Traditional Korean Art Korean art embodies an aesthetic that enriches and beautifies life. Over the centuries, the wisdom and philosophical thought of ancient Koreans as well as their artistic sensibilities have been passed down through paintings and calligraphic works.
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Art Traditional Korean art closely resembles nature. The ink-brushed lines and light colors of the ink washes represent nature, plain and simple. The unadorned realism in these artworks elicits a profound response in the viewer.
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12 Chochungdo (Flowers and Insects / Shin Saimdang) Chochungdo is the title of a series of paintings of plants and insects by Shin Saimdang (1504~1551). She was the mother of the Korean Confucian scholar Yulgok and was an accomplished artist, writer, calligrapher and poet in her own right. She popularized a genre of painting that used various plants and insects as the main theme. This particular work imparts a natural liveliness to the subject matter through her delicate feminine touch and well-balanced composition.
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Gangsanmujindo (Mountains and Rivers without End / Yi Inmun) Gangsanmujindo is by Yi Inmun (1745~1821) from the late Joseon Dynasty (1392~1910). The work is painted on a silk scroll that measures 44cm by 856cm and portrays in panoramic fashion people acting in harmony with nature through all four seasons.
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Ssireumdo (Traditional Wrestling / Kim Hongdo) Ssireumdo, a masterpiece by Kim Hongdo (1745~1806?), one of the major genre painters during the Joseon Dynasty (1392~1910), depicts a traditional Korean wrestling (ssireum) match at a rural marketplace. Each wrestler grasps the cloth sash tied around the waist of his opponent, and uses his strength and various techniques to try and force the other to the ground. This painting humorously depicts an amusement enjoyed by the common people at that time. The balanced circular composition, vivid facial expressions executed with simple brushstrokes and excitement generated by the competitors and onlookers result in a very dynamic scene.
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Miindo (A Beauty / Shin Yunbok) Miindo by the late Joseon painter Shin Yunbok (1758~?) is a masterpiece among genre paintings that portray traditional notions of feminine beauty : an oval face with well-defined features, a long and thin neck and narrow shoulders. It also provides a glimpse at contemporary women’s attire.
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Geumgangjeondo (General View of Geumgangsan / Jeong Seon) Geumgangjeondo, produced in 1734, is the largest and best of the many landscapes of the Geumgang (Diamond) Mountains produced by the late Joseon literati painter Jeong Seon (1676~1759). The circular composition depicts an aerial view of 12,000 peaks in his unique style, which prominently features powerful and vibrant brushstrokes.
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Oksunbongdo (Oksun Peak / Kim Hongdo) Oksunbongdo is a masterpiece by Kim Hongdo (1745~1806) from the late Joseon Dynasty (1392~1910). It appears on the first page of Danwon hwacheop, an album of paintings he produced in 1796. It reflects his distinctive painting style, which includes refreshing light colors, deliberate contrasts of dark and pale ink coloring and a skillful use of margins.
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Ssangchido and Hochwido (Pair of Pheasants and Gallant Eagles / Jang Seungeop) Ssangchido and Hochwido are twin paintings that were painted by Jang Seungeop (1843~1897) at the end of the Joseon Dynasty (1392~1910). The sprawling old tree, which appears to have been painted in a single stroke, contrasts beautifully with the meticulous detail of the rocks, bamboo and leaves. Especially vivid is the portrayal of the eagles (right) as they contort their necks while glaring at their prey.
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Magpie and Tiger (Anonymous) The magpie and tiger was one of the most popular folk art themes during the Joseon Dynasty (1392~1910), and anonymously painted works such as this were widely circulated among commoners during its later years. The magpie was considered an auspicious harbinger of good news while the tiger was seen as an intelligent creature that could drive away malevolent forces.
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Traditional Korean Literature The literature of Korea is highly creative, and ancient Koreans produced many literary genres over the centuries, including narrative songs (gasa), vernacular verse (sijo) and novels in the Korean script, hangeul. This phonetic alphabet is highly sophisticated and allows Koreans to express their native tongue most efficiently and accurately.
