South Korea has one of the most active communities in the world dedicated to the collection, study, and display of unusual natural stones for their aesthetic qualities. This practice arrived in Korea via China centuries ago, was later influenced by Japan, and evolved into a distinct practice that conforms to Korean aesthetics and culture. Many factors have contributed to this success in Korea. One major factor has been the establishment of several quality museums devoted solely to Suseok. Suseok (壽石,  수석)   literally means “longevity stone,”   a Korean concept referring to the stone's long life and the belief that it is indestructible.

Over the last three decades, a series of local government- and privately supported Suseok Museums has been established throughout Korea. Those museums, operated by county governments, employ contemporary display and interpretation methods, as well as informal educational techniques, to reach and inform a range of visitors, from children to senior citizens. These efforts are developing awareness of the art of natural stone appreciation among the general public and telling them about the geological history of their country.

The Pyeongchang Stone Culture Museum (평창 돌문화 체험관) located in Gangwon-do province in the eastern mountainous region of Korea, is a prime example of a county government-supported stone museum. This museum is the largest facility of its kind in Korea. It was established and opened to the public in May 2020. An array of individual stones is displayed indoors, while large garden stones are displayed in a serene outdoor landscape. Both venues encourage visitors to appreciate the beauty found in natural stones while fostering a closer connection with nature. Educational programs for children and adults are offered. This outstanding museum serves as a shining model for other countries to emulate.

Another notable museum is the Geosan Suseok Exhibition Hall (괴산 수석전시관) at Jungwon University in Goesan County, Gyeongsangnam-do Province. This scenic county, located in the forested, mountainous region of central Korea, is experiencing a population decline. This museum was established in 2014 to provide visitors with an opportunity to learn about Korea's geological and cultural heritage through its display of natural stone and fossils. In addition to attractive displays of Suseok, this museum houses a library of stone-related books for visitors to consult and deepen their knowledge of viewing stone appreciation. 

Smaller museums specializing in a single stone type or stones from a specific region or river exist. There are two permanent exhibits of Korea Flower Stones (화문석, 花紋石) in eastern Korea, along with three exhibits of stones from Jeju Island.

The government-supported Suseok museums are complemented by many privately supported museums. Most of these smaller private museums resulted from a person’s personal collection. Together, there are currently about 45 recognized museums devoted to Suseok in South Korea. I anticipate that the number of private museums will decline over the next decade, while government-supported institutions will continue to exist. Some of these will thrive and expand their collections and outreach. I think the presence of Suseok museums throughout Korea is one reason that the number of people engaged in viewing stone appreciation has remained relatively stable. In contrast, Japan does not have a government-supported museum devoted solely to Suiseki. This has, I believe, contributed to the steady decline in the number of Japanese Suiseki clubs and people collecting viewing stones over the last three decades.  

The long-standing Korean Suseok practice of stone appreciation is thriving due to several key factors, including numerous museums, clubs throughout the country, regional exhibitions, an annual national exhibition, a steady supply of natural stones, and its connection to Korea's cultural history.