Orchids of Korea: a new temporary exhibition in the National Museum of Natural History, Sofia

On 30.10.2025, at 18:00, in the fourth floor foyer of the National Museum of Natural History, Sofia was presented a temporary exhibition “Orchids of Korea”. The exhibition presents 34 botanical illustrations by 17 artists from the Korea Botanical Arts Cooperative in the Republic of Korea (http://kbacoop.com).

The exhibition was officially opened by Prof. Pavel Stoev, the Director of the Museum, Ms Hristina Grozdanova, Curator at Regional History Museum of Sofia, and the author of the idea, Dr Assen Ignatov.

Congratulation to the organisers was offered by Assoc. Prof. Ina Aneva, scientific secretary of the “Biodiversity, Bioresources and Ecology” at the Bulgarian Academy of Sciences.

Official guests of the event were representatives of the Embassy of the Republic of Korea in Sofia — Ms. Yun Mikyong, Counselor, and Ms. Sofia Elefteriu, specialist from the “Culture” section.

Orchidaceae, commonly known as the Orchid family, represents one of the largest and most diverse families of flowering plants. With approximately 25 000 known species, expanding to over 50 000 with the cultivated varieties, orchids are found on every continent except Antarctica, predominantly thriving in tropical and subtropical regions.

Despite their remarkable diversity, orchids face unprecedented threats from habitat destruction and illegal harvesting. Uncontrolled development and indiscriminate collection have severely impacted native populations. In South Korea, the Ministry of Environment has put 24 orchid species under protection as endangered.

The exhibition “Orchids of Korea” will inspire orchid enthusiasts and nature lovers alike, introducing the audience to the specialised art form of botanical illustration.