50 Years of the Korean Film Archive 1990~2007
The Seocho-dong Era Begins: Full-fledged Growth as a Film Archive
Korean Film Archive
Chung Chong-hwa (Senior Researcher, Research & Curation Team, Korean Film Archive)
KOFA Building in Seoul Arts Center (2007)Korean Film Archive
Exploring the functions and roles as a film archive
KOFA moved to Seocho-dong in 1990. In 1991, its name was officially confirmed as KOFA, and it began preserving various materials beyond films. Through international exchanges and the operation of the video archive/cinema, KOFA has expanded its role as a cinematheque.
Opening Ceremony of Seocho-dong Building and Signboard Unveiling (1990)Korean Film Archive
Establishing the film archive foundation at Seocho-dong
KOFA relocated to Seoul Arts Center's Art Resource Center in Oct 1990, gaining film storage, offices, screening rooms & video archive. This was thanks to Culture Minister Lee O-young, who understood the importance of film archiving and cinematheque functions.
The title of Korean Film Archive was decided by Culture Minister Lee and Chairperson Ho Hyeon-chan. Although the space was only about 1,700 ㎡, KOFA gradually increased its budget and manpower to establish itself as the national film archive.
Signboard of KOFA and Seocho-dong Building Facilities after Renaming (2007)Korean Film Archive
Starting as a public film archive
Since 1991, the Korean Film Archive began developing into a facility that became the prototype for the programs it actively runs today.
The 500-square-meter film storage facilities consisted of two negative and one print archive. In 1995, additional space was leased to house a non-film archive, along with separate archives for posters, stills, video and literature, and sound.
This marked the beginning of operating spaces utilizing visual materials to engage the public. It led to the creation of an archive room for reading services and a film theater with 110 and 70 seats, respectively.
16mm Release Print of A Hometown in HeartKorean Film Archive
The return of A Hometown in Heart
This Korean classic, released in 1949 to great artistic acclaim, was lost during the Korean War. In 1993, KOFA acquired a 16mm print from producer Lee Gang-su, who was living in France, and reunited the film with audiences for the first time in over 40 years.
Group Photo of the Production Team of A Hometown in Heart (1949)Korean Film Archive
In 2005, the 35mm print was acquired by Japan's National Film Center (now the National Film Archive of Japan). In 2022, a 4K digital restoration was completed, allowing the film's beautiful mise-en-scene and moving story to be seen in pristine quality.
A Hometown in Heart (1949) by Yun Yong-gyuKorean Film Archive
Masterpiece of the liberation period: A Hometown in Heart
The film follows the story of a young monk, a widow, and his biological mother. Acclaimed as one of the best films of the liberation period, it was directed by Yun Yong-gyu who worked in both South and North Korean cinemas during the tumultuous periods of Korean history.
Russian Gosfilmofond Overview (2020)Korean Film Archive
Return of Joseon films from the Japanese occupation-era
Most pre-1945 Korean films were lost during liberation and the war. KOFA searches overseas archives, including Gosfilmofond, a Russian national film archive and the China Film Archive (CFA), for recovery. Work began at Gosfilmofond in 1993 and continues today.
Shim Chung (1937)Korean Film Archive
Initially collecting news and cultural films, KOFA found reels of Shim Chung (An Seok-yeong, 1937) and Fisherman's Fire (An Cheol-yeong, 1938) from Gosfilmofond. This discovery led to the conviction that more fictional films from the Japanese Occupation period might be found.
The China Film Archive Building (2018)Korean Film Archive
Discovery of 8 Fictional Films from the Japan's Occupation Era
KOFA began exchanges with the CFA in 1999, acquiring a Chinese film Good Bye, Shanghai! (1934), directed by Jeong Gi-tak, working in Shanghai at the time. Since 2004, a three-year survey at the CFA unearthed many Korean films from the Japanese Occupation period.
Sweet Dream (1936) by Yang Ju-namKorean Film Archive
Colonial version of 'Madame Freedom': Sweet Dream
From 2004 to 2006, several films were discovered during research trips to the CFA, including Military Train (1938), Angels on the Streets (1941), and Sweet Dream (1936). These discoveries sparked a boom in the study of colonial film history in academia.
Commemorative Photo of 'Le cinema coréen' Opening Ceremony at Pompidou Center (1993)Korean Film Archive
Official start of international exchange: Hosting the FIAF congress in Seoul
In the 1990s, KOFA pursued international exchange programs and aimed to host the FIAF Congress in Seoul. In 1993, it held a retrospective, “Le cinema coréen” in Paris, and introduced works by directors Shin Sang-ok and Kim Ki-young to overseas film festivals.
Commemorative Photo of 'Korean Film Retrospective' Participants at the China Film Archive (2001)Korean Film Archive
In 2000, KOFA co-organized the 'Retrospective of Chinese Films in Seoul and Busan' with the CFA. In 2001, KOFA organized the Retrospective of Korean Films at the CFA.
58th FIAF Seoul Congress Poster (2002)Korean Film Archive
In 2002, KOFA hosted the FIAF Congress in Seoul. Gaining recognition through this event, KOFA has since promoted film exchanges between North and South Korea as well as regional exchanges in Asia.
From Morning to Evening (1970)Korean Film Archive
Building an archive for Korean independent films
In 2003, KOFA expanded to include independent films, starting with archiving Between Morning and Evening (Lee Ik-tae, 1970), considered Korea's first independent film. KOFA now holds over 2,500 independent films and aims to pass on their value to future generations.
