Korea is a land of history and tradition, and among all such entities is one little-known treasure: the Kansong Art Museum. Though usually falling behind in popularity charts, Kansong is more of a personal place which signifies Korean culture, art, and history.
Nestled in Seoul’s quaint neighborhood of Seongbuk-dong, the Kansong Art Museum offers the visitor a very rare opportunity to trace Korea’s national treasures up close and to follow the legacies of art preservation that have helped shape Korean cultural identity.
Exploring the Unique History of Kansong Art Museum
Kansong Art Museum, earlier known as Bohwagak, was founded in 1938 by Jeon Hyeong-pil, the collector and preserver with a passion for Korean artifacts.
Going by his pen name Kansong, Jeon opened the museum during the period of Japan’s colonial rule over Korea, when the country’s cultural assets were in jeopardy of being taken away. The commitment was nothing but to prevent these treasures from leaving Korea and to keep the nation’s heritage intact for future generations. His fervor further saw him amass well over 16,000 artifacts, including 11 national treasures and 24 designated treasures.
He values each item, but his most significant purchases are the Celadon Prunus Vase with Inlaid Cloud and Crane Design, National Treasure No. 68, and Hunminjeongeum Haeryebon, an original document of the Korean alphabet, called Hangeul.
For over several decades, Kansong Art Museum opened only in spring and autumn every year and thus held exactly two exhibitions per year. Due to this particularity, every exhibition at this museum had been a special event. This year, the time for an exhibition has been extended to 45 days, allowing more visitors to enjoy Kansong’s renowned collection at leisure.
What to Expect from “Bohwagak 1938” Exhibition
To celebrate its reopening after a meaningful 19-month renovation, Kansong Art Museum is initiating a special exhibition entitled “Bohwagak 1938,” running from May 1 to June 16. This innovative exhibition reveals newly recovered blueprints of the museum’s original design by Park Gil-yong, one of Korea’s first modern architects. Restored with great care, the plans give a glimpse into Bohwagak’s Bauhaus-inspired architecture with an off-white façade and asymmetrical touches that give the building its distinct character.
Complementing these architectural beauties, the exhibition also encompasses personal objects previously owned by the founder Jeon Hyeong-pil: hand-drawn designs of cabinets and ledgers with remarks on the acquisition and treatment of each artifact. These are a very rare look at the disciplined process that Jeon went through when collecting and his commitment to the preservation of culture, a legacy continuing to inspire to this day.
Specific Highlights of Kansong Collection: A Rare Cultural Legacy
The Kansong Art Museum has a collection comprising many of the most remarkable pieces ever put together to represent the depth of the cultural history of Korea. A showcase of some of the most important of these pieces includes:
- Baekimdang Pungsok Hwacheop: an album of the genre paintings of the nineteenth century done by court artist Baek Eun-bae, which vividly caught daily life during the Joseon Era.
- Among them, Landscape with Trains is the oldest drawing of an American landscape by a Korean artist-known, Kang Jin-hui-offering a cross-cultural glimpse into an American experience.
- Butterfly Brushwork by Goh Jin-seung: a series of delicate brush paintings representing the truly refined manner of Korean calligraphy and visual arts in the late Joseon.
Along with the many other treasures, these works give a deep view into the role of Kansong Art Museum as a guardian of culture, taking the visitor on a visual and historic journey through the ages in the artistic heritage of Korea.
Why Kansong Art Museum is a Must-Verbally Express
1. Exclusive Biannual Exhibitions
Traditionally, Kansong only opens twice annually for two-week exhibitions. This year, the extended 45-day exhibition period of “Bohwagak 1938” allows more time to visitors to absorb and appreciate the museum’s collection.
2. An Interesting Combination of National Treasures
Kansong’s collection includes works of art ranging from paintings of the Joseon Dynasty to ancient calligraphy, and even to exquisite pottery. The collection brings together for public view the expression of resilient creativity in Korean culture.
3. Insight into Korean Architectural History
Also significant are the designs of the structure of the exhibition itself, designed by pioneering architect Park Kil-yong, since they give insight into early Korean modernist architecture. The Bauhaus-inspired feel was unique in Korea at that time, since most works carried clean lines in which understatement attained elegance.
4. Daegu Expansion
Kansong Art Museum is opening a regional branch in Daegu this September, taking a part of its icon collection down south into Korea. Such expansion brings more opportunities for viewing Kansong treasures without actually having to travel to Seoul.
Useful Information for Visitors
- Location: Address: 281, Eulji-ro, Jung-gu Seoul, South Korea
- Operating Hours:
Tuesday–Thursday, Sunday & Public Holidays: 10:00 – 19:00
Friday–Saturday: 10:00 – 21:00
Mondays closed - Entry: Admission to “Bohwagak 1938” is free of charge, while regular exhibitions may vary, depending on their nature and subject. Reservations are highly recommended since places will fill up quickly, and they can be done online via Interpark.
- Getting There:
Located in Seongbuk-dong, an area with abundant cultural attractions featuring hanok (traditional Korean houses), the museum easily accesses public transportation via buses and subways.
Tips for Visitors
- Early Bird: Kansong exhibitions often sell out, so it is a good idea to get your tickets well in advance.
- Explore Seongbuk-dong: Seongbuk-dong is also famous for its art galleries, quaint cafes, and historical architecture. Being in the neighborhood rounds off, if one so intends, a perfect afternoon stroll to complement a day at Kansong.
- Take your time: while the scale of Kansong exhibitions may be compact, they can also display very rare items that are immensely intricate. Give yourself time to fully soak in the stories and histories behind each piece.
Conclusion: Kansong Art Museum – the Hidden Treasure of Korean Heritage
Compared to an art museum, it is far more than an art gallery; it is a very well-preserved piece of Korean history. Its limited opening times, exclusive bi-annual exhibitions, and recent renovations make it a little known treasure among Seoul’s cultural landscape.
While it now soars ahead with new branches in Daegu and other exciting developments, this museum stands as a sign of Korea’s indomitable spirit and commitment to the preservation of its heritage. A visit to the Kansong Art Museum is an intellectually invigorating experience for the art enthusiast, the lover of history, and indeed anyone with an interest in Korean culture.
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FAQs
Where is Kansong Art Museum located, and how do I get there?
Kansong Art Museum is located in Seoul at 281 Eulji-ro, Jung-gu, Seongbuk District. Publicly, the accessibility of the museum is easily reached by public transportation, and the area has been a hotbed of culture: traditional hanok, equally known for art galleries and charming cafes.
What is so special about Kansong Art Museum?
Kansong Art Museum, established in 1938, is the oldest private museum in Korea and represents more than 16,000 artifacts, including several national treasures. The founding was an act of symbolic resistance during the period of Japanese colonial rule in order to preserve Korea’s cultural asset base.
When can I visit the Kansong Art Museum?
Kansong traditionally opens every spring and autumn. Each exhibition runs for about 45 days, but special exhibitions may be different, such as “Bohwagak 1938.” For recent updates on the current exhibition, log onto or visit their official website or Interpark.
Does a trip to Kansong Art Museum require any entrance fee?
Admission: varies. While “Bohwagak 1938” is free, future exhibitions may charge a fee. For current admission fees and policies please visit the museum’s website.
What will I see at the museum?
The visitors can see various works of Joseon paintings, pottery, and calligraphy, and other national treasures. The exhibitions at Kansong often include such rare and culturally important exhibits that allow one to get close to the very heart of Korea’s artistic heritage.
Does Kansong Art Museum have parking?
In this area, there is little parking, so due to Seongbuk-dong’s popularity and setting, public transportation is highly recommended to make for a smooth visit experience.