National Museum of Korean Contemporary History

Special Exhibition

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Special Exhibition <My Story, Our History>

Period : December 6th (Fri), 2024 ~ March 3th (Mon), 2025

Venue : National Museum of Korean Contemporary History 3rd Floor

Price : Free

  • Hours :10:00 – 18:00
    Opening hours will be extended to nine o’clock in the evening on Wednesdays and Saturdays. (Last admission is one hour before the closing time.)
  • For additional inquiries call : +82-02-3703-9200

Opening Special Exhibition


All of us are making history, even today. History comes from all the moments gathered together as we lead our own precious lives. The attention today is not only focused on those monumental events that fill our textbooks but also on the historical significance of those things that everyday people encounter. This special exhibition has been organized to present various scenes from Korea’s contemporary history through the lens of items people have collected that bear traces of their own life experiences.
The exhibition sheds light on Korea’s contemporary history, which has been layered with the stories of diverse individuals. While you are looking around, please tell us your own stories to this exhibition.
Section I: My Life and the Making of History
Section I examines five important topics of Korea’s contemporary history, namely (1) Liberation and the Korean language, (2) nongovernmental international exchanges, (3) traditions and history, (4) democracy and freedom, and (5) ideological conflicts and reconciliation.
Korean people went through a turbulent time from the time they were liberated from the Japanese rule in 1945 to dawning of the 21st century. They managed to free themselves from colonial rule; establish their own national government; recover their language, traditions, and history; and advance with outside assistance. They endured trials and tribulations on their journey toward democracy and freedom, but they overcame them. Their efforts to reconcile the differences between the two Koreas have not stopped.
1-1: Restoring the Korean language after Liberation National sovereignty was regained in August 1945. Newspapers around the country widely published the joyful news of liberation, while the Korean diaspora who had worked tirelessly for national independence returned home. With liberation, Koreans were able to freely use their native language again. Every moment had been important, as Koreans researched their native tongue even under Japanese colonial rule, worked tirelessly to eradicate illiteracy after liberation, and devoted themselves to using their own language more precisely and beautifully.
Commemorative photograph of officials in the Provisional Government of the Republic of KoreaCommemorative photograph of officials in the Provisional Government of the Republic of Korea Inaugural Issue of the Geonguk TimesInaugural Issue of the Geonguk Times
A Conversation About Eternity and Love, The Season of Affection and Recognition A Conversation About Eternity and Love, The Season of Affection and Recognition First edition of BaengnokdamFirst edition of Baengnokdam
Vsitor’s remark written by Shin Dalja’s MotherVsitor’s remark written by Shin Dalja’s Mother Korean dictionaryKorean dictionary
Handwritten manuscript of the novel Gaekju, Self-written Korean dialect dictionary Handwritten manuscript of the novel Gaekju, Self-written Korean dialect dictionary
1-2: Beginning nongovernmental international exchanges The national territory underwent change with the devastation of the Korean War, forcing the Korean people to start over from the bottom. During these desperate times, people from outside reached out to help Koreans.
Workers from international agencies gave humanitarian aid to children in a small, weak nation, while volunteers offered their services out of the conviction that all human lives are important. The helping hand and words of encouragement that were offered to total strangers inspired them to dream of a better future.
Stars and Stripes that had been draped over the casket of a US Army sergeantStars and Stripes that had been draped over the casket of a US Army sergeant StethoscopeStethoscope
Photograph taken with US President Kennedy and congratulatory cardPhotograph taken with US President Kennedy and congratulatory card
1-3: Rediscovering Korean traditions and history Besides economic growth, the nation needed to revive its cultural traditions and bring back its lost history. Large-scale projects were advanced to rebuild and restore cultural properties, and efforts were launched to overcome the deeply painful memories that lingered from colonial rule. Various creators from the artistic community proceeded to re-create indigenous Korean aesthetics and make public their unique repertoires of artworks.
