Samsung Foundation of Culture expands cultural impact with award-winning philanthropy and inclusive museum programs

The Samsung Foundation of Culture is gaining recognition not only for its long-standing commitment to cultural philanthropy but also for expanding the boundaries of what corporate cultural responsibility can look like. After receiving the grand prize at the 26th Mecenat Awards, the foundation is further demonstrating its mission through disability-inclusive programs at Leeum Museum of Art, offering a compelling model of how art can connect and empower communities.

On December 11, the foundation was awarded the Presidential Commendation at the 2025 Korean Mecenat Conference held at the Westin Chosun Seoul. Honorary Director Hong Ra-hee of Leeum Museum of Art attended the ceremony, marking her first public appearance since resuming the honorary director role earlier this year.

In her remarks, Hong emphasized the organization’s founding philosophy: “The Samsung Foundation of Culture was established in 1965 under the belief of our founder, Lee Byung-chul, that art must be shared with the public,” she said. “We will continue our efforts to ensure that art becomes an accessible and meaningful part of everyone’s life.” Her comments were met with strong applause from attendees.

Since its founding, the Samsung Foundation of Culture has played a leading role in expanding cultural access across Korea. Through the Ho-Am and Leeum Museums, the foundation has showcased national treasures, world-class exhibitions, and a wide range of educational programs. Initiatives such as the “Samsung Music Fellowship” for instrument lending, the Piano Tone Meister Program for piano technicians, and ongoing support for traditional performing arts illustrate the foundation’s consistent investment in the country’s cultural ecosystem.

The Mecenat Awards, established in 1999, recognize corporations and individuals who have made outstanding contributions to Korea’s cultural development. Other awardees this year included Chong Kun Dang Holdings (Culture Contribution Award), Kim Young-ho, Chairman of Ilsin Spinning (Mecenat Personality Award), the MetLife Foundation (Creativity Award), and the National Credit Union Federation of Korea (Arts & Business Award).

Beyond awards, the foundation’s commitment is most evident in its programs that bring art directly to underserved communities. On December 3, Leeum Museum of Art held a special viewing event for people with disabilities and their families, inviting a total of 240 participants from six welfare institutions across Seoul, including the Yongsan Community Center for the Disabled, Eunpyeong Welfare Center, and the Yongsan Sign Language Interpretation Center.

The museum intentionally opened on what is typically a closed day to provide a quieter, more relaxed viewing environment. Visitors were guided through major exhibitions including “Lee Bul: After 1998” and “Magpie and Tiger 虎鵲,” featuring the original ‘Deopy’ character from the popular K-pop Demon Hunters series.

One of the most meaningful aspects of the event was the participation of parents as volunteer docents. As caregivers to children with developmental or physical disabilities, the parent docents offered personalized explanations tailored to the audience’s understanding. Many participants expressed that this approach helped them engage more deeply with the artworks and broaden their artistic experience.

A volunteer parent, Yoo Dohwa, said, “Studying the exhibition in preparation for explaining it to my family was deeply rewarding. Watching them listen, react, and ask questions made me feel once again that art is a language that connects us.”

Kwon Ki-yong, director of the Yongsan Community Center for the Disabled, noted that the program has become “one of our most anticipated annual events,” adding that museum visits offer emotional comfort and new inspiration for families.

Samsung Foundation of Culture CEO Ryu Moon-hyung emphasized that such programs will continue: “Our goal is to ensure that art becomes a natural part of daily life for people of all backgrounds. Leeum Museum will remain a welcoming, inclusive space that builds warm, human connections through art.”

Since 2022, Leeum Museum has hosted annual invitational programs for people with disabilities, multicultural families, seniors, and low-income youth, with total participation now approaching 1,800 people.

The dual trajectory of high-level cultural recognition and community-oriented programming positions the Samsung Foundation of Culture at the forefront of Korea’s evolving mecenat landscape. Experts note that the foundation is moving beyond traditional sponsorship toward a model of cultural participation that is accessible, inclusive, and socially meaningful.

By expanding the public’s cultural experiences and strengthening social ties through art, the Samsung Foundation of Culture is setting a benchmark for how corporate cultural initiatives can contribute to social cohesion and cultural democratization.