National Jeonju Museum Hosts Special Exhibition of An Jung-geun’s Calligraphy: "Writing Daehanminguk An Jung-geun"

Until March 8 Next Year
52 Pieces of Calligraphy and Related Materials on Display

An exhibition focusing on the calligraphy left by An Jung-geun is being held to explore his intense life, dignified martyrdom, and profound faith.

Special Exhibition "Writing Daehanminguk An Junggeun" Exhibition Hall View. Courtesy of National Jeonju Museum

The National Jeonju Museum announced on December 1 that, in commemoration of the 80th anniversary of Korea’s liberation and the 115th anniversary of An Jung-geun’s martyrdom, it will host the special exhibition "Writing Daehanminguk An Jung-geun" in collaboration with the An Jung-geun Memorial Society, the An Jung-geun Memorial Hall, and the National Museum of Korean Contemporary History until March 8 of next year.

This exhibition is a regional cooperation tour of "An Jung-geun’s Calligraphy," which was previously held at the National Museum of Korean Contemporary History in 2024. Jeonju and North Jeolla Province are significant places in the history of Korean Catholicism, as they are home to many martyrs, including Yun Ji-chung and Kwon Sang-yeon, the first Catholic martyrs in Korea. This special exhibition highlights the theme of An Jung-geun’s "martyrdom and sacrifice" in the context of the region’s history.

The exhibition is divided into three main sections: 1) "The Life of An Jung-geun," 2) "The Death of An Jung-geun," and 3) "The Faith of An Jung-geun." In addition, there is a dedicated space titled "Land of Martyrdom: Catholicism in Jeonju and North Jeolla Province."

Through An Jung-geun’s calligraphy, visitors can witness his strong will for independence, his philosophy of peace in East Asia, and his unwavering convictions even in the face of death. The exhibition also introduces the course of his life, from birth to martyrdom, along with its historical significance. The calligraphy piece "Reverence for Heaven," which demonstrates An Jung-geun’s deep faith, will be on display only until January 11 of next year. Afterward, it will be replaced with "Heavenly Blessings, Eternal Joy."

The National Jeonju Museum stated, "This special exhibition is an opportunity to explore An Jung-geun’s character as an independence activist, thinker, and person of faith through his calligraphy. In particular, as Jeonju is both a sacred site for Korean Catholic martyrs and a place where the meanings of An Jung-geun’s martyrdom and sacrifice intersect, we hope this exhibition will serve as a meaningful occasion to reflect more deeply on his faith and philosophy of peace."

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