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Hunminjeongeum (Correct Sounds for the Instruction of the People) The Hunminjeongeum, or the Correct Sounds for the Instruction of the People, was written in 1446, three years after King Sejong (1397~1450) and his team of scholars completed the phonetic Korean script. The treatise explains the rationale behind the alphabet’s creation and the principles that were employed. The text, which has been designated National Treasure No.70, was originally inscribed on 33 woodblocks for printing. It was inscribed in the UNESCO Memory of the World Register in 1997.
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Sangchungok (A Song of Reciting the Enjoyment of Spring / Jeong Geukin)
Written by Jeong Geukin (1401~1481), Sangchungok is the first gasa, a popular literary genre that combines poetry and prose, from the early Joseon Dynasty (1392~1910). In it he expresses his optimistic view of life after retirement, living in a natural setting and inspired by the vibrancy of spring. The piece is contained in his literary collection, Bulu Heonjip.
3 March Geumoshinhwa (New Tales of the Golden Sea turtle / Kim Siseup) Known as the Geumoshinhwa, this collection of short stories was initially written in classical Chinese by Kim Siseup (1435~1493) of the early Joseon Dynasty (1392~1910). The work consists of five episodes covering the mystical content of an imaginary world in which two contrasting figures evolve. One belongs to the living and the other to the dead. One resides on earth while the other is in the underworld and one is in reality while the other is part of a dream.
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Chusache (Kim Jeonghui) Chusache is a calligraphic style perfected by Kim Junghui (1786~1856), a civil official during the late Joseon Dynasty (1392~1910). He was widely admired for his creative and innovative writing, characterized by the stark contrast of thin and thick strokes and an unconventional aesthetic value despite the angular and twisted look. Myeongseon (Tea Meditation), the title shown here, is a short text Kim wrote to his friend in appreciation of the tea he had sent as a gift.
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Yongbieocheonga (Songs of the Dragons Flying to Heaven / Jeong Inji and 10 others) The Yongbieocheonga or the Songs of the Dragons Flying to Heaven is a series of cantos that eulogize the achievements of King Sejong’s six immediate paternal ancestors, from Mokjo, his great-great-great-great grandfather, to Taejong, his father. It emphasizes the legitimacy of the founding of the Joseon Dynasty (1392~1910) and admonishes future kings to adhere to the virtuous conduct practiced by these six ancestors of the Yi royal family.
4 April Samiingok (Song of Thinking of My Love / Jeong Cheol) Samiingok is a gasa, a rhyming piece of prose, written by Jeong Chol sometime between 1585 and 1589. He expresses his longing for the king while living in rural seclusion, using the metaphor of a married woman who desperately misses her husband. The work features masterful skill in literary expression through the subtle use of the Korean language.
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4 April Honggildongjeon (Tale of Hong Gildong / Heo Gyun) Honggildongjeon by Heo Gyun (1569~1618) from the middle of the Joseon Dynasty (1392~1910) is the oldest extant novel in vernacular Korean. The heroic exploits of the main character, Hong Gildong, serve to criticize the contradictions in the strict caste system and the ineptitude of the ruling elite. The work has great social and historical value for its coverage of contemporary social issues.
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Korean Folklore Minsok is a by-product of traditional Korean culture where people lived in close proximity to one another, helping and respecting each other with the utmost courtesy. Throughout one’s life cycle, from birth to death, tradition was the spiritual foundation that motivated people to lend a hand when neighbors were in difficulty and to share during their happy times. Korean folklore embodies a culture that stresses living together in unity and harmony.
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Geumjul, the “Keep-out� Rope Geumjul refers to a straw rope used to delineate an area declared off-limits to outsiders. Linked with shamanistic practices, the rope is meant to keep malevolent forces away. When a baby was born, the guemjul was placed across the gate to celebrate the new birth and to protect the vulnerable baby from germs and infection. For boys, the rope is festooned with small pine branches, pieces of charcoal and chilies, while for girls, paper strips were hung in place of the peppers. Such a rope was also hung when a cow or a pig delivered a baby. The normal hanging period was 21 days, after which the rope was laid on the ground near the entrance and then burned on the 100th day after the birth. Similar customs were widespread in East Asia.
