Latest news with #NationalMuseumofKorea
Korea Herald
3 days ago
- Politics
- Korea Herald
Seasoned art scholar You Hong-jun appointed director general of National Museum of Korea
76-year-old professor known for championing Korean heritage, storytelling You Hong-jun, a chair professor of art history at Myongji University in Seoul and a prominent advocate for Korean cultural heritage, has been appointed director general of the National Museum of Korea, the presidential office announced Sunday. The appointment came as President Lee Jae Myung named four vice ministerial-level officials, including You. Presidential spokesperson Kang Yu-jung highlighted You's long-standing efforts to foster public interest in Korea's cultural legacy, citing his widely read book, 'My Exploration of Cultural Heritage,' as a key contribution. The book traces Korea's layered history through personal storytelling and vivid depictions of cultural sites and historic neighborhoods. 'He is well-suited to further elevate Korea's global standing by encouraging public engagement and offering fresh interpretations of traditional heritage,' Kang said in a written briefing. A seasoned scholar and educator, You has taught art history at Yeungnam University in North Gyeongsang Province and later at Myongji University. In September 2004, he began his first government post as the third head of the Cultural Heritage Administration — now known as the Korea Heritage Service — where he led initiatives to protect and broaden public access to significant cultural properties.
Korea Herald
3 days ago
- General
- Korea Herald
Denny Taegeukgi lights up Seoul to mark 80 years of liberty
Immersive video of Korea's national flag shown at National Museum Korea, Shinsegae Square's outdoor LED screens The oldest remaining prototype of the Taegeukgi, South Korea's national flag, is being displayed on large screens in Seoul to mark the 80th anniversary of Korea's liberation from Japanese colonial rule. An immersive video featuring the historic flag will be shown on the National Museum of Korea's outdoor light-emitting diode screen until Oct. 12, as well as at Shinsegae Square in Myeong-dong every 10 minutes through Aug. 15, which is the Liberation Day holiday. The "Denny" version of the Taegeukgi, housed at the state-run museum, is the oldest and the largest extant of Korea's national flag, measuring 262 centimeters in width and 182.5 centimeters in length. The flag was part of a collection held by Owen Nickerson Denny (1838-1900), an American diplomatic adviser to King Gojeong in 1886. The flag was presented by the Joseon era's King Gojong (1863-1907) to Owen Denny around 1890, before he left the country the following year. His descendant, William Ralston, donated the flag to the NMK in 1981, according to the museum. The one-minute video of the flag brings to life the history and spirit of Korea through the Denny Taegeukgi, using powerful visuals to show its journey from oppression to hope and national pride. It opens with a realistic re-creation of the original flag, made of white cotton with a red and blue taeguk and hand-stitched blue trigrams. Shadows and darkness soon follow, representing the dark period of Japanese colonization and Korea's suffering. As the light returns, the flag gradually regains its colors, representing hope and restoration. The original flag will also be physically displayed at the national museum until Oct. 12 as part of the special exhibition "80th Anniversary of Liberation: Faces We Meet Anew," in celebration of Liberation Day. "The museum has created a digital piece that brings the history and meaning of the Denny Taegeukgi to life, as part of the museum's efforts to combine new technology with cultural stories. We will continue to create innovative content that leverages technology to further elevate the museum's standing," Kim Jae-hong, the NMK's director general, said in a press release.