Report on the archaeological survey of the King Muryeong TombReport on the archaeological survey of the King Muryeong Tomb Study of Epic Folk SongsStudy of Epic Folk Songs
Basic Plan for Independence Hall and Independence ParkBasic Plan for Independence Hall and Independence Park Park Seo-Bo’s DiaryPark Seo-Bo’s Diary
Brush, Inkstone, and Mulberry paperBrush, Inkstone, and Mulberry paper
1-4: Longing for democracy and freedom Koreans sought to practice democracy in various ways. While some took to the streets to struggle for democracy, others wrote and sang songs that brought the street protesters together in solidarity. While some denounced the harsh reality through their literary works, others depicted the social situation through their artworks. Through all of this, nothing could break their firm resolve.
Morning Dew record album, and Blue jeansMorning Dew record album, and Blue jeans First edition of From Sorrow to JoyFirst edition of From Sorrow to Joy
Original drawing of The Terrifying Mercenary Baseball Team, and Congratulatory message from Japanese cartoonists Original drawing of The Terrifying Mercenary Baseball Team, and Congratulatory message from Japanese cartoonists
Original drawing of The Terrifying Mercenary Baseball Team, and Congratulatory message from Japanese cartoonists 		Camellia Lady, 20 Years Later, a record album of formerly banned songs Camellia Lady, 20 Years Later, a record album of formerly banned songs
1-5: Reconciling ideological conflicts The division of the Korean Peninsula tore many families apart. The special live broadcast called “Finding Dispersed Families” enabled a total of 10,189 people to reunite with lost family members in 1983. The ideological conflicts that had split the world for decades began to ease in the late 1980s and early 1990s, and Korea was able to establish diplomatic relations with various Communist countries. This reconciliatory mood enabled the formation of inter-Korean sports teams.
First edition of The Age of HeroesFirst edition of The Age of Heroes Park Wan-Suh’s note of the novel MimangPark Wan-Suh’s note of the novel Mimang
Lost 30 Years record albumLost 30 Years record album Photograph of the signing of the Treaty on Normalizing Relations between the Republic of Korea and the Soviet UnionPhotograph of the signing of the Treaty on Normalizing Relations between the Republic of Korea and the Soviet Union
Photo album of the 1991 World Table Tennis Championships Photo album of the 1991 World Table Tennis Championships
Section II: My Life, Weaving our Culture
Section II introduces the stories of people who are active in various cultural fields. First, the society back then is observed through the lens of the publishing culture, academic research, and literature. Secondly, the path of exploration then proceeds to examine movies and television broadcasts, followed by a look at Korean popular music. Lastly, it is wrapped up by hearing stories of athletes, an artist, and a businessman.
2-1: Awakening society intellectually The advancement of academics and literature was driven by the concerns of the times and society as the nation rebuilt after the war and worked for democracy. People engaged in solitary struggles to quench the public’s intellectual thirst, starting from a time when books were scarce. There were scholars who laid the groundwork in each academic field, writers who continued to ponder the contemporary situation, and even actors who explained the societal woes of the times on stage.
June 1957 issue of New SunJune 1957 issue of New Sun Complete Collection of Korean Historical TalesComplete Collection of Korean Historical Tales
Early model miniature of Paju Book CityEarly model miniature of Paju Book City Course of Positive PhilosophyCourse of Positive Philosophy
First Edition of inaugural issue of Literature and Intelligence magazineFirst Edition of inaugural issue of Literature and Intelligence magazine Draft table of contents for History of Korean Newspapers, and Copy of History of Korean NewspapersDraft table of contents for History of Korean Newspapers, and Copy of History of Korean Newspapers
Venerable Seoungcheol’s “100 Days of Dharma Talks” on reel-to-reel tape, Cassette tape, and Written notesVenerable Seoungcheol’s “100 Days of Dharma Talks” on reel-to-reel tape, Cassette tape, and Written notes Introduction to Computers, Assembly Programming, and Cooperative Utilization of Information ResourcesIntroduction to Computers, Assembly Programming, and Cooperative Utilization of Information Resources