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Dol refers to a baby’s first birthday, a time to celebrate that the infant had survived the most vulnerable time of its life and to express wishes for continued health while growing up. The earliest extant record of a dol dates back to 1791, when it was said that commoners as well as royal family members held such celebrations. The baby, dressed in a traditional costume, is placed at a table laden with food and various other items and congratulated by relatives and neighbors. The doljabi event adds more fun, as the baby is encouraged to grab items from the table such as rice, a brush, a bow, or money. The baby’s choice is supposed to indicate the baby’s predilections and foretell what it will become in the future.
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Coming-of-Age Rites The earliest record of the traditional coming-of-age ceremony, seongnyeonsik, dates back to 966 and mentions an early Goryeo Dynasty (918~1392) prince taking part. It was not until the Joseon Dynasty (1392~1910) that commoners practiced the custom widely. The ceremonies include capping (gwallye) for boys and pinning (gerye) for girls. A boy between the ages of 15 and 20-years-old would have his hair tied up in a topknot and a horsehair hat would be placed over it, while a girl who reached the age of 16 would have her hair tied in a bun, through which a long hairpin (bineyo) would be inserted.
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Wedding Rites Traditional Korean nuptials cover three distinct sets of rites. The first is when the bridegroom presents wooden geese to the bride’s family. Second, the bride and bridegroom exchange formal bows and, finally they exchange the nuptial cup. Traditional Korean wedding rites were heavily influenced by Chinese practices, but only in Korea would the bridegroom travel to the home of the bride’s parents for the ceremony and then return to his own parents’ home with the bride three days later.
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4 Sangrye (Funerary Rites) Sangrye refers to all the rites that were held for the recently deceased. The little that is known about funerary practices through the Goryeo Dynasty (918~1392) is based on scant written records and tomb excavations. Confucian-style funerary rites were introduced at the end of the Goryeo Dynasty and were widely practiced during the Joseon Dynasty (1392~1910).
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Music and Dance Traditional Korean music and dance provide a mixture of unbridled freedom and careful restraint, adding to the inexpressible range of emotional responses by the audience. The music embodies both the joys and sorrows of the Korean people.
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Arirang, Korea’s most famous traditional folk song, has been sung for centuries and is even known outside the country. The most popular among the various Arirang versions are the Jungsun Arirang of Gangwon-do Province, the Jindo Arirang of the southwest and the Milyang Arirang of South Gyeongsangnam-do Province. Arirang was listed as one of the world’s Intangible Cultural Heritage items by UNESCO in December 2012.
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Jongmyo Jeryeak (Ceremonial Music of the Royal Ancestral Shrine) Jongmyo Jeryeak refers to music and dance performed during rites to honor the royal ancestral spirits. In May 2001, UNESCO included these rites to the royal ancestors and their accompanying music and dance on its list of Masterpieces of the Oral and Intangible Heritage of Humanity.
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Yeominrak (Enjoyment with the People) Yeominnak is a piece of Korean court music created by King Sejong (1397~1450) to praise the great achievement of founding the Joseon Dynasty (1392~1910). This song expresses the king’s concern for his people as well as the uniqueness of traditional Korean music. However, the lyrics were lost and since the 15th century it has only been performed instrumentally during banquets for foreign envoys and during celebrations or special events.
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Pansori A pansori is a long, solo epic narrative performed by a gesturing singer who is accompanied by a single drummer. The content and form were developed between 1661 and 1720, but the genre only became fully established in the late 18th century. Its uniqueness and excellence was recognized by UNESCO, which registered pansori as a Masterpiece of the Oral and Intangible Heritage of Humanity in November 2003.
