One of the key functions of an art museum that is noticeably expanding today is art
education. Since art education differs from typical secondary school education in its
character, it is crucial to discover and train professional labor force (museum educator).
Therefore, through continuous discovery and training of professional art educators, a
museum should run a more in-depth, creative, and prepared education program. As a
person who plans and runs museum’s education programs, an art museum educator’s
professionalism and role are very important. Among a museum’s main functions
(exhibition, education, residency, research on the collection, etc.), education is fulfilling a
bigger portion than ever before. It is time to recognize the value and find new approaches
to art museum education. As a result, development and continuous support of professional
educator on a national level are necessary. In order to enable this, competence and role
of an education program’s planner (museum educator) are critical. Museums should not
only encourage participation of visitors in explanation of exhibitions and education
programs, but also promote understanding of art museum in general as well as provide
easy explanation on the importance of arts and cultural education. A case study with this
perspective examined qualification, capability, and role-carrying process of an educator at
Youngeun Museum of Contemporary Art. As it shares favorable parts and also takes a look
at areas that need further improvement, it strives to formulate a plan to vitalize art
educators supporting programs. With a hope that art educators will be able to display their
ability and competence in a specialized system at more art museums, I also ask the
educators to put in great efforts to develop professionalism in their field.