The National Museum of Korea will soon conclude its special exhibition showcasing the artworks of O Se-chang, a seminal figure in Korea’s fight for independence and cultural preservation.

The exhibition, titled “Modern Literati, Wi Chang O Se-Chang”, is held in tribute to one of Korea’s most influential yet overlooked founding fathers, commemorating the 70th anniversary of his passing.

O Se-chang was born on August 6th, 1864 into a wealthy family that traditionally specialized in Chinese calligraphy and paintings.

His family’s unique heritage, alongside his father’s position as a government interpreter, led to O Se-chang becoming a government official at 16.

During the early 20th century, the Joseon Dynasty experienced significant political turmoil and reformations.

O Se-chang played a pivotal role in Korea’s Independence, funding various independence movements and being one of the 33 people to sign the Proclamation of Korean Independence in 1919.

However, O Se-chang’s most enduring legacy lies in his dedication to preserving Korean culture.

In collaboration with his pupil, Jeon Hyeongpil, a prominent art collector, O Se-chang meticulously cataloged a vast array of Korean artworks.

The two cataloged thousands of Korean artworks that date back to the 7th century Silla period, as well as creating the first comprehensive encyclopedia of Korean art history.

As a master calligrapher, O Se-chang developed techniques that have become foundational in contemporary Korean calligraphy.

According to the museum, the techniques that O Se-chang developed are seen to be “integral in Korean Calligraphy today”.

The exhibition highlights both his personal life as an independence activist and his work as a talented calligrapher. The exhibition meticulously chronicles his life, beginning with his early days as a government interpreter.

A notable artifact in the beginning section of the exhibition is the <Tongmungwan records>, a government catalog of all interpreters and translators in the Jeoson government, where O Se-chang’s name first appears.

The exhibit then transitions to his activities in the Korean independence movement.

The artworks featured in this section include the original Proclamation of Korean Independence that bears his signature.

O Se-chang’s artistic skills are also highlighted in this section, particularly in works like <Fish, Carriage, Boat Written in Pictograms>, which symbolizes his longing for Korean independence.

Finally, the latter part of the exhibition is dedicated to his later years as an art collector and calligrapher, with a significant focus on the <Book of Nearby Stone Rubbings>.

The book compiles and explains papers with characters from steles, spanning from the Three Kingdoms period of the 8th century to the early Joseon Dynasty of the 16th century.

Oh Se-Chang personally collected and organized calligraphies, paintings, and characters engraved in metal and stone to later transcribe them onto paper.

According to the museum, this exemplifies the “dedication and eagerness he had to preserve traditional Korean art”.

Open to the public, this exhibition offers a rare glimpse into the life of a man who was not only a foundational figure in Korea’s independence but also in Korean cultural heritage– which is undeniably a foundational basis of the success Korean culture is experiencing worldwide today

The exhibition will soon conclude on December 25th, presenting a unique opportunity to explore the multifaceted contributions of O Se-chang to Korean history and culture. Exhibitions are free.

Hoonsung Lee
Grade 11
Cornerstone Collegiate Academy Seoul