The Peabody Essex Museum (PEM) in Salem, Massachusetts, will open the Yu Kil-Chun Gallery of Korean Art and Culture on May 17, 2025. This landmark installation showcases PEM’s historic Korean collection, featuring works from the late Joseon dynasty through the early 20th century and into the present day, including rare objects, textiles, and recent acquisitions by artists like Nam June Paik. The gallery is supported by the Korea Foundation and the National Museum of Korea, and is curated by Dr. Jiyeon Kim.
The new gallery matters because it is the only museum space in the United States dedicated to early 19th- and 20th-century Korean art, deepening PEM’s long-standing historical ties with Korea. It highlights the resilience and creativity of Korean artists during periods of global change, and underscores PEM’s role as the first American institution to collect Korean art. The opening also reflects ongoing efforts to diversify and enrich the museum’s collection, offering fresh perspectives on Korean culture and its global influence.