The Gallery Cafe

Sister Choi Hae-young is director of The Catholic Research Institute of Korea (CWRIK).  The goal of this organization is to build up harmony and equality between women and men in the Church and society through research and the education of Catholic women. 

It was easy enough to find a place for discussion and research, however in order to be in touch with the ordinary members it was essential to have a meeting place where the women could feel at home and take an active part.  Where to find such a place in Seoul which would be central and easy to reach?  It was at this point that they thought of a cafe for women.  But years were to pass before it could be realized.

Then came the miraculous answer to their prayer.  A protestant laywoman who runs a restaurant right opposite the Franciscan Centre was so impressed with the selfless service of our sisters that she offered the top apartment of her building, rent free for three years.   Her generous gift moved the hearts of many volunteer workers who also shared their resources.  The apartment was soon attractively furnished with mobile art exhibition-style walls making the space very adaptable.

The Gallery Cafe has been called Poom.  The Korean word, "poom" has various meanings:  a warm embracing; bosom; the breast of God, mother or home land; working together.

Poom will be a multi-purpose centre holding workshops and seminars run by the CWRIK.   They will run programs supported by the women power development fund from Seoul City Hall.   Programs will also cover such topics as relationships between husbands and wives; self-development;  conflict solving and a program for aging women.

The centre has the possibilities of a lecture hall, a small art gallery and a place of rest for those who just want to talk and relax over a cup of coffee.

Volunteers were sought and two RSCJ offered to help:  Sr. Lee Jeong-hee who will be in charge of the Gallery Café. and Lee Ok-soon who will help as a volunteer. Indeed, a large body of lay volunteers all eager to be part of this project have already enrolled.

The official opening on 20th January 2006 hosted its first art exhibition “Blue Logos” by artist Father Cho Kwang Ho, who has the chair of the Department of Art at Incheon Catholic University. There was a large gathering of rscj, friends and artists and the meeting ended with a gracious invitation by Fr. Cho Kwang Ho to join him for dinner in the restaurant on the first floor.

The Cafe has opened its doors to the women of Seoul.   We hope that this first small step will encourage many to avail of the opportunities Poom offers them.

Choi Hae-young rscj
Province of Korea