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RAS Korea to introduce 'K-dragons' in lecture
The Dragon King sits in his throne as a servant boy welcomes the Bodhisattva of Compassion, right, in this temple painting at Haein Temple in Gayasan National Park, South Gyeongsang Province, Jan. 1, 1983. According to David A. Mason, the painting was gone by his next visit in 1986, when he was told it had been burned as part of a "no Shamanism in temples!" campaign. Courtesy of David A. Mason
By Jon Dunbar
Dragons in Korean folklore are different from their cousins in European tradition. Here, they are often associated with mercy, sympathy, empathy and love.
The mythical creature is explored in a new book by David A. Mason, a recently retired professor of tourism with expertise in the religious characteristics of Korean mountains.
He will introduce the book, "K-Dragons: DaeHanYong — Korea’s Dragon Traditions and their Yong-wang Monarchs," at an upcoming lecture for Royal Asiatic Society (RAS) Korea.
Mason will give a lecture based on a chapter from the book, focusing on the mythical Dragon King. He will focus on the Dragon King's appearance in Korean Buddhist artwork, often paired with the Bodhisattva of Compassion, who is sometimes depicted riding the dragon.
An online introduction to the lecture says Mason will "explain the complex relationship at work here, in a way that deepens our understanding of how Korean Buddhist iconography developed as an integration of Shamanic/Daoist folk-deities into it, and will attempt to enhance our spiritual inspiration that can be derived from viewing these artworks."
Mason has authored 10 books on Korean culture and tourism, including "Spirit of the Mountains: Korea’s San-shin and Traditions of Mountain-Worship," "Solitary Sage" and "An Encyclopedia of Korean Buddhism."
His latest book presents a comprehensive look at Korean dragons, and there are plans to release it in two volumes.
"No book like this exists in any language," Mason said.
The book will be available for order during the lecture, which will be his 18th lecture for RAS Korea.
The lecture will be held April 28 at 7:20 p.m., in the basement of the Seoul Public Activities Center near Exit 8 of Samgakji Station on Seoul Metro lines 4 and 6. Entry costs 10,000 won, or 5,000 won for students of all ages with valid student ID, and is free for RAS Korea members.
Visit raskb.com for more information.
Walk through Gangnam
On the weekend before Mason's lecture, Jun Y.G. Shin will lead a walking excursion of southern Seoul's Gangnam District. Although Gangnam is widely perceived as an affluent neighborhood with a much shorter history than the area north of the river, there is still a lot of heritage on display in the area.
"Since the runaway success of a satirical song by a rotund Korean rapper (named) PSY, the phrase ‘Gangnam Style’ has earned worldwide fame," Shin wrote in an online invitation. "There is, however, another side to Gangnam. Amid the hustle and bustle of the sleekest, most modern part of Seoul, lie quiet corners, lush greenery and traces of Korea’s past."
Shin will introduce both the old and the new sides of Gangnam, visiting the Seolleung Royal Tombs, a serene green space that preserves centuries-old royal tombs; Coex, a landmark of modern Seoul; and Bongeun Temple, one of the city’s largest and most vibrant Buddhist temples.
The tomb of Seongjong is surrounded by the modern buildings of southern Seoul's Gangnam District, May 23, 2015. Korea Times photo by Jon Dunbar
The group will meet at exit 10 of Seolleung Station on Line 2 and the Suin-Bundang Line at 1 p.m. The event lasts about four hours long. There will be a considerable amount of walking, so participants are advised to wear appropriate footwear. Those who wish to attend should register by April 23. Joining costs 30,000 won, or 25,000 won for RAS Korea members.