Paichai Academy History Museum

Paichai Academy History Museum

Paichai Academy was the first Western-style educational institution in Korea, established in 1885 by American missionary Appenzeller. Located in Jung-gu, Seoul, King Gojong of the Joseon Dynasty (1852–1919) named it “Paichai Academy” in 1886, meaning a place to “nurture capable individuals.” The East Hall of Paichai Academy was completed in 1916 and was renovated into the Paichai Academy History Museum in 2008.

The Paichai Academy History Museum consists of permanent exhibition rooms, special exhibition rooms, experience rooms, and conference rooms. Valuable exhibits provide insight into Korea’s modern educational history. On the second floor, the permanent exhibition room displays personal belongings of Henry Gerhart Appenzeller, the founder of Paichai Academy, his father Henry Dodge Appenzeller (1889–1953), and William Arthur Noble (1866–1945), a teacher at the time. The concert piano, registered as a cultural asset, is also the oldest surviving piano in Korea.

In addition to regular exhibitions, the Paichai Academy History Museum frequently hosts special exhibitions showcasing the academy’s history. For example, in 2009 there was the 1st anniversary exhibition “Pilgrim’s Progress,” in 2010 the 2nd anniversary exhibition “Graduation Album: 125 Years of Paichai Academy Stories,” and in 2011 the 3rd anniversary exhibition “Historical Layers of Five Buildings.” Each exhibition has been highly popular with both domestic and international visitors.

Appenzeller/Noble Memorial Museum

Must-visit reason: One of the most famous museums in Seoul’s Jung-gu district

Continent where the attraction is located: Asia【Asia】

Country/region where the attraction is located: Korea[Korea]

Province/state where the attraction is located: Seoul Special City [Seoul Special City]

City where the attraction is located: Jung-gu [Jung-gu]