Exhibit sheds light on urbanization of Joseon

Part of “Literary Gathering of the Middle People” (1853) by Yu Suk / Courtesy of National Museum of Korea

By Kwon Mee-yoo

A new museum exhibit gives insight into how the Joseon Kingdom (1392-1910) capital changed from the 18th century through urban and commercial development and how it influenced the evolution of art. "The City in Art, Art in the City" is held at the Special Exhibition Gallery of the National Museum of Korea (NMK) in Yongsan, Seoul.

"The exhibit focuses on the relationship between the city and art and how they coexisted," NMK director Lee Young-hoon said. “This is dedicated to those who loved and supported art.”

The exhibit begins with a 19th century map of Seoul, which was then called Hanyang. The map shows the entire cityscape of Seoul from Bukhan Mountain in the north to Han River in the south. The population was concentrated in the modern-day downtown area with dense roads marked in red.

“Mountain-shaped Water Dropper” from the 19th century Joseon Kingdom / Courtesy of National Museum of Korea

"Comprehensive Map of the Capital," a woodblock print also from the 19th century, reveals a similar population concentration within city walls. "The Local Court of Gyeonggi Province" describes Gyeonggi Court, which was located outside the city’s western gate in today’s Seodaemun-gu area, reflecting how the city expanded beyond the area enclosed by the city wall.

"Hanyang prospered as the city went through commercialization and people and money flocked to the capital," NMK curator Jang Jin-ah said.

The exhibition also sheds light on the literati culture in Hanyang and neighboring Asian countries China and Japan.

Two scroll paintings from the Liaoning Provincial Museum in China are highlights of this exhibit. Over 10 meters long, "Along the River during the Qingming Festival" and "Prosperous Suzhou" capture the prosperity of Chinese cities in extreme detail. Such paintings sparked curiosity over wealth and a commercial boom in urbanized areas among Joseon people, especially aristocrats. The original paintings are on view until Oct. 23 and will be exchanged for replicas afterwards.

"The City of Supreme Peace," an 18th century Joseon painting from an unknown artist, reflects such interest in urban commercial activity. Though the painting has people in Chinese costume, it mirrors many customs of Joseon and it is suggested that such a bustling atmosphere was considered utopian among Joseon people.

"It also shows how cultural exchanges between Korea and China influenced urban development," the curator said.

The second section, "People, Captivated by the City," features works of Kim Hong-do and Shin Yun-bok, the two most famous creators of genre painting.

"Leisure has become an important part of city life," Jang said. “It is interesting to observe how Kim and Shin described the entertainment and culture in different ways.”

As commerce thrived, the lower classes came on the art and culture scenes, boasting aesthetics matching those of the elites, backed by their newfound fortunes.

"Literati Gathering of the Middle People," an 1853 painting by Yu Suk, is an example of Joseon’s commoners enjoying high culture.

As people started to collect artworks it revolutionized the production of art. “Hundred Fans,” a series of paintings for folding screens borrowed from the Hamburg Museum for Ethnology in Germany reveals how elaborate paintings describing Joseon culture grabbed the attention of foreigners as Joseon opened its ports.

The exhibit runs until Nov. 23. Admission is 5,000 won for adults. For more information, visit museum.go.kr or call 02-2077-9000.