The name 'Ho-Am' is the pen name of Samsung founder Lee Byung-chul and translates to 'filling the lake with the spirit of the tiger'.
The museum holds multiple items designated as National Treasures, including the 14th-century Goryeo-era 'Amitabha and Eight Great Bodhisattvas' painting.
Hee Won garden is designed based on the principles of traditional Korean aesthetics, which prioritize harmony with the existing terrain rather than imposing symmetry.
The museum’s exterior incorporates materials such as granite to mirror the textures found in traditional temple architecture.
The collection includes a significant number of 'buncheong' ceramics, a distinct style of Korean pottery from the 15th and 16th centuries.
The Ho-Am Art Museum is situated within the Everland Resort complex and houses the extensive private collection of Lee Byung-chul, the founder of Samsung. Its permanent collection emphasizes traditional Korean art, including Buddhist paintings, ceramics, and calligraphy. The museum building itself is an architectural fusion of traditional Korean hanok elements and modern structural design. Surrounding the museum is Hee Won, a traditional Korean garden spanning 66,000 square meters that integrates natural topography with stone structures and pavilions. The institution frequently hosts special contemporary art exhibitions that contrast with its historical holdings. The museum is located in a secluded area of the park, distinct from the high-energy thrill rides of Everland. It serves as a repository for numerous National Treasures and Treasures designated by the South Korean government. Visitors can observe the transition between historical artifacts inside the museum and the curated landscape of the outdoor garden.
The central pavilion in the Hee Won garden looking back toward the museum building, reflecting the traditional architecture in the pond.
Allocate extra time to explore the Hee Won garden, as it is integral to the museum experience and often takes as long to traverse as the galleries themselves.
Check the official website for current special exhibition rotations, as the museum frequently updates its displays of contemporary and modern works.
Wear comfortable walking shoes suitable for gravel paths and uneven stone stairs within the traditional garden.
Do not attempt to walk from the Everland main gate; use the dedicated shuttle service provided by the resort to reach the museum entrance.
Closed on Mondays and major public holidays; check the website for temporary closures during exhibition changeovers.
Maintain a quiet volume inside the galleries; photography is restricted or prohibited in specific exhibition halls; avoid touching stone artifacts in the garden.
