From the late Joseon dynasty (1392–1910) to today, PEM’s exceptional collection explores art, culture, and life in Korea during a time of significant transition and global connection.

PEM’s early Korean collection was primarily formed by Edward Sylvester Morse, director of the Peabody Academy of Science (a predecessor organization to PEM), who proactively pursued Korean acquisitions during his tenure from 1880 to 1914. Among his most significant acquisitions from this period is a set of eight Korean musical instruments played at the 1893 World’s Columbian Exposition.

PEM’s connection with Korea was also strengthened by Yu Kil-Chun (1856-1914), the reformist scholar and politician who came to the U.S. as a member of the first Korean delegation and lived near Salem for nearly two years. Yu Kil-Chun and other early travelers between the U.S. and Korea donated many meaningful and foundational works to the museum’s collection.

PEM’s Yu Kil-Chun Korean Art Gallery brings to life the compelling stories of these early pioneers, presented alongside the museum’s renowned Korean textile collection, exquisite 19th-century paintings — including the Welcoming Banquet of the Governor of Pyeongan screen — and inspiring contemporary works by Nam June Paik (1932–2006) and other Korean and Korean American artists.

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The Yu Kil-Chun Gallery of Korean Art and Culture has been made possible with the support of the Korea Foundation. Generous support is also provided by the National Museum of Korea; The E. Rhodes and Leona B. Carpenter Foundation; the Overseas Korean Cultural Heritage Foundation; Samsung Foundation of Culture, Korea; the Henry Luce Foundation; the Korean Cultural Center, Washington, D.C.; the Korean Cultural Society of Boston; an anonymous donor; Linda Champion; and Mrs. Yu.