Ilmin Cultural Foundation and Donga Ilbo announced on Wednesday that Kansong Art Museum’s chief curator Choi Wan-su is the winner of the 10th Ilmin Cultural Award.

The judges noted Choi’s achievements in rediscovering the value and beauty of Korea’s culture, promoting it to the public and enhancing the people’s self-esteem.

Choi conducted considerable research on Korean art, especially on Joseon Dynasty artist Gyeomjae Jeong Seon, Buddhist images and royal tombs, and hosted more than 80 special exhibitions during the 45 years he has served at the museum. Before joining the museum in 1966, he served as a scholar and researcher at the National Museum of Korea.

The awards ceremony will be held on Jan. 19 at Ilmin Museum of Art in central Seoul. Choi will receive prize money of 50 million won.

By Park Min-young (claire@heraldcorp.com)