Cultural Heritage Repatriation: Riot Games' Extraordinary Efforts

Cultural Heritage Repatriation: Riot Games' Extraordinary Efforts
Hello

Today, I'm here with a slightly different topic.

It's about the game company Riot Gamesand its contributions to the preservation and repatriation of Korean cultural heritage. Games and cultural artifacts may seem like an unlikely pair, but their social responsibility and efforts are truly inspiring. The case of the Gyeongbokgung Palace Seonwonjeon tablet is particularly noteworthy. Let's learn more together!

Riot Games and Cultural Heritage Repatriation

Riot Games Korea is known as a global game company, but in Korea, they've been involved in cultural heritage activities for about 13 years. Partnering with the Cultural Heritage Administration (currently the National Heritage Administration), they've donated a whopping 9.3 billion won to recover Korean cultural artifacts taken out of the country. As a result, a total of seven precious cultural heritages have returned to Korea.

One of them is the Gyeongbokgung Palace Seonwonjeon tablet.

Gyeongbokgung Palace Seonwonjeon Tablet: What's its significance?

The Gyeongbokgung Palace Seonwonjeon tablet is an important cultural asset symbolizing the roots of the Joseon Dynasty royal family. It carries the meaning of 'the origin of jade' and was used in the space where portraits of former kings were enshrined and rituals were performed. However, it was taken to Japan during the Japanese colonial period, and its whereabouts remained unknown until it was discovered in a Japanese auction market in 2023. Thanks to the efforts of the National Heritage Administration and the support of Riot Games, it finally returned to its homeland. Isn't Riot's contribution in this process truly impressive?
What other cultural assets were repatriated?

Many artifacts returned thanks to Riot Games' support, besides the Gyeongbokgung Palace Seonwonjeon tablet.

To summarize:
Shakyamuni Triad
Munjo King’s Tablet for the Appointment of Queen Shinjeong and Crown Princess
Woodblocks of the Collected Works of Mr. Cheokam
White porcelain square jar inscribed with ‘Idonggungmyeong’
Junghwagungin
Borok
Just knowing that these precious heritages have found their way back is truly heartwarming.

The Harmony of Games and Culture: Riot's Philosophy

Riot Games achieved global success with League of Legends in 2009, and its Korean subsidiary was established in 2011. For over 10 years, they've held the top spot in the domestic PC game market and actively engage in social contribution activities, going beyond simply making games. CEO Cho Hyeok-jin emphasized that "games are also part of culture," highlighting the role game companies can play in preserving Korea's history and heritage. Thanks to this philosophy, it feels like we've taken a step closer to changing negative perceptions of games and creating a society where gamers are respected.

A Change That Inspires Pride in Employees and Players Alike
Riot Korea's efforts don't stop at external activities.

Whenever news of cultural heritage repatriation comes, employees feel a great sense of pride, helping to overcome the perception of games as a subculture. Moreover, it instills pride in players, who see their enjoyment of the game connected to society. For the older generation, it delivers a persuasive message that games are new inheritors of traditional culture.

Future Plans and Expectations

Riot Korea plans to continue its cultural heritage repatriation project with an investment of nearly 10 billion won. This approach, which combines the continued growth of the game industry with social messaging, demonstrates the belief that games and national heritage are both precious assets that should be remembered and experienced. I look forward to the day when the value of games and cultural heritage is fully recognized.
What are your thoughts on Riot Games' activities? I was truly impressed by how beautifully games and culture can be connected. Please leave your comments below! See you in the next post~

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#RiotGames #CulturalHeritageRepatriation #GyeongbokgungPalaceSeonwonjeonTablet #GamesAndCulture #SocialContribution #NationalHeritage #LeagueOfLegends #KoreanCulturalHeritage #GameIndustry #CulturalHeritageAdministration