I heard there's a story behind the Kansong Art Museum and how it came to be.
Tell us more about that.
This museum is the country's first modern, private museum and was founded in 1938 with
the intention of preserving Korean culture.
At the time, many works of art and cultural artifacts were taken out of Korea, but this
museum was set up to prevent that, especially during the Japanese colonization period.
The founder, who goes by the pen name Kansong, used his own private funds to collect these
artifacts, many of which are now recognized as official National Treasures of Korea.
But you have another museum for us today?
Yes, precisely.
These museums are a little bit different.
They're expansive collections people have put together.
I think you'll enjoy them.
Let's take a look.
What's the perfect place for a collection gathered over a lifetime?
A museum.
At this museum, you'll find owls, owls and more owls because ______ has been passionately
collecting them for 30 years, and she's created this museum to share them with the public.
Visitors to the museum, located in the heart of Seoul, can see over 2,000 pieces ranging
from antiques to handmade works of art.
These owls have been attracting people from all over the country -- people looking to
get their fill of this big-eyed bird.
"In reality, it's really difficult to create a collection of this size.
And the fact that she has never left the country, yet has still managed to collect so many works
from so many countries is really amazing."
Over in Paju, there's a collection of another kind.
This museum is dedicated to a familiar wooden puppet from a popular childhood story.
Italian author Carlo Collodi's "Adventures of Pinocchio" became a worldwide favorite
and his story has been kept alive for over 100 years.
It continues to be shared with museums like this.
Over 200 original pop-up books, dolls, and puppets have been put on display, along with
many other puppet figures, much to the enjoyment of its visitors, both adults and children
alike.
"Kids come here and see the Pinocchio dolls, but they can also learn lessons from the story
of Pinocchio.
It's a fun way for them to spend time and learn."
Pinocchio's story is one that has been told for years... and is sure to be shared for
years to come.
A collection can start with just a few things, and eventually turn into a haven, as these
museums have become.
[STUDIO] I used to collect teddy bears when I was little,
but I don't think I accumulated nearly enough for a museum.
How did the owl museum come into being?
The museum is located in the heart of Seoul, in an area full of other museums.
But this museum came about in a really special way.
The facility had originally been a private residence, and when they turned it into a
museum, they maintained the homey look.
The owl mother, as they call her, went around collecting all of these artifacts.
Another interesting fact is that, of the 2,000 owl artifacts on display, not a single real
stuffed owl can be found.
The museum is very much dedicated to the love of the animal.
All of the owl and Pinocchio fans out there will have to go check that out.
Thank you for that report.
We'll see you back here on Monday.
See you then