SEOUL

Chun Hyung-pil, also known by the pen name Kansong, established Korea’s first private art museum Kansong Art Museum in Seongbuk-ro in Seongbuk-gu, Seoul. Korea’s pioneering modern architect Park Gil-ryong designed the museum building, initially named Bohwagak upon its 1938 completion.

Kansong’s dramatic campaign to collect and document Korean cultural heritage, aimed at safeguarding the nation’s spirit while rekindling pride in its history and culture, has become legendary. One anecdote recounts his acquisition of the Celadon Prunus Vase with Inlaid Cloud and Crane Design (National Treasure No. 68) from Japanese collector Maeda Saiichiro for KRW 20,000, equivalent to the cost of 20 substantial houses. Another narrative describes his 1940 procurement of Hunminjeongeum (The Proper Sounds for the Instruction of the People), a seminal document introducing the Hangeul writing system, despite Japanese colonial authorities’ efforts to eradicate such cultural artifacts. Accounts also vividly depict Kansong’s preservation of critical artifacts during his Korean War flight and his post-war efforts to nurture the next generation.

Bohwagak initially focused on preserving and researching Korean cultural heritage in response to Japanese colonial suppression. Following Kansong’s unexpected death in 1962, the museum temporarily lost direction. However, upon Kansong’s eldest son Sung-woo’s 1965 return to Korea, the museum underwent gradual reorganization through collaboration between Kansong’s family and scholarly friends, including Kim Sang-gi (Dongbin), Lee Hong-jik (Namun), Choe Sunu (Hyegok), and Kim Weon-ryeong (Sambul). In 1966, Chun Sung-woo, Choe Sunu, and Kim Weon-ryeong, joined by Hwang Su-young (Chou) and Jim Hong Seop (Sumuk), established the Center for the Study of Korean Arts. Chun Sung-woo’s younger brother Young-woo assumed the institute’s directorship, with Choi Wansu (Gaheon) heading research on Choe Sunu’s recommendation. Under their leadership, the museum commenced systematic organization and study of Kansong’s collection.

Kansong Art Museum has since played a pivotal role in Korean art history research, hosting 92 Kansong Munhwa (Treasures of Kansong) exhibitions through 2018.