Preservation Center of National Registered Cultural Heritage Preservation Center of National Registered Cultural HeritageKorean Film Archive
Registering Korean classic films as cultural heritage
In 2007, seven Korean films were recognized as National Registered Cultural Heritage for the first time. These included Sweet Dream (1936) and Madame Freedom (1956). The oldest surviving fictional film, Turning Point of the Youngsters (1934), was added to the list in 2012.
The Landscape of Korean Cinema: 1945-1959 (2003)Korean Film Archive
Starting research on Korean film history
In July 2003, Lee Hyo-in, a film activist and researcher of Korean film history, became the director of KOFA. KOFA enhanced its film history research capabilities and personnel, launching multiple projects to create research-based content.
An article introducing the symposuim "Writhing Korean Film History through Oral History" (2010)Korean Film Archive
In 2007, Cho Sun-hee succeeded as director and elevated KOFA's research capabilities by establishing the Korean Film History Research Center at the new Archive building in Sangam-dong.
Research Books Published by KOFAKorean Film Archive
Creating books on Korean film history
Starting with The Landscape of Korean Cinema 1945-1959 in 2003, KOFA published a series of books on Korean film history. The 2007 launch of the Filmstory series expanded public engagement and laid the foundation for studying Korean film history.
Documentary on Filmmakers: Yu Hyun-mok (1997)Korean Film Archive
Recording oral histories of senior filmmakers
Oral histories are crucial for balancing documentary-based film history. KOFA began making filmmaker documentaries in 1997. In 2004, it started recording oral histories of elder filmmakers. Since 2008, it has documented life and thematic histories of Korean cinema.
Classic Korean Film DVD CollectionKorean Film Archive
Launching the Korean classic film DVD collection
To share the value of classic Korean films with a wider audience, KOFA started a DVD collection of Korean classics in 2004. In 2007, it launched the Shin Sang-ok Collection, a box set of directors' works, and thematic collections such as Unearthed Past.
Classic Korean Film Blu-ray Collection Classic Korean Film Blu-ray CollectionKorean Film Archive
In 2014, KOFA began releasing classic Korean films on Blu-ray, starting with The Housemaid (1960) and The March of Fools (1975). KOFA's Blu-ray collection showcases its 4K high-definition restoration achievements and is highly sought after by movie fans.
Pamphlet of 'Watching Good Films' Program (1992)Korean Film Archive
Exploring the role of cinematheque
Since 1992, KOFA has promoted the screening of classic Korean films through its 'Watching Good Films' program. Since 1994, it has created a canon of Korean films with audiences through 'Director's Week.'
Entrance of KOFA Cinema in Seocho-dong Building (2007)Korean Film Archive
In 2004, the screening space was renamed KOFA Cinema and began offering a more diverse program focused on classic Korean films. In 2006, the cinema attracted over 20,000 visitors for the first time, paving the way for the launch of Cinematheque KOFA in May 2008.
Pamphlet of British Film Festival (1996)Korean Film Archive
Film screenings with discussions
KOFA's cinematheque movement screened Korean classics and international arthouse films while facilitating expert-audience dialogues. Since 2005, a monthly commentary program by renowned critics has accompanied the screenings, satisfying cinephiles' cultural thirst.
Textbook of 'Summer Film Class' (1994)Korean Film Archive
The Summer Film Classes, held successfully from 1993 to 2011, provided KOFA with an opportunity to recognize and explore the importance of cinematic literacy.
75 Years of Korean Cinema (1995)Korean Film Archive
Building the backbone of KOFA
KOFA holds extensive data and physical media. Initiated in 1991, its informationization project culminated in 1995 with the publication of the "75 Years of Korean Cinema" CD-ROM. In 1997, KOFA established a comprehensive information management system and linked it online in 1998.
Korean Movie Database : KMDb (2006)Korean Film Archive
The system was renewed in 2014 and is still in use today. The current KMDb site launched in 2006, and the KMDb VOD service began in 2007, bringing 160 classic Korean films online for the first time. It is considered the best database on Korean movies in Korea.
KOFA Exterior with Na Un-kyoo Retrospective Week Banner (1991)Korean Film Archive
Exhibiting Korean films
Regular exhibitions began in 1990. During the 1991 Na Un-kyoo Retrospective Film Week, KOFA displayed photographs of his works. Archival materials like posters and stills were made available to the public on a smaller scale, in conjunction with the screenings.
2nd Korean Film Retrospective of Renowned Actors (1999)Korean Film Archive
Starting in 1998, KOFA organized retrospective screenings of renowned Korean actors and directors, accompanied by photography exhibitions. In 2005, the number of exhibitions increased to seven per year in preparation for the establishment of the Korean Film Museum.
Outdoor Screen by the Cinema on Wheels (2001)Korean Film Archive
Sharing films: The cinema on wheels program
From 1989 to 2001, KOFA operated a small-town screening tour to revitalize local culture and promote Korean cinema. In 2001, it developed a mobile cinema model in a vehicle, launching the “Cinema on Wheels” project. In 2011, it incorporated a film education program.
Organized and produced by Korean Film Archive
Curated by Chung Chong-hwa (Senior Researcher, Research & Curation Team, Korean Film Archive)
Production arranged by Lee Ji-youn, Song Eun-ji
Translated by Double D
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