The museum houses and displays the artifacts and remains of Ori(梧里) Yi Wonik(李元翼, 1547-1634) and his direct descendants of the Joseon Dynasty. He was a fourth-generation son of Iknyeonggun(益寧君) who was the twelfth son of King Taejong, and served as the Yeonguijeong (prime minister) through the reigns of three kings, Seonjo, Gwanghaegun, and Injo. He was also widely known as 'Ori Jeongseung(Ori prime minister)'.

He produced many achievements because of his strong sense of responsibility and love for his people. For example, he established the Daedongbeop for lightening the tax burden of the people, and reformed the military service system. His new system was later adopted all over the country. In addition, he encouraged sericultural industry during his service as the magistrate of Anju, so that the mulberry trees in Anju were called ‘Igongsang(Yi Wonik's mulberry trees)'.

During the Japanese Invasion of Joseon, he made a brilliant achievement in the recapture of Pyeongyangseong Fortress as the Dosunchalsa(temporary local commander in wartime) of Pyeongan-do, and presided over military affairs as the Sadodochechalsa (temporary commander in wartime of four districts) and rendered a distinguished service for the repulse of the invaders. In recognition of his services in the war, he was honored as Hoseonggongsin, a meritorious retainer, and was designated to Wanpyeongbuwongun, an honorary prime minister. Having an open heart and a strong sense of justice, he never showed off his authority but was devoted to his duties. In appreciation of his honest poverty, he was selected as a clean-handed government officer, and was awarded a house and a gwejang("set of a cushion and a cane") by King Injo.

In the museum and its adjacent area where Yi Wonik lived the last part of his life, there are such designated cultural properties as Gwangamdang that King Injo granted him, Ori Yeong-u (shrine), Chunghyeonseowon Site, the house of the head family, etc. In addition, the refinement of Seonbi culture of the Joseon Dynasty can be appreciated through visiting Tangeumam where he played the geomungo("Korean zither-like instrument with six strings"), the 400+ year old Chinese arborvitae, and pavilions such as recently reconstructed Pungyokdae and Samsangdae. The gallery displays a portrait of Ori Yi Wonik, his calligraphy, messages, literary works and a sagwejangyeoncheop("album depicting a party for awarding a cushion and a cane to a distinguished old official"), and old documents, wooden furniture, and ritual utensils and office fixtures left by his descendants. His cautious and careful teachings as the head of a family are revealed on his autograph testament and poem given to his lovely granddaughter, Gye-on. Moreover, through the daily commodities of the head family house, the philosophy of life of the family which maintains the traditional ancestor-memorial ceremonies and the thought of loyalty and filial piety is expressed.

Chunghyeon Museum was founded by Dr. Yi Seunggyu, Yi Wonik's thirteenth-generation eldest son, and his wife, Ham Geumja. Through the Chunghyeon Foundation of Culture they established, they operate the museum and contribute to the development of local community and culture.