“A World Unveiled by Monsoon” marks the inaugural permanent exhibition installed at Asia Culture Museum Permanent Exhibition Room 1, located within the newly organized National Asian Culture Center (ACC). The “monsoon” is a seasonal wind generated by the temperature contrast between the continental gale from the highlands of Tibet and the sea breeze from the Indian Ocean.

While the Silk Road often brings to mind land routes, this exhibition sheds light on the trades and cultural exchanges on the Maritime Silk Road of Southeast Asia, as well as the unique cultures and artworks of individuals who frequented port cities.

In particular, this exhibition will present 400 Asian artifacts from the “Nusantara Collection,” graciously acquired by the National Asia Culture Center in November 2017 from Delft Heritage of the Netherlands through an agreement.

In this exhibition, awe-inspiring paintings and sculptures, holy and supernatural-looking metalworks, tropical clothes and fabric art, rattan creations made with natural ingredients, and more await. Come and see people living in Southeast Asian port cities, their legends, beliefs, houses, clothes, and unfamiliar daily artifacts.

Envision yourselves as renowned Dutch sailors, stranded in Joseon and commissioned by the King of Joseon to explore a strange new world. Which region would you recommend the king? The setting is the Age of Discovery: the 17th century.

Let’s unfold the world map. The North, where mighty countries sit, is a dangerous place to tread. Shift your gaze to the ocean. You can see Southeast Asia, where the Indian Ocean meets the Pacific. It is the crossroad of Indian and Chinese culture and the hub of Arabian merchants. An open gateway to the world! If the choice were mine, I would set sail for the port cities of Southeast Asia. This area, dubbed the “Maritime Silk Road,” witnessed the exchange of tea, silk, gold, and silver. Now, are you ready to embark on an adventure? Join us as we explore unfamiliar territories, people, legends, religions, houses, clothes, and unfamiliar daily artifacts.