Nestled just beyond the bustling city center near Daegu Samsung Lions Park and Daegu Grand Park Station, a cluster of village-like museums, including the Daegu Art Museum and the newly opened “Kansong Art Museum Daegu,” sits at the foot of a mountain. The discovery of such a spacious museum harmonizing with the verdant landscape is unexpected, and even more so, the sight of a fully packed parking lot amidst the tranquil surroundings.
On the afternoon of Sept 13, a weekday, Kansong Art Museum Daegu’s parking lot was completely full. The overwhelming popularity of the opening exhibition was evident, with weekend and prime weekday tickets sold out. I managed to secure a ticket only for the final weekday time slot, yet the demand far exceeded expectations. The diverse range of visitors—couples, elderly pairs, families, and even international guests—underscored the museum’s broad appeal.
The first regional branch of the Kansong Art Museum, a testament to the dedication of Korean educator and cultural heritage collector Chun Hyung-pil to safeguarding national heritage during Korea’s most challenging times, opened in Daegu on Sept 3. Widely known by his pen name Kansong, Chun tirelessly worked to preserve invaluable cultural treasures, embodying a profound commitment to protecting the nation’s spirit.
A truly Korean art museum harmoniously integrated with nature
True to its architectural vision as “the most Korean-styled art museum” and “a museum that seamlessly blends with nature,” the Kansong Art Museum in Daegu captivates visitors with its harmonious integration into the surrounding landscape. Visitors are often drawn to the entrance, where they pause to photograph the distinctive wooden pillars and scattered pine trees that embody Kansong’s noble principles. Families and couples wander the grounds, soaking in the serene surroundings, while children play in the wide-open areas. This museum is one of the few in South Korea where you can enjoy both exceptional exhibitions and the beauty of nature.
Treasures of the Kansong Art Museum Daegu
The Kansong Art Museum Daegu has not only designed a captivating landscape but also curated an exceptional inaugural exhibition. This special showcase presents forty items (comprising 97 pieces) of invaluable artworks and cultural treasures, including Korea’s National Treasures and Treasures, all meticulously collected by Kansong with unwavering passion and significant financial commitment.
The exhibition, titled “Yeosedongbo,” meaning “may precious cultural heritage be shared and cherished by all generations to come,” takes its name from a phrase engraved on the cornerstone of Bohwagak, Korea’s first private art museum, founded by Kansong in 1938 (later reorganized into the Kansong Art Museum in 1966). The title is inspired by words from Oh Se-chang, a Korean independence activist, calligrapher, and journalist who played a crucial role in fostering Kansong’s appreciation for Korea’s traditional cultural heritage and collaborated with him in acquiring and preserving these invaluable assets.
Kansong’s efforts to protect the nation’s spirit by safeguarding cultural treasures
Kansong dedicated his life to upholding the teachings of Oh Se-chang, who championed the idea of “protecting the nation through culture.” During the Japanese colonial period, he tirelessly acquired Korea’s cultural treasures—ranging from paintings to ceramics—to prevent them from falling into foreign hands. The inaugural exhibition presents an unprecedented opportunity to admire our ancestors’ rich cultural heritage on a grand scale, showcasing works by renowned masters such as Kim Hong-do, Sin Yun-bok, calligrapher Kim Jeong-hui, and landscape artist Jeong Seon. Notable pieces include the iconic Goryeo celadon prunus vase with inlaid cloud and crane design, and the Hunminjeongeum Haerye, a manuscript detailing the principles behind the Korean script.
The longest line at the exhibition is for the exclusive display of Sin Yun-bok’s “Miindo” (Portrait of a Beautiful Woman). In a softly lit room, a 114 cm tall canvas reveals a full-body portrait of a woman, rendered with Sin Yun-bok’s signature delicate and gentle brushstrokes. The portrait captures her beauty in a way that is both tranquil and vibrant, leaving visitors in awe. One attendee commented, “It’s just a portrait of a beautiful woman, but it evokes a subtle, indescribable feeling.”
In the section showcasing the “Hunminjeongeum Haerye,” many children were seen holding their parents’ hands, curiously examining the book that outlines the principles and creation process of Hangeul, the Korean alphabet. Parents explained the significance of the manuscript to their attentive children. The Hunminjeongeum Haerye is the only document in the world that provides a direct explanation from the creator of a currently used writing system, earning it a place on the UNESCO Memory of the World register. An audio resource is also available, demonstrating the pronunciation of these slightly different-looking characters as they were originally intended, offering a truly enriching experience. Thanks to Kansong’s early recognition of the power of culture, we can now appreciate contemporary art and gain a deeper understanding of the script we use today, for which we are profoundly grateful.
Other exhibition rooms highlight Buddhist art, ceramics, and calligraphy from the Three Kingdoms period through the Joseon Dynasty. Visitors can view several National Treasures that they may have only seen in textbooks during their school years. The museum also includes a special room where visitors can observe the restoration and preservation of cultural heritage through a viewing window, as well as an exhibition space displaying artworks personally created by Kansong. To fully appreciate the exhibition, setting aside at least two hours is recommended.
The museum is open daily, except on Mondays, Lunar New Year’s Day, and Chuseok. It offers accessible amenities, such as wheelchair and stroller rentals, and features restrooms designed for visitors with disabilities. The current exhibition, “Yeosedongbo” (Treasures of the Kansong Art Museum Daegu), runs until Dec 1. Admission prices range from 5,000 ($3.70) to 10,000 won ($7.40).
