Discover Korean Art with Curator Yeonsoo Chee

Experience Korean art through an exclusive private tour and conversation with Yeonsoo Chee, Associate Curator of Korean Art at the Art Institute of Chicago, followed by a light lunch at the museum’s Members Lounge.

Experience Details

• Private curator-led tour with Yeonsoo Chee
• Museum admission included
• Light lunch at the museum’s Members Lounge
• Guests: Up to 4 people
• Date: To be mutually arranged (Saturday or Sunday)

$1,000 per group | Up to 4 guests

About the Curator

Yeonsoo Chee is the Associate Curator of Korean Art at the Art Institute of Chicago, where she became the museum’s first curator dedicated to Korean art in 2020.

Specializing in Korean painting and Joseon court art, she has played a key role in expanding the museum’s Korean art collection and developing its dedicated Korean art gallery, unveiled in 2024.

Previously, she held curatorial positions at the National Palace Museum of Korea and the USC Pacific Asia Museum. She also lectures at the School of the Art Institute of Chicago and has contributed to numerous exhibitions and publications on Korean art.

Generously donated by curator Yeonsoo Chee.
100% of the proceeds will support KCCoC’s cultural and community programs.

Beyond Notes: An Intimate House Concert with Dr. Soo

Enjoy an intimate chamber music concert in the comfort of your own home, curated and performed by Dr. Soo and selected musicians.

Designed for a private gathering, this special experience brings the warmth and immediacy of live chamber music into a personal setting—creating a memorable evening for family, friends, or invited guests.

The program may include a thoughtfully selected chamber repertoire, brief introductions to the music, and opportunities for conversation with the musicians.

Includes

• Private house concert
• Dr. Soo and selected chamber musicians
• Curated musical program
• Approximately 45–60 minutes
• Date to be mutually arranged
• Date to be mutually arranged

About Dr. Soo

Dr. Soo Young Lee is a Chicago-area pianist, chamber musician, and educator. She is a longtime faculty member at the Music Institute of Chicago, where she teaches piano and chamber music, and she also serves on the piano faculty at Lake Forest College. A graduate of Northwestern University, where she earned her bachelor’s, master’s, and doctoral degrees in music, Dr. Lee has performed widely in the Chicago area and beyond, including appearances on WFMT. She is also the founder and artistic director of ARK Ensemble and president of the Society of American Musicians.

Generously offered by Dr. Soo and participating musicians. 50% of the proceeds will support KCCoC’s cultural and community programs. The remaining 50% will cover the musicians’ performance fees.

An Intimate Conversation with Andrew Bae

Join Andrew Bae, founder of Andrew Bae Gallery, for an intimate conversation on how to begin collecting art and his journey introducing Korean and East Asian artists to Chicago’s art community.

Through a 50-minute lecture followed by a 25-minute interactive Q&A, guests will gain insights into developing a personal collecting perspective, supporting artists, and building meaningful connections among collectors, galleries, and cultural institutions.

Presented as part of RESONANCE | 공명, this special program explores how a shared appreciation for art can strengthen Chicago’s cultural community.

Event Details

• Date: Friday, December 4, 2026
• Time: 5:00–6:15 PM (75 minutes)
• Format: Lecture (50 min) + Interactive Q&A (25 min)
• Venue: Korean Cultural Center of Chicago or TBD on location
• Capacity: Limited to 20 guests

About Andrew Bae

For nearly three decades, Andrew Bae played an important role in Chicago’s contemporary art community through Andrew Bae Gallery, which he founded in River North in 1990. The gallery became known for introducing Korean and other Asian contemporary artists to American collectors, museums, and audiences, while building long-term relationships with artists and supporting their development over time.

After retiring from gallery operations in 2019, Bae has continued to contribute his experience and perspective to the cultural community, particularly through conversations around collecting, artists, and the role of cultural institutions in building meaningful connections through art.

Generously donated by Andrew Bae 100% of the proceeds will support KCCoC’s cultural and community programs.

Art & Blossom: A Private Painting Party

at Little Tree Blossom Art Studio

Enjoy a creative and relaxing painting experience with friends or family at Little Tree Blossom Art Studio.

Designed for a private group of up to four guests, this two-hour painting party offers an opportunity to explore your creativity, enjoy time together, and create your own artwork in a welcoming studio setting.

Each guest will complete a personal painting to take home, making the experience both memorable and meaningful.