Korea Herald
04-07-2025
- Entertainment
- Korea Herald
Riddle me this
Looking to find something unique? Shop for the latest 'it' items at the National Museum of Korea, look for one-of-a-kind vintage items with an American vibe at a Hongdae store. Feeling restless? Head outdoors for a weekend glamping. Hunting down museum goods The National Museum of Korea has always enjoyed a steady trickle of visitors to its gift shop, where history gets a stylish twist. Recently, however, a fresh wave of enthusiasm has been sweeping through the store. Fans of Netflix's hit animated film "Kpop Demon Hunters" are flocking to get their hands on the "authentic" goods inspired by the traditional items referenced in the film. The tiger and magpie badge, which very much resembles Derpy and the three-eyed magpie from the film and is a playful nod to the traditional duo often seen in Joseon-era minhwa folk paintings, has already sold out but will be restocked soon, according to the museum. Other hot items include gat-inspired accessories such as bookmarks, pencil tops and keyrings. One standout is the Ilwol Obongdo collection, featuring pouches and bags printed with the majestic image of five mountain peaks, the sun and the moon. Historically, this image from the folding screen was reserved for kings. In the film, it forms the backdrop to the 'Golden' stage where the fierce trio, Huntrix, performs. Don't skip the museum itself. It offers a rich journey through Korea's cultural heritage and is the perfect place to escape the summer heat while connecting with history. If you would like to look specifically for the Ilwol Obongdo and tiger-magpie painting, visit the Calligraphy and Painting section on the second floor of the museum. National Museum of Korea 137 Seobinggo-ro, Yongsan-gu, Seoul Mountain glamping getaway at Spoon Camping deep in the mountains is not just for seasoned campers anymore with places providing convenience for those seeking an escape into nature. For those without equipment or a desire to set up a tent themselves, Spoon Glamping in Pocheon, Gyeonggi Province, offers a ready-made retreat with stunning views and cozy comforts. Nestled high in a quiet mountain village, Spoon Glamping offers a surreal landscape and an interior design that evokes an almost exotic atmosphere. The site is divided into two areas: the glamping zone and the caravan zone. One major advantage of the glamping zone is its panoramic mountain view. Each glamping tent is equipped with a barbecue grill and a fire pit, perfect for late-night conversations or roasting marshmallows for dessert. Between the room and the grill is a small outdoor table, where guests can place their food and enjoy grilled pork belly or seafood over charcoal while seated in classic camping chairs. However, the idyllic scenery and fresh mountain air come at a cost — a compromise with nature. Mountain moths and mosquitoes are inevitable visitors. While insect repellents are provided, their effectiveness may vary. Spoon Glamping 201 Cheonggun-ro 2985 beon-gil, Gunnae-myeon, Pocheon, Gyeonggi Province Shop vintage items and collectables at Little Riddle Whether you are a seasoned collector or just a curious beginner, looking for vintage items and collectables can be exciting and rewarding — especially when you get the one that others cannot find elsewhere. And from online marketplaces to neighborhood shops, places to discover one-of-a-kind treasures are limitless. If you are wandering around Hongdae, head over to Little Riddle, a select shop that offers vintage goods in an atmosphere that feels distinctly American. It is only a minute- walk to the shop from Exit No. 6, Hongik University Station on Subway Line No. 2. The store sells vintage-style knitwear, magnets, keyrings, T-shirts, mugs and Kit-cat Klocks, made in the US since 1932, to name a few. All of these items would make great gifts to bring to a housewarming party or to have for yourself. The shop also features a display ranking the top eight incense scents, making it easier for customers to choose. Stick cost about 4,000 won each or 10,000 won for a set of three. hwangdh@ jaaykim@ junheee@
Korea Herald
16-06-2025
- Entertainment
- Korea Herald
Meet the splendid and the unassuming Japanese art in Seoul
Marking 60th anniversary of Korea-Japanese diplomatic ties, National Museum of Korea and Tokyo National Musuem jointly host special exhibition on Japanese art in Seoul As part of a cultural exchange program between South Korea and Japan marking the 60th anniversary of their diplomatic ties, the National Museum of Korea and the Tokyo National Museum are jointly holding a special exhibition in Seoul for the next two months, shedding light on the aesthetics and subtle depths of Japanese art. Titled "Japanese Art from Four Perspectives," the exhibition invites visitors to trace the beauty of the neighboring country's ancient times from Tuesday until Aug. 10. The exhibition features a total of 62 pieces from the two museums, showcasing the beauty of Japanese art and the ideas and emotions behind it. The Tokyo National Museum, home to many of Japan's treasured artworks, offers a rare chance to see valuable and diverse Japanese cultural treasures up close with 40 pieces from its collection, including seven items designated as Important Cultural Properties of Japan. The highlights