"We will transform into a 'literature museum' where all citizens can enjoy literature together, going beyond mere collection and research."
Lim Heon-young, director of the National Museum of Korean Literature, made the remarks at a press conference marking one month since his inauguration, held at a restaurant in Jung-gu, Seoul, on the 9th. "The literature museum must aim to share and enjoy literature with the public, not just preserve it," he said.
The National Museum of Korean Literature, established in 2019 as an organization under the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism, is constructing a standalone building in Jingwan-dong, Eunpyeong-gu, Seoul, with a target opening in the first half of next year. Lim assumed office as the third director of the museum on January 8.
Lim presented "popularization of literature" as the museum's core mission. "Although my specialty is literary criticism, my role as museum director will certainly be different," he said. He has been active as a literary critic, publishing more than 15 collections of criticism. Since 2003, he has also served as director of the Institute for Research in Collaborationist Activities.
The National Museum of Korean Literature plans to pursue key initiatives this year including "Literary Figure of the Month," "Korean Literature Tours," and a "Korean Literature Archives Management System." The "Literary Figure of the Month" program will select and commemorate writers who have made significant contributions to Korean literary history each month. The "Korean Literature Tours" initiative aims to help people experience literature in daily life through connections with literary festivals and regional tourism events. The archives management system will eventually be expanded into a comprehensive Korean literary heritage portal.
