Gansong Art Museum, Art museum in Seongbuk-dong, Seoul, South Korea.
Gansong Art Museum occupies Bohwagak, a building designed by architect Park Gil-ryong in Seongbuk-dong, Seoul. The museum displays Jeon Hyeong-pil's collection of Korean paintings, calligraphy, ceramics and crafts, including the Hunminjeongeum manuscript (National Treasure No. 70) and Hyewon pungsokdo. Its affiliated Korean Folk Art Research Institute carries out academic research on the pieces.
Jeon Hyeong-pil founded the museum as Bohwagak in 1938, the first privately owned museum in Korea, to keep Korean art from being taken to Japan during the colonial period. Architect Park Gil-ryong designed the building. After Jeon died in 1962, his sons Jeon Seong-u and Jeon Yeong-u reorganized it in 1966 as the Gansong Art Museum and the Korean Folk Art Research Institute.
The museum's name comes from Gansong, the pen name of founder Jeon Hyeong-pil. Its holdings include National Treasure No. 70, a 1446 copy of the Hunminjeongeum haerye that explains the principles behind Hangul, plus Donggukjeongun and Hyewon pungsokdo. From 1971 it opened free to the public twice a year, in spring and autumn, starting with a show of works by the painter Gyeomjae Jeong Seon.
The museum is located in Seongbuk-dong and is accessible by public transportation. Visitors should check the official website for current opening hours and exhibition details before planning a visit.
The museum's name comes from Jeon Hyeong-pil's art name, Gansong. Its Bohwagak building was designed by architect Park Gil-ryong. The Hunminjeongeum copy it holds was found in Andong in 1940 and later designated National Treasure No. 70.
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