include a kimono with autumn grasses painted by Ogata Korin, an 18th-century Edo-period artist, and Noh theater masks used in the traditional Japanese performing art known as"shakumi." Noting that the two museums are at the forefront of fostering cultural exchanges and cooperation between Korea and Japan, Kim Jae-hong, the NMK director general, expressed hopes that the exhibition would give visitors a better understanding of Japanese life and culture. "We sincerely hope that the exhibition will strengthen the ties between the two countries, not just in politics and economics, but culturally and emotionally as well," Kim told reporters during a preview tour held at the NMK on Monday. Korea was annexed by Japan in 1910 and 35 years of colonial rule followed, brought to an end in 1945 by Japan's defeat in World War II. The two countries normalized relations in 1965. The exhibition is divided into four sections. The first perspective that greets visitors is the "Decorative Impulse," which explores the spirit of ornamentation and its aesthetic implications. Here, four pieces of Jomon pottery — some of the oldest pottery in the world — are on display. The artifacts, dating back to 3,000 BCE to 2,000 BCE, show how the ancient earthenware shaped Japanese art and culture. Multicolored glazed porcelain and lacquerware decorated with gold and silver are also on display in this section. In "Pursuit of Restraint," the charm of subtlety in Japanese art is on full display, offering insight into the humble beauty of tea bowls. The third section, "Beauty of Ephemerality," explores "aware," which is a core sentiment of Japanese culture that reflects a gentle sadness or deep emotion felt from the fleeting nature of life. "Aesthetics of Playfulness," the exhibition's last section, looks at how artists use fun and creativity in their work. Makoto Fujiwara, director of TNM, said he hopes the exhibition will help bring Koreans a step closer to Japanese culture. "Korea is geographically a close neighbor of Japan, and because of this, the two countries have deeply influenced each other. Today, Korean culture is widely loved in Japan, and vice versa. Japan's animation has gained immense popularity in Korea," Makoto said. "But Koreans don't really know about Japan's history, which serves as the foundation of its culture. The exhibition will give an easy-to-understand overview of 9,000 years of Japanese art to help people learn more about Japan's cultural roots," he added.
Korea Herald
09-06-2025
- General
- Korea Herald
Exhibition focuses on early Joseon art
First 200 years of Joseon shaped Korean identity, National Museum of Korea says For the next three months, an exhibition at the National Museum of Korea will look at how the first 200 years of Joseon (1392-1910) formed what is quintessentially Korean identity today through exceptional artworks. The exhibition 'Art of Early Joseon: Masterpieces from the 15th and 16th Century' illustrates the initiative and vibrancy the Joseon people projected as they fostered what would become Korea, according to Kim Jae-hong, the NMK director general, during a preview tour Monday. 'Joseon's early years were pivotal to Korean history because the social fabric as well as physical borders of Korea were established by then,' Kim added, saying artworks on display would help people recognize the continuity of society over centuries. A total of 691 ceramics, calligraphy and Buddhist paintings are on view, 40 of which are on loan from 24 institutions in the US, UK, Germany, France and Japan. Of the 40 items, 23 are being shown in Korea for the first time, an NMK official said, adding that 79 items on display are state-designated National Treasures and Treasures. Some 300 ceramics, which account for almost half of the entire objects featured, testify to Korea's shifting focus on white porcelain from the celadon of the preceding Goryeo Kingdom (918-1392). Buncheong, a type of stoneware that bridged the transition in the 15th century, uses a greater range of decorative techniques than Goryeo celadon, and is more colorful than white porcelain, the museum said. White porcelain replaced buncheong in the following centuries. Calligraphy and paintings by Joseon officials, who doubled as scholars promoting Confucian values and teachings, shed light on Joseon aesthetics, chiefly expressed in ink wash paintings that stress various tonal effects employing just black ink and water. 'Through ink-wash landscape paintings rendered in deep tones of black ink with masterful shading, the scholar officials of Joseon depicted the ideal world envisioned by the newly established Confucian ideology,' the museum said. Buddhist objects, from paintings to statues, add context to the exhibition dedicated to the deeply Confucian state. The Wooden Seated Buddha at Jogyesa, the main temple of Jogye Order of Korean Buddhism, shows the influence Buddhism still held over the people even after the state adopted Confucianism as its ruling ideology, a museum official said. Hunminjeongeum Haeryebon, a book annotating Hangeul, the Korean writing system created by King Sejong the Great in 1443, which will be on display until July 7. The exhibition comes 20 years after the museum's reopening in Seoul's Yongsan-gu. It runs through August, and admission fees are waived from Tuesday to Sunday.
