Anti-Counterfeiting Currency Technology Applied... Collaboration with KOMSCO, Museum Launches "Tiger Island Intaglio Print"

First-Ever Release of Metal Intaglio Print
Pre-Orders Begin on October 30
Sequential Delivery Starts from December 19

The National Museum Cultural Foundation announced on October 30 that it will launch the "Tiger Island Woodblock Print," developed in collaboration with Korea Minting, Security Printing & ID Card Operating Corporation (KOMSCO).

Tiger Island Woodblock Print. Provided by National Museum Cultural Foundation

This piece marks the second collaborative series between the two institutions, following last August's "Inwangjesaekdo Woodblock Print." The work reinterprets the National Museum of Korea’s "Tiger Island" artifact using modern intaglio printing techniques. With growing interest in tigers recently, spurred by the Netflix animation "K-Pop Demon Hunters," this project seeks to harmonize traditional tiger paintings with advanced currency manufacturing technology, blending traditional aesthetics with modern innovation.

The Tiger Island Woodblock Print will be released in three sizes: large (543×781mm), medium (383×547mm), and small (236×306mm), with limited editions of 300, 500, and 2,000 prints respectively. Each print features microtext-"TIGER," "KOREA," and "KOMSCO"-that is difficult to detect with the naked eye, providing protection against forgery and counterfeiting. The large and medium editions are further enhanced with the hand-signed autograph and serial number of the currency engraver, increasing their collectible value. The small edition includes hidden currency motifs, a map of the Korean Peninsula, and the Denny Taegukgi, making the search for these details an added delight for collectors.

This collaboration also marks the first-ever release of a metal intaglio print. By applying intaglio printing techniques to a metal plate, the print achieves a deep texture and dynamic reflective effects, with a distinctive three-dimensional feel created by the contrast of intaglio and relief engraving. The metal intaglio print will be available for purchase at any time, without a limited edition.

Intaglio printing is a sophisticated technique that composes images using only dots and lines, creating a tactile, raised texture. In Korea, only KOMSCO possesses the precision technology required to produce such works.

Jung Yongseok, President of the National Museum Cultural Foundation, stated, "Following last year’s 'Inwangjesaekdo,' we are pleased to present 'Tiger Island' as a woodblock print. It is especially meaningful to offer an opportunity to experience our cultural heritage anew through currency printing technology." He added, "We will continue to promote the value of the National Museum’s cultural assets through a variety of collaborations in the future."

The Tiger Island Woodblock Print is available for pre-order at the online museum shop, the KOMSCO online mall, and the Poongsan Hwadong online mall, with delivery scheduled to begin sequentially from December 19.

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.