Despite Being Called 'Korea Museum', Only Chinese Dynasties Featured... Eunpyeong Hanok Village Flooded with Complaints

Sign Says 'Korea', But Exhibits Focus on Chinese History
Labeling and Advertising Law Review for 'Korea Museum' in Hanok Village
Eunpyeong-gu: "On-Site Inspection Planned Immediately After Opening"

Controversy is growing among local residents over the unclear identity of the 'Korea Museum,' which is preparing to open within Eunpyeong Hanok Village in Jingwan-dong, Eunpyeong-gu, Seoul. Although the name emphasizes Korea, critics point out that external notices and the exhibition structure focus on Chinese history, potentially misleading visitors.

According to the notice from the Korea Great Museum posted on the Aliexpress App, it is known to contain content introducing artifacts according to the flow of Chinese history, starting from the Neolithic period through the Spring and Autumn period, Qin, Han, Tang, Song, Ming, and Qing dynasties. Online platform 'Aliexpress App'

The controversy intensified following a post on the local community platform Danggeun on April 15. The author wrote, "It says Korea Museum, Korea Museum (in English), and Hanguk Museum, but the historical sign outside only lists Qin, Han, Tang, Song, Ming, and Qing," adding, "Its true nature seems highly suspicious." In fact, the facility is listed as 'Korea Museum' on portal sites and map apps, but it is reported that it has not officially opened yet.

According to a notice from the Korea Museum, it introduces artifacts following the flow of Chinese history from the Neolithic Age through the Spring and Autumn Period, Qin, Han, Tang, Song, Ming, and Qing dynasties. Meanwhile, it is stated that artworks from Korea, Japan, and other parts of the world are only partially exhibited, leading to criticism of a disconnect between the Korea-focused name and the actual direction of the exhibits.

The building and land in question have been confirmed as privately owned. However, there are considerable concerns among residents about such an exhibition hall opening within the symbolic space of Hanok Village. Especially as Eunpyeong Hanok Village is a tourist destination with a steady increase in foreign visitors, some point out that it could mislead people into thinking it is a facility exhibiting Korean culture.

As the controversy grew, Eunpyeong-gu stated that the facility is an "unregistered private museum" unrelated to the district government. On April 17, the district confirmed through an on-site inspection that there may be a discrepancy between the designated use of the building as a Class 2 neighborhood living facility and its actual use. The district announced plans to conduct an immediate on-site inspection once the facility opens in early May.

The district also noted that if the Korea Museum or 'Korea Museum' mainly exhibits Chinese historical artifacts while using names emphasizing Korea, there is a risk that visitors may mistake it for a Korean culture exhibition facility. Accordingly, the district is reviewing whether this could violate the Act on Fair Labeling and Advertising and is considering referring the case to the Fair Trade Commission. Additionally, under the Building Act, a museum should be classified as a 'cultural and assembly facility,' but the building in question is registered as a Class 2 neighborhood living facility, so the district will also examine whether exhibition activities are lawful.

The Seoul Metropolitan Government has also reportedly requested the museum to clarify the purpose of its establishment. As the controversy continues, whether the actual exhibition content and facility operations after opening will comply with relevant laws and regulations is expected to become a focal issue.

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.