Culture expert set to open library

Choi Jin-yong, former Uijeongbu Arts Center president, poses at his home in Jongno, central Seoul. / Courtesy of Seoul Culture Today

By Lee Min-hyung

Choi Jin-yong is planning to open a library for his massive collection of books on art and culture.

The former president of the Uijeongbu Arts Center, 69, has devoted over four decades of his life to fostering the nation’s cultural heritage as a government official.

In his decades-long career as a culture expert, he found himself immersed in reading and collecting books about culture in various areas including performing arts, folklore and sculpture. He said he has so far accumulated more than 40,000 books from the 1960s to 2000s.

“I am in talks with a few provincial governments over opening a library for my collection of art books,” Choi said.

Interested government bodies include Incheon City, Gimpo City and Jongno District in Seoul, he said.

“Nothing specific has yet been decided over the library plan, but what I want is a cultural landmark where people can easily come and enjoy the nation’s modern, cultural history through books,” he said.

Choi has served at key posts of culture-related government organizations. His career includes top positions at the Uijeongbu Arts Center in Gyeonggi Province, the National Theater of Korea and the Korean Cultural & Arts Centers Association.

He earned his bachelor’s degree in public administration at Konkuk University and a master’s at Yonsei University.

Choi started his career at the Ministry of Culture and Public Information in 1980. He has since served as a president or advisor at the nation’s major public organizations committed to fostering culture.

In recognition for his cultural expertise, he lectured on arts and art administration at Ewha Women’s University, Chung-Ang University, Kookmin University and the Korea National University of Arts. He has also given special lectures on Korea’s cultural policies at Nagoya University in Japan.