Kansong Art Museum, the oldest private museum in South Korea, has opened a new branch in Daegu, offering the public an unprecedented opportunity to view some of the country’s most prized national treasures. The museum's inaugural exhibition, titled “Treasures of the Kansong Art Museum Daegu,” began on September 3, marking a significant moment in the cultural history of Korea as it brings together an extensive collection of national treasures outside of Seoul for the first time.
The Kansong Art Museum was originally founded in 1938 by Jeon Hyung-pil, a prominent merchant better known by his penname Kansong. During the Japanese colonial period (1910-1945), Jeon dedicated himself to preserving Korean cultural artifacts, safeguarding them from being exported to Japan. His efforts culminated in the establishment of the Kansong Art Museum in Seoul, which became a fortress of Korean heritage.
The new Daegu branch is the result of nearly a decade of planning and construction, following an agreement signed in 2016 between the private museum and the Daegu city government. With a budget of 44.6 billion won (approximately $33.5 million), the 8,000-square-meter museum is located next to the Daegu Art Museum, creating a new cultural hub in the city.
Courtesy of the Museum
The inaugural exhibition in Daegu features around 40 treasures and national treasures, displayed across six galleries. One of the highlights of the exhibition is the “Hunminjeongeum Haerye (The Proper Sounds for the Instruction of the People),” designated as National Treasure No. 70. This 33-page book from the Joseon Dynasty (1392-1910) is a critical historical document that outlines the creation and usage of Hangeul, the Korean writing system.
Jeon In-geon, the current director of Kansong Art Museum, expressed his satisfaction with the new facility. "It took nearly 10 years to open the museum in Daegu, and I am glad we can offer an opportunity to people outside Seoul to enjoy our collection of national treasures," he told The Korea Herald. He also noted that the new Daegu location includes advanced storage and restoration spaces, allowing for better preservation of these priceless artifacts.
The original Kansong Art Museum in Seoul recently reopened in May after undergoing a decade-long renovation. The museum had remained largely closed during this period due to the challenges of maintaining the aging facility, only resuming regular exhibitions with the show “Bohwagak 1938,” which celebrated the history of the museum.
With the opening of the Daegu branch, Kansong Art Museum not only expands its reach beyond the capital but also strengthens its mission to protect and showcase Korea’s rich cultural heritage.
Sayart / Maria Kim, sayart2022@gmail.com
Courtesy of the Museum
Kansong Art Museum, the oldest private museum in South Korea, has opened a new branch in Daegu, offering the public an unprecedented opportunity to view some of the country’s most prized national treasures. The museum's inaugural exhibition, titled “Treasures of the Kansong Art Museum Daegu,” began on September 3, marking a significant moment in the cultural history of Korea as it brings together an extensive collection of national treasures outside of Seoul for the first time.
The Kansong Art Museum was originally founded in 1938 by Jeon Hyung-pil, a prominent merchant better known by his penname Kansong. During the Japanese colonial period (1910-1945), Jeon dedicated himself to preserving Korean cultural artifacts, safeguarding them from being exported to Japan. His efforts culminated in the establishment of the Kansong Art Museum in Seoul, which became a fortress of Korean heritage.
The new Daegu branch is the result of nearly a decade of planning and construction, following an agreement signed in 2016 between the private museum and the Daegu city government. With a budget of 44.6 billion won (approximately $33.5 million), the 8,000-square-meter museum is located next to the Daegu Art Museum, creating a new cultural hub in the city.
Courtesy of the Museum
The inaugural exhibition in Daegu features around 40 treasures and national treasures, displayed across six galleries. One of the highlights of the exhibition is the “Hunminjeongeum Haerye (The Proper Sounds for the Instruction of the People),” designated as National Treasure No. 70. This 33-page book from the Joseon Dynasty (1392-1910) is a critical historical document that outlines the creation and usage of Hangeul, the Korean writing system.
Jeon In-geon, the current director of Kansong Art Museum, expressed his satisfaction with the new facility. "It took nearly 10 years to open the museum in Daegu, and I am glad we can offer an opportunity to people outside Seoul to enjoy our collection of national treasures," he told The Korea Herald. He also noted that the new Daegu location includes advanced storage and restoration spaces, allowing for better preservation of these priceless artifacts.
The original Kansong Art Museum in Seoul recently reopened in May after undergoing a decade-long renovation. The museum had remained largely closed during this period due to the challenges of maintaining the aging facility, only resuming regular exhibitions with the show “Bohwagak 1938,” which celebrated the history of the museum.
With the opening of the Daegu branch, Kansong Art Museum not only expands its reach beyond the capital but also strengthens its mission to protect and showcase Korea’s rich cultural heritage.
