A view inside the "Korea Gallery Trail," an immersive collaboration between BTS and the British Museum, currently on display at the Korea Foundation Gallery. Courtesy of BigHit Music
Global K-pop juggernaut BTS is expanding its cultural footprint from stadium stages to the venerable halls of antiquity, launching an unprecedented collaboration with the British Museum.
The partnership, titled the “Korea Gallery Trail,” forms the centerpiece of the group’s broader “BTS THE CITY ARIRANG-LONDON” project, which aims to transform the British capital into an immersive space celebrating Korean heritage through the lens of modern pop music.
Running through July 23, the curated trail bridges the gap between contemporary fandom and centuries-old history. Curators and organizers have selected permanent artifacts within the museum’s Korea Gallery that mirror the thematic emotional core of BTS’s latest chart-topping fifth studio album, "ARIRANG" — specifically its overarching narratives of hope, resilience and belonging.
Visitors navigating the gallery will encounter ancient treasures intentionally paired with the group’s creative concepts. Featured artifacts include a traditional "sarangbang" or scholars' quarters, symbolizing new beginnings; a pristine Joseon Dynasty (1392-1910) moon jar representing shared humanity; and intricate Silla Dynasty gold earrings and "sumaksae," or decorative roof tiles that showcase historical craftsmanship. Notably, the selection of Silla artifacts was inspired by the ambient tolling of the Divine Bell of King Seongdeok, which is sampled in "No.29," the evocative sixth track of the new album.
