A year before the 1988 Summer Olympics in Seoul, the TCMA was approved as the first private museum in South Korea.

Architect Shin Gyu Moon designed the main exhibition hall.

The museum's focus is on regional contemporary art but also allows for cultural events including concerts, lectures, and seminars.

One-year programs in art, music, architecture, film, and literature are offered at the museum.

"The Room" is a program that was designed as a learning tool for beginner curators.