100 Korean National Symbols on Exhibit
By Chung Ah-young
Staff Reporter
Koreans have long adjusted their lifestyle to the circumstances they have found themselves in. These modest images and sentiment of everyday life define the character of Korean culture.
To show off the Korean ways of life, from far back in the past up to the present, the National Folk Museum of Korea holds a special exhibition titled the ``100 National and Cultural Symbols,'' based on the designations by the Ministry of Culture and Tourism in 2006.
The featured items are icons that represent Korean culture with its rich symbolism and profound cohesion with nature.
The exhibition provides the colors of Korean culture through displays titled ``Touching the World," ``Creation of Color," and ``Illumination." The exhibit showcases about 150 pieces of historical relics.
The exhibit shows various types of hanbok, Korean traditional wear, such as durumagi (overcoat) for men and jeogori (shirt) for women epitomizing the generous and classy beauty of Korean clothing.
A rainfall gauge, National Treasure No. 842, which was created in 1770 of the Joseon Kingdom, and traditional paper masks that were used by jesters in Gasan County, Sacheon, South Gyeongsang Province, are on display.
The first section of ``Touching the World ― Nature and Environment'' presents the various eras from the early times in history to contemporary times, during which Koreans have developed a rich and creative culture based on their beliefs in ``cheonjiin,'' or a philosophy that defines heaven, earth and man as the essential source of all ideas and practices.
This section shows Korea's nature-friendly approach reflected in daily lives, art, religion, literature and all the other aspects of our culture.
From the towering Mt. Baekdu, the starting point of the Baekdu Daegan ridge that runs through the peninsula, to the southernmost island of Jeju, every Korean regardless of where they live would have a colorful life story to tell.
The second part of ``Creation of Color ― Style in Living'' provides the originality of Korean culture, which is derived from the blending of human life and the land's unique natural environment.
The beauty of nature is well reflected in the everyday utensils and artifacts, modest and functional, yet marked for their elegance and splendor.
The colors and texture of Goryeo-era celadon, white porcelain and ``onggi'' pots; the colors and lines of traditional clothing such as ``dopo,'' ``jeogori,'' and ``saekdong;'' the stylish shapes and functionality of fans; the melancholic sounds of traditional Korean instruments ``daegeum'' and ``geomungo'' and the emotional depth of pansori, or traditional narrative songs; and the energy of ``pungmul'' (traditional folk music) performance, are just some of the examples of Korean culture's unique beauty.
The third part of ``Illumination ― Mind and Spirit'' shows the distinctive character and philosophies of Korea's past, reflecting a unique understanding of human life and nature. Such advancements contributed to the depth of thought and the sophistication of artistic skills.
The exhibition will run until March 17. For more information, call (02) 3704-3154.