Korea's First Private Museum, Preserving the Nation's Treasures

At a Glance

Kansong Museum in Seoul's Seongbuk-dong is Korea's first private art museum, opened 1938. Founder Jeon Hyeong-pil (1906–1962) used his fortune to repurchase Korean treasures from Japanese collectors during the colonial period. ~5,000 works, including multiple national treasures.

One Man's Mission

In 1937–40, Jeon bought Kim Hong-do's Tiger Under a Pine Tree, the Goryeo celadon plum vase (National Treasure 68), and — most famously — the Hunminjeongeum Haerye (National Treasure 70, UNESCO Memory of the World) that explains the invention of Hangul.

Highlights

• Hunminjeongeum Haerye.
• Goryeo inlaid celadon maebyeong.
• Shin Yun-bok's Portrait of a Beauty.
• Jeong Seon and Kim Jeong-hui paintings.
• Historic Bohwagak building.

Visiting Tips

Only open during brief spring and autumn exhibitions (~2 weeks each). Free. 1–1.5 hours. Check dates on the official site. Pair with Manhae's Simujang nearby.