Floral Breath, and the Manuscript of Wind and TruthFloral Breath, and the Manuscript of Wind and Truth First edition of 30: The Party Is OverFirst edition of 30: The Party Is Over
Screenplay of The Sea Between Us, and Shoes used onstage Screenplay of The Sea Between Us, and Shoes used onstage Screenplay of Smoke and WomanScreenplay of Smoke and Woman
Screenplay of Renewed Tale of Yi ChunpungScreenplay of Renewed Tale of Yi Chunpung
2-2: Enriching daily life through the screen Korea produced more than one hundred films in the 1950s even while the nation was being inundated with Hollywood movies.
The movie theaters on the streets of Jongno and Chungmuro served as platforms driving Korea’s cinematic revival. Voice actors also played a role in stoking the popularity of foreign films and TV dramas as advent of television captured the moviegoing audience in the 1970s. In the 1990s, epic historical dramas and various entertainment programs were big hits, giving rise to the first Korean movie to attract one million viewers and the establishment of an annual international film festival.
Red Muffler flyerRed Muffler flyer Romance of the Three Kingdoms drama series records, and Night Sky Melody tape recordingsRomance of the Three Kingdoms drama series records, and Night Sky Melody tape recordings
Military uniformMilitary uniform Screenplays for Tears of the Dragon, Taejo of Goryeo, and Rustic PeriodScreenplays for Tears of the Dragon, Taejo of Goryeo, and Rustic Period
MandalaMandala Traditional Sori drum used in SeopyeonjeTraditional Sori drum used in Seopyeonje
Chair for the Festival Director of the Busan International Film Festival 1 Chair for the Festival Director of the Busan International Film Festival 2
Chair for the Festival Director of the Busan International Film Festival 		National Museum of Korean Contemporary History Certificate of Receipt of Donated ObjectsNational Museum of Korean Contemporary History Certificate of Receipt of Donated Objects
2-3: Reverberating the times through music Korean artists who were active on the US military installation led popular music in the days following Liberation. Amid their influence, a steady stream of singers emerged who created new music trends such as uniquely Korean “trot” and folksong genres. These hit songs also penetrated the markets of Japan and some other neighboring countries, giving rise to unique fan club activities.
Woman in the Rain record albumWoman in the Rain record album Ha Chun-hwa Ballad record albumHa Chun-hwa Ballad record album
Nam Jin’s Golden Hits Album INam Jin’s Golden Hits Album I Toi Et Moi Hits Album IToi Et Moi Hits Album I
Woman’s Life record albumWoman’s Life record album Seoul Song Festival record album, and Grand Prize trophySeoul Song Festival record album, and Grand Prize trophy
Composer’s music scores for “Ta Ta Ta,” “Leopard of Kilimanjaro,” “Red Lipstick,” and “Fever”Composer’s music scores for “Ta Ta Ta,” “Leopard of Kilimanjaro,” “Red Lipstick,” and “Fever” Dress by Hyeeunyee BoutiqueDress by Hyeeunyee Boutique
Paper cranes sent in by Jeon Young Rok’s fansPaper cranes sent in by Jeon Young Rok’s fans
2-4: Brightening Korea with passion 2-4: Brightening Korea with passion Koreans have enthusiastically supported their compatriots who win on the world stage. The people gained the self-confidence that “we can also do it” each time a Korean athlete or team won at the international sports competitions in the 1970s. Besides athletics, a steady stream of Koreans gained international prominence in the arts, technology and other areas. Their passion has shone brightly both inside Korea and in the global arena.
World Boxing Association Bantamweight Champion BeltWorld Boxing Association Bantamweight Champion Belt Gold Medal from the Montreal 1976 Summer OlympicsGold Medal from the Montreal 1976 Summer Olympics
Korean National Team’s signed ball from the 2010 FIFA World Cup in South AfricaKorean National Team’s signed ball from the 2010 FIFA World Cup in South Africa Signed ball presented to Lee Young-pyo after his retirement matchSigned ball presented to Lee Young-pyo after his retirement match
Prop portrait for Stuttgart Ballet’s The Lady of the CamelliasProp portrait for Stuttgart Ballet’s The Lady of the Camellias 256-megabit DRAM chip, 32-gigabite solid-state drive, 64-gigabit NAND flash memory wafer256-megabit DRAM chip, 32-gigabite solid-state drive, 64-gigabit NAND flash memory wafer
Epilogue
Every one of you may possesses at least one important item. What kind of historical narrative could be written when a historian discover it fifty years later? Even personal things that may seem trivial today can become a treasured part of Korea’s contemporary history.
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