Light refreshments will be provided.

Includes

• Private painting party for up to 4 guests
• Two-hour guided painting session
• Art materials and supplies
• One completed painting per guest to take home
• Light refreshments
• Date to be mutually arranged
  

Littletreeblossom Studio | Soyoung S. Park

Led by Director, painter  Soyoung S. Park, Littletreeblossom Studio is an art studio that nurtures creativity through drawing and painting, bringing together individual expression, learning, and community.

Generously offered by Little Tree Blossom.
50% of the proceeds will support KCCoC’s cultural and community programs.

VIP Package for Two — $200

Experience the vibrant sounds of Korea through Korean Music Fridays, an annual concert series presented by the Korean Performing Arts Institute of Chicago (KPAC), celebrating the depth and diversity of traditional and contemporary Korean music.

The series brings together master musicians, emerging artists, and cross-cultural collaborations, highlighting everything from pungmul and samulnori to gayageum, daegeum, gugak, folk song, and contemporary interpretations of Korean musical traditions.

This special VIP experience includes:

• Two VIP seats
• Access to a selected Korean Music Fridays performance
• Post-concert photo opportunity with the musicians

Whether you are a longtime listener or discovering Korean music for the first time, this experience offers a unique opportunity to enjoy the artistry, history, and evolving spirit of Korean music.

Generously donated by Korean Performing Arts Institute of Chicago (KPAC), 100% of the proceeds will support KCCoC’s cultural and community programs.

Enjoy a special multi-course dinner for two at the chef’s table, including dessert, with a front-row view of the Perilla Steakhouse experience.

Perilla Steakhouse offers a contemporary take on Korean-American dining, bringing together bold flavors, premium ingredients, and a modern interpretation of Korean culinary traditions in an elevated steakhouse setting.

This intimate chef’s table experience offers guests a closer look at the energy, creativity, and hospitality behind Perilla’s distinctive approach to Korean-American cuisine.

Generously donated by Chef Andrew Lim and Perilla
100% of the proceeds will support KCCoC’s cultural and community programs.

From Royal Court Elegance to Contemporary Expression

Exclusive VIP Package — $250 for Two Guests

April 3, 2027 | 4PM or 7:30 PM

Museum of Contemporary Art Chicago
220 E. Chicago Avenue, Chicago, IL 60611

Experience the timeless elegance of Korean royal court dance and the vibrant creativity of contemporary Korean dance in an exceptional performance at the Museum of Contemporary Art Chicago.

Featuring accomplished professional dancers, this special program celebrates Korea’s rich artistic heritage and its evolving contemporary expression.

Package Includes:

● Two premium reserved seats

● Two complimentary wine or non-alcoholic beverage vouchers at MCA

● Choice of the 4:00 PM or 7:30 PM 

Generously offered by Chicago Korean Dance.
50% of the proceeds will support KCCoC’s cultural and community programs.

Afternoon Tea Tasting Experience for Two

Enjoy a curated prix fixe afternoon tea tasting for two at HAN CHA Chicago, featuring a guided pairing of reserve teas. Discover the delicate flavors, aromas, and traditions of tea through an intimate tasting experience.

HAN CHA | Chicago

Founded by artist Theaster Gates and cultural entrepreneur Heiji Choy Black, Han Cha is a contemporary tea salon located within Chicago’s Stony Island Arts Bank. Inspired by Korean tea traditions, it brings together art, ceramics, and hospitality, creating a welcoming space for cultural exchange and meaningful human connection through the shared experience of tea.

Generously donated by Heiji Choi Blank/ HAN CHA Chicago.

100% of the proceeds will support KCCoC’s cultural and community programs.

One-Year Household Membership

Enjoy a one-year household membership to The Morton Arboretum, admitting up to six individuals per visit with two named cardholders.

A wonderful opportunity to experience nature, seasonal landscapes, gardens, and outdoor programs throughout the year.

The Morton Arboretum

The Morton Arboretum is a leading botanical garden and tree research institution dedicated to protecting and celebrating trees and the natural world. Through its expansive landscapes, collections, exhibitions, and educational programs, it offers visitors opportunities to experience nature while supporting conservation, research, and environmental learning.

Generously donated in support of KCCoC’s cultural and community programs.

