Gansong Art Museum is the first modern private museum of Korea and was founded by Jeon Hyeongpil (전형필 全鎣弼) in 1938. The museum was named after the pen name of the founder, Gansong (간송 澗松). The aim of the foundation was to prevent Japanese removal of Korean cultural properties, during the Japanese occupation. At times, numerous Korean cultural properties were taken to Japan, such as Goryeo porcelains, statues of Buddha made in Silla kingdom, documents and books made in Joseon dynasty.