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Busan Modern and Contemporary History Museum Annex Presents Diverse Programs to Celebrate Family Month in May

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To celebrate Family Month in May, the Busan Modern and Contemporary History Museum (hereinafter referred to as the “Museum”) will host a variety of cultural programs open to the public.

The festivities begin with the “Busan Walk” exploration program on May 10–11 at 2 PM, offering guided tours through the historic hillside roads (sanbokdoro) of the original downtown area—an area deeply embedded in Korea’s modern history and the everyday lives of Busan citizens.

The sanbokdoro (hillside roads) of Busan’s old town best represent the city's unique cultural landscape. These neighborhoods were shaped by steep mountain terrain and a scarcity of flat land, prompting residents to build homes along the slopes. During the Korean War, these hillsides became key settlement areas for refugees. Iconic roads such as Mangyang-ro, Beomsa Intersection in Dong-gu, and Seodaesin Intersection in Seo-gu originated from this historical context.

This walking program will allow participants to reflect on the history and lives shaped by these hillside communities. The route includes:

• ●Mangyang-ro Sanbokdoro Exhibition Hall

• ●168 Stairs and Shin Apartment area

• ●Dr. Chang Kee-ryo Memorial Hall

• ●Gallery Sujeong

The program features expert commentary, exhibition viewings, and a hands-on experience using film cameras to document the tour—providing an immersive encounter with the hillside heritage.

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On Saturday, May 17 at 2 PM, the first floor of the Museum Annex will host a special photo talk concert titled “Layers of Time on Mangyang-ro”. The event features photographer Yoon Chang-soo, winner of the 2025 Onbit Documentary Photography Award, who will give a lecture and exhibit some of his works.

The exhibition will showcase his documentary photos of Mangyang-ro’s landscapes and residents, soon to be displayed at Gallery Sujeong in Dong-gu starting May 8. In addition, photographs taken by local citizens during the May 10–11 walking program will also be displayed.

This event is part of the “Everyone’s Annex” project, a public-private cultural initiative jointly organized by the Museum and Gallery Sujeong—a cultural venue located in the historic Sujeong Apartment complex built in 1969 in Dong-gu. Gallery Sujeong has hosted over 60 exhibitions since its opening in May 2017 and operates the photo research group PhotoLab LC, aiming to revitalize the old town through artistic engagement.

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To wrap up the month, on Saturday, May 24 at 4 PM, the Museum Annex will present a family-friendly creative classical concert based on traditional Korean folktales. Titled “Creative Classical Music Inspired by Korean Folktales”, the performance features reinterpretations of beloved stories like “The Fairy and the Woodcutter,” “Kongjwi and Patjwi,” and “Old Man with a Lump”.

These tales will be retold through original classical compositions such as:

• ●“If Only Kongjwi Existed in the World of the Ogre”

• ●“The Ogre Who Was Fooled by the Old Man with a Lump”

The concert aims to ignite the imaginations of children and families through music. Composer Kang Hyun-min will lead the performance with the Choa Musical Ensemble, including violinists Kim Min-hwa and Lee Hae-chang, violist Kwon Na-young, cellist Jung Hye-joo, and pianist Kim Hyun-jung.

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All events are free of charge, and advance reservations are required through the Museum’s website (busan.go.kr/mmch) starting April 25 on a first-come, first-served basis.
For more information, please contact the Museum’s Operations Team at 051-607-8034.

Kim Ki-yong, Director of the Busan Modern and Contemporary History Museum, stated:

“We hope these engaging programs—including walking tours, lectures, and performances—will offer meaningful opportunities for citizens to connect with local history and the stories of our neighbors.”

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Appendix 1 – May 2025 Special Talk Concert Info
Event: Talk Concert – “Layers of Time on Mangyang-ro”
Date & Time: Saturday, May 17, 2025 | 2 PM–4 PM
Venue: 1st Floor Lobby, Museum Annex
Speaker: Yoon Chang-soo, Photographer (2025 Onbit Award Winner)
Co-host: Gallery Sujeong
Schedule: Opening & Lecture (70 min) → Q&A (30 min) → Photo Viewing & Closing (20 min)
Admission: Free
Audience: Open to the public, 40-person limit (pre-registration required)

Appendix 2 – May 2025 Family Concert Info
Event: Family Month Concert – “Creative Classical Music Inspired by Korean Folktales”
Date & Time: Saturday, May 24, 2025 | 4 PM–5 PM
Venue: 1st Floor Lobby, Museum Annex
Performers: Kang Hyun-min (composition & narration), Choa Musical Ensemble
Schedule: Opening & 1st Performance (15 min) → Talk (15 min) → 2nd Performance (25 min) → Closing & Encore (5 min)
Admission: Free
Audience: Open to the public, 60-person limit (pre-registration required)