Seo Kyung-duk Urges Name Change for Eunpyeong Korea Museum: "Deceiving Foreign Tourists"

Registered as a Class 2 Neighborhood Living Facility in Official Records
Future Eligibility for Museum Operations in Question

Controversy is spreading after it was revealed that the "Korea Museum" (Daehan Museum), which is preparing to open in Eunpyeong Hanok Village, Eunpyeong-gu, Seoul, is filled with exhibitions related to Chinese history. As criticism mounted that this facility, located within Eunpyeong Hanok Village—a hub of traditional Korean culture—uses the name "Korea Museum" while focusing its actual exhibitions on Chinese history, both the Eunpyeong District and Seoul Metropolitan Government have begun to respond.

On the 24th, Professor Seo Kyungduk of Sungshin Women's University stated through his social networking service (SNS), "I learned about it through many netizens' reports," and "When I visited the site in person, construction was in full swing." Seo Kyungduk's Facebook

On April 24, Professor Seo Kyung-duk of Sungshin Women's University stated on his social media (SNS), "I learned about it through reports from many netizens," and "when I visited the site in person, it was under heavy construction." Professor Seo explained, "I couldn't enter the exhibition hall, but from the entrance, the first thing that caught my eye was an exhibit that appeared to feature a Chinese cavalryman." According to information posted by the Korea Museum, the exhibits introduce artifacts following the flow of Chinese history, from the Neolithic Age through the Spring and Autumn and Warring States periods, and the Qin, Han, Tang, Song, Ming, and Qing dynasties. It was also reported that the site contained exhibits reminiscent of the Terracotta Army of Emperor Qin Shi Huang.

Professor Seo criticized that the facility could be mistaken by foreign tourists as a Korean history exhibition space. He pointed out, "Eunpyeong Hanok Village is a major attraction visited not only by Koreans but also by foreign tourists," adding, "There is a high possibility that it could be mistaken for a Korean history exhibition facility." He continued, "The sign says 'Korea Museum' (Daehan Museum), but once inside the museum, you face Chinese history. This deceives foreign tourists." He asserted, "I don't know the intention behind naming the museum 'Korea Museum,' but the name absolutely needs to be changed."

Eunpyeong District: "On-site inspections after opening... Administrative action if violations are found"

As the controversy grew, Eunpyeong District announced that the facility is currently an "unregistered private museum." According to the district office, a site inspection on April 17 confirmed the possibility that the building’s original purpose and its actual usage might differ. The site is classified as a Class 2 Neighborhood Living Facility in the official building register, raising questions about whether operating a museum or similar cultural and assembly facility is permissible.

Eunpyeong District uses the name "Korean Museum" but is concerned that when exhibits of Chinese historical artifacts are displayed, foreign visitors and others might mistakenly perceive Chinese history as Korean history. The district office stated that if a problem is identified, it is also considering reporting a potential violation of the Act on Labeling and Advertising to the Fair Trade Commission. Eunpyeong District Office

Eunpyeong District stated that after the Korea Museum opens next month, it will conduct additional on-site inspections to verify the facility’s actual operation and compliance with its permitted use. Should any violations be identified, the district will proceed with the relevant administrative procedures. The district is also reviewing the potential for visitor confusion. Eunpyeong District is concerned that using the name "Korea Museum" while actually exhibiting Chinese historical artifacts could lead foreign and other visitors to mistakenly perceive Chinese history as Korean history. The district office added that if it determines there is a problem, it is also considering reporting the matter to the Fair Trade Commission for possible violations of the Act on Labeling and Advertising. Eunpyeong District explained, "Since Eunpyeong Hanok Village has long served as a hub of traditional Korean culture, we will take necessary measures to preserve its cultural identity," though it also noted, "There are limits to what administrative actions can be taken before the official opening under current law."

Concerns Raised Over Blind Spots in Managing Unregistered Private Museums

The Seoul Metropolitan Government has also requested that the museum submit detailed documentation regarding its founding purpose and operational plans. Seoul City has reportedly also asked Eunpyeong District for materials to confirm whether the land in question is suitable for museum operations. However, the museum has yet to issue a clear statement regarding the controversy. This incident has prompted renewed scrutiny of loopholes in the management system for unregistered private museums. Once a private museum is registered as a city-managed museum in Seoul, it becomes subject to regular city inspections, but registration itself is not mandatory. Consequently, it is difficult to identify or manage the actual operation of unregistered facilities in advance.

Professor Seo criticized that the facility could be mistaken by foreign tourists as a Korean history exhibition space. He pointed out, "Eunpyeong Hanok Village is a popular destination visited not only by locals but also by foreign tourists," adding, "There is a high possibility that it could be misunderstood as a Korean history exhibition facility." Seo Kyungduk

Within the cultural sector and beyond, there is a growing call to minimize confusion between exhibition content and the museum's name, given the spatial characteristics of Eunpyeong Hanok Village and the use of the English name "Korea Museum." Depending on the results of further inspections by Eunpyeong District and Seoul City, the controversy surrounding the Korea Museum is expected to lead to administrative measures regarding both possible misuse of the facility and the naming issue.

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