Hoam Art Museum

Overview

Ho-Am Art Museum is a world-class private museum that houses a vast collection of traditional Korean art, including national treasures. The museum is renowned not only for its artifacts but also for 'Hee-won,' an expansive traditional garden that meticulously recreates the essence of Joseon-era landscape design. It offers a serene environment where the architecture, gardens, and art pieces coexist in perfect harmony with the surrounding forest and lake.

History

Founded in 1982 by Lee Byung-chull, the late founder of the Samsung Group, the museum was named after his pen name 'Ho-Am.' It was established to showcase and preserve his lifelong collection of Korean cultural assets. In 1997, the museum opened 'Hee-won,' which became a landmark of Korean garden aesthetics. Recently, the museum underwent major renovations to enhance its gallery facilities and improve the visitor experience while maintaining its historical elegance.

Things to see

• **Hee-won Garden**: A beautiful traditional garden featuring gates, stone walls, pavilions, and ponds that exemplify the "borrowed scenery" (Ugyeong) technique.

• **Main Building**: A grand traditional-style structure with blue roof tiles, housing galleries of Goryeo celadon, Joseon white porcelain, and ancient Buddhist art.

• **Beop-yeon Pond**: A large, tranquil lotus pond located within the garden that offers a stunning reflection of the surrounding pavilions and trees.

• **Seok-pa Hall**: A historic pavilion relocated from Seoul that adds to the museum's atmosphere of classical scholarly refinement.

Things to do

• **Traditional Garden Stroll**: Take a meditative walk through Hee-won, especially during spring for cherry blossoms or autumn for vibrant maple foliage.

• **Docent Tours**: Participate in guided tours to learn about the historical significance of the artifacts and the philosophy behind Korean garden design.

• **Lake Walk**: Enjoy a scenic stroll along the path beside Magok Reservoir (the lake in front of the museum), a popular spot for photography.

• **Visit the Tea House**: Experience traditional Korean tea at the museum's tea house while looking out over the peaceful garden scenery.