Insights of Her Design

Gabi Choi  
Photo Credits: Choi Mi-ok

National Folk Museum of Korea

Please introduce yourself.

I am Choi Mi-ok, working as an exhibition design curator at the National Folk Museum. This museum houses artifacts of historical and ethnological significance, so many experts who have specialized in related studies are curators here. While most focus on content design, I also engage in designing exhibition spaces.

What is the difference between a general curator and a design curator?

Most curators here have majored in history, ethnology, Korean literature, and anthropology. I, however, studied linguistics in college and pursued design and architecture in graduate school. The value of the diverse artworks held by the museum is ultimately determined by their exhibition. Therefore, just researching content is not enough; the exhibition design process is crucial. I primarily focus on spatial design to maximize the effectiveness of an exhibition.

How did you become interested in space curation?

In my third year of college, I had the opportunity to backpack across Europe, India, and Africa, visiting many museums. The stark difference from Korean museums was shocking. It wasn't the exhibits themselves but the diverse designs enhancing their impact that fascinated me. This inspired me to study design in graduate school. Although switching disciplines can be disadvantageous for job prospects, it offers advantages in interdisciplinary integration. A design company reached out, seeking someone knowledgeable in both design and humanities, and that's how I began curating exhibitions. It turned out to be incredibly enjoyable, and after ten years in the field, I found my way to the museum.

Can you introduce some of your notable exhibitions?

We have about three permanent exhibitions and three to four special exhibitions each year, which are fresh and bold. Of these, Jeans, Trash X User Guide, and Bread and Pleasure are exhibitions I've worked on. I dote on them like daughters because opening an exhibition feels like sending a cherished daughter off to start her own life. While all exhibitions are memorable, notable ones include Seonbi: Ideal and Practice (2009), Bread and Pleasure (2015), Trash X User Guide (2017), Winter Survival (2017), and Sejong City 2005:2015 (2017).

Bread and Pleasure focused on Korean and Japanese food culture exchange, with a design reminiscent of grocery shopping. This innovative approach drew many who viewed museums as dull and won international design awards, proving that Korean content and design can be globally recognized.

Trash X User Guide was a joint project with MUCEM in Marseille, France, tackling the global issue of waste using recycled materials from artist Choi Jung-hwa's workshop to create a gallery. This exhibition highlighted how museums can communicate social issues.

Winter Survival commemorated the PyeongChang Olympics, featuring modern Korean lifestyle artifacts against a snowy backdrop reminiscent of Gangwon Province. These ordinary objects shone beautifully, showcasing the Korean aesthetic.

Any plans for hosting exhibitions in the US?

I spent a year in the US and felt the need for such exhibitions, especially with the Korean Wave trend. Though logistical challenges exist, efforts to introduce these exhibitions to early-generation Koreans abroad and foreign fans of Korean culture are underway.

Have you published any books during your busy schedule?

Yes, I published Museum × Travel (2019, Art Books) earlier this year. As I marked my 20th year working in the field and 10 years as a museum curator, this publication is quite meaningful. It's a travelogue of memorable museums I've visited, analyzed from a spatial curator's perspective. The book aims to challenge the stereotype of museums as outdated and dull by exploring stories and inspirations within them. It also reflects my approach to life as a designer and curator. Ultimately, the purpose of design and exhibition is to create a happier world.

What are your future plans and any messages for Korean-Americans?

Throughout my career, I've encountered inspiring individuals and gained diverse knowledge and experiences. I aim to share and spread these learnings. Personally, raising a child and seeing them grow has been a profound experience, fueling my interest in children's education. I'm working on developing cultural tours for second and third-generation Koreans abroad. While challenging, I am inspired by Che Guevara’s dream of pursuing the impossible. I appreciate this opportunity with Mam & I and wish happiness and love for all families living abroad. Please remember the National Folk Museum if you visit Korea. Thank you.

Choi Mi-ok  
Curator at the National Folk Museum, Doctor of Architecture, Vice President of the Korean Society of Exhibition Design (KOSES).

Publications

• 100 Designers (2010, Ahn Graphics)
• Meeting European Museums on the Street (2016, Co-author, AAN)
• Museum × Travel (2019, Art Books)