The story of Songam Art Museum dates back to 1989, named after the late “Songanm” Lee Hoe-rim, Chairman of Oriental Chemical Industries (OCI). Deemed as the “last merchant of Gaeseong,” Chairman Lee was a collector of various antiques, ranging from paintings to ceramics. He transformed his private residence in Seoul’s Jongno district into the original Songam Art Museum, marking the museum’s beginnings. In 1992, the museum relocated to its current site in Hakik-dong, Michuhol-gu, emerging as a vital cultural institution in Incheon, a city once lacking such facilities. In 2005, Chairman Lee generously donated his lifelong collection and the museum to Incheon Metropolitan City, paving the way for its transition into a public museum, officially reopening in 2011.

Today, Songam Art Museum houses a collection of around 10,000 artifacts spanning ancient to modern times, encompassing calligraphy, sculpture, crafts, and ceramics. Around 300 key pieces are rotated regularly in its exhibitions.

The first-floor gallery offers a chronological display of Korea’s ceramic heritage, from prehistoric earthenware to Goryeo celadon and Joseon-era buncheong and white porcelain, allowing visitors to grasp comprehensive knowledge of Korea’s ceramic artistry. The gallery also displays various Buddhist statues and wooden furniture, offering glimpses into Korea’s Buddhist art and the daily lives of past generations.

On the second floor, visitors can explore an exquisite collection of paintings, including landscapes, bird-and-flower paintings, Buddhist art, and folk paintings, highlighted by Pyeongyangseongdo—a nationally designated treasure. Meanwhile, the special exhibition hall hosts thematic exhibitions throughout the year, bringing fresh perspectives to historical and contemporary art.

Another one of Songam Art Museum’s greatest treasures is its breathtaking landscape. The spacious garden offers cool shades with pine trees and is adorned with stone statues, guardian totems, Buddha heads, and pagodas. The Gwanggaeto Stele replica, standing over six meters tall on the grass field, marks itself as a faithful recreation of the original in Tonggu, Ji’an, China.

Songam Art Museum strives to be an accessible cultural space and take part in community engagement. The museum’s educational program targets visitors of all ages, continuously operating programs that encourage proactive participation, thinking, and hands-on experience that go beyond simple viewing. With world-class exhibitions and enriching programs, Songam Art Museum is dedicated to becoming an exceptional cultural experience.