The publishing of , a collection of poems by Yukdang Choi Nam-sun 91 years ago marked the birth of Modern Poetry in Korea. It was the year before the Japanese annexation of the Joseon Dynasty. For the next 36 years, use of the Korean language, the very embodiment of the national spirit, was banned. The poets and writers of our forebears have elevated the beauty of their mother language to a new height under the Japanese oppression, witnessed in their writings during this most turbulent and humiliating era in Korean history.

   The sublime voices of those pages are laced with a passionate desire for liberation of the Motherland and their poetic spirit drawn from 4000 years of collective national heritage. Embracing the very heart of Korean sufferings, humor and with through it all was a source of up-lifting national pride and strength.

   For the first time available to public viewing, the exhibition contains a rare collection of the poets' original prints, handwritings, photos, and other relevant materials from the " Museum of East West Literature ", the first and the only museum of it's kind in Korea. We hope to pass down this precious cultural heritage and inspire the new generations by recapturing their poetic spirit.