Spirit Pier Passport Membership

Enjoy a Spirit Pier Passport membership with a collection of Navy Pier benefits, including:

• Navy Pier tote bag
• Four Centennial Wheel tickets
• Four $10 parking discounts
• Rotating discounts and perks
• Navy Pier cooler bag

A fun way to experience one of Chicago’s most iconic lakefront destinations while enjoying year-round visitor benefits.

Navy Pier

Navy Pier is one of Chicago’s most iconic lakefront destinations and a nonprofit cultural landmark, bringing together arts, entertainment, public programs, dining, and community experiences. Known as the “People’s Pier,” it serves as a welcoming public space that celebrates Chicago’s diverse culture and encourages connection, discovery, and shared experiences.

Generously donated in support of KCCoC’s cultural and community programs.

Four Exhibit Admission Passes

Enjoy four admission passes to explore the Chicago Architecture Center’s exhibitions and discover the stories, design, and architecture that shape Chicago.

Chicago Architecture Center

The Chicago Architecture Center (CAC) is a nonprofit cultural institution dedicated to helping people discover why design matters. Through exhibitions, architecture tours, public programs, and education, CAC explores Chicago’s architectural legacy while encouraging new ideas about how design shapes cities and communities.

Generously donated in support of KCCoC’s cultural and community programs.

Golf Classes & Private Lessons

Includes:

• One month of junior golf classes — Value: $250
• Five 30-minute private lesson sessions — Value: $350

A great opportunity for young golfers and individuals looking to improve their skills through structured instruction and personalized coaching.

Birdie Project Golf Academy

Birdie Project Golf Academy is a Buffalo Grove–based indoor golf training facility offering personalized instruction for golfers of all ages and skill levels. Led by instructor Grace Kil, the academy provides private lessons, junior programs, structured practice, and technology-supported training designed to help players build confidence, improve technique, and enjoy the game.

Generously donated in support of KCCoC’s cultural and community programs.

Palace Teardrop Earrings Silver

• Material: Solid sterling silver
• Style: Post earrings with friction backs
• Dimensions: 2⅛" L × 1⅝" W

Inspired by the sweeping curves of traditional Korean palace eaves, these sculptural sterling silver earrings transform architectural elegance into a bold, contemporary statement. Their open teardrop silhouette creates a beautiful sense of movement and lightness, while the polished silver surface catches the light with a refined shine.

Striking yet elegant, these statement earrings celebrate the intersection of Korean cultural heritage and modern design.

About ParkFord

ParkFord is a Chicago-based fine jewelry brand founded by designer Jeanette Park. Inspired by architecture, art, and the beauty of everyday forms, ParkFord creates contemporary jewelry that balances clean lines, sculptural shapes, and timeless elegance. Each piece reflects a thoughtful approach to design, celebrating individuality and the connection between art and personal expression.

Generously donated by Parkford.
100% of the proceeds will support KCCoC’s cultural and community programs.

Out-of-Print Photobook | Unnamed Road by Jungjin Lee

This sought-after publication features the work of acclaimed Korean photographer Jungjin Lee, whose contemplative black-and-white images explore the relationship between landscape, memory, and the inner self.

In Unnamed Road, Lee captures the landscapes of Israel and the West Bank, revealing a world of stillness, impermanence, and enduring truths. Known for her distinctive photographic process on handmade Korean paper, Lee creates evocative images at the intersection of photography, painting, and meditation.

Now sold out, this publication offers a special opportunity to acquire a work documenting the artistic vision of a distinguished contemporary Korean photographer while supporting the cultural mission of the Korean Cultural Center of Chicago (KCCoC).

About the artist Jungjin Lee

Jungjin Lee is a Korean-born, New York–based photographer known for meditative black-and-white landscapes that explore memory, perception, and the emotional presence of place. Trained first in ceramics at Hongik University and later in photography at New York University, Lee brings a strong sense of materiality to the photographic image.

Her distinctive practice involves printing photographs on handmade mulberry paper, allowing texture, surface, and process to become integral to the work. Through deserts, roads, mountains, water, and other elemental landscapes, Lee transforms photography into a quiet space of reflection—where the outer world and inner experience begin to resonate.

Her work has been exhibited internationally and is held in major museum collections.

Generously donated by Chloe Yoo
100% of the proceeds will support KCCoC’s cultural and community programs.

A wonderful opportunity to enjoy a meal while supporting KCCoC’s cultural and community programs.

Generously donated by Sakura Restaurant.