the museum during a July where one can escape from the heat for a few hours. I guess all the tourists are off visiting the tiny Mona Lisa, which has never impressed me. I find there are far more interesting things in the Louvre, but that’s another story and my opinion.
In the exhibit you’re given the story of the Silla, its kingdom and domination, then shown their amazing wealth of items, which are impressive. So, if you’re up for it and have a chance, go see it before the exhibit ends on the final day of August.
Guimet Musée National des Arts Asiatques
6, place d’léna 75116 Paris
guimet.fr
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