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6 Talchum is a form of drama where the actors wear masks, dance, play and sing to the rhythm of music. This art form expressed life’s joys and sorrows from the view of the commonfolk and was the only form of social satire permitted under the strict social caste system of the Joseon Dynasty (1392~1910). The photograph shows a scene from the Hahoe byeolsingut talnori in which the people hope to please the spirits with their performance, receive their blessings and drive away the forces of evil.
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The jeongjae court dance was performed at state-sponsored ceremonies or banquets. The tradition began in the late 14th century at the end of the Goryeo Dynasty (918~1392) and was extensively performed as entertainment during the Joseon Dynasty (1392~1910). It is characterized by restrained movements as well as elegant and graceful dance steps. The Gainjunmokdan, a dance choreographed by Prince Hyomyeong during the reign of King Sunjo (r. 1800~1834), the Cheoyongmu, the Dance of the Son of the East Sea Dragon, and the Chunaengjeon, the Dance of the Spring Oriole, are some examples of jeongjae. The above photo is a scene from the Gainjunmokdan.
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Ganggangsullae (Group Round Dance Accompanied by Song) Ganggangsullae is a folk dance tradition from the coastal area of South Jeollanam-do Province. On the eve of the Harvest Moon Festival, women and children would join hands and sing, repeating the chorus “Ganggangsullae�, while dancing around in a circle. Designated by the Korean government as Important Intangible Cultural Property No.8, the original content has been well preserved and was inscribed on the UNESCO Representative List of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity.
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Buchaechum (Fan Dance) While performing the buchaechum, dancers use fans to execute a wide range of beautiful movements. The performance features the sharp snaps of the fans being folded and unfolded, the graceful arcs formed by the open fans, the curves of the long swirling skirts, the lines of outstretched arms while holding the open fans and the movement of the fans as they cut through the air. The colorful costumes and rhythmical accompaniment add to the appeal of buchaechum.
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Architecture Traditional Korean homes are built in harmony with nature and in alignment with the landscape. They are designed with eco-friendly systems that keep them cooler in the summer and warmer in the winter. In traditional Korean architecture, consideration has always been given to nature, the residential structure and to the residents.
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Gyeongbokgung Initial construction on Gyeongbokgung, the main palace compound of the Joseon Dynasty (1392~1910), was completed in 1395, three years after the foundation of the dynasty. The throne hall, Geunjeongjeon, embodies royal majesty. This was where coronation ceremonies were held and where the government officials would bow to the king on the morning of New Year’s Day. It was also used as a venue for the periodic civil service examinations and envoys from other countries were officially received here.
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Changdeokgung Changdeokgung is a Joseon Dynasty (1392~1910) palace compound that dates back to 1405. It embodies the importance of being in harmony with nature. While the main palace compound, Gyeongbokgung, is laid out in an orderly and symmetrical fashion, this separate palace compound is configured along the contours of the terrain upon which it was built. Changdeokgung was listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1997.
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Soswaewon Garden
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Soswaewon in Damyang, South Jeollanam-do Province, is a prime example of an upper-class garden from the middle of the Joseon Dynasty (1392~1910). Shaped like a trapezoid with a stream flowing through the center, it is a beautiful spot that provides a glimpse of the aloofness and the fidelity to principle that was so prized by Joseon scholars.
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Seongyojang Residence The Seongyojang Residence, in Gangneung, Gangwon-do Province, was built in 1703 by Yi Naebeon, a member of the royal family. This is a typical residential compound for the upper class from the late Joseon Dynasty (1392~1910). Located at the foot of a low hill, the ambience is both relaxed and sufficient. The separate structures are properly laid out while their finishing touches are plain and simple.
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Bulguksa Bulguksa is a Buddhist temple located at the foot of Mt. Toham in Gyeongju, Gyeongsangbuk-do Province. Original construction began in 751 and was completed in 774. Cheongungyo and Baegungyo, the two bridge-like stairways at the entrance, are famous for their engineering, design and artistic beauty. Bulguksa was designated as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1995.
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Yangdong Maeul is a village where members of the Wolseong Son clan and the Yeogang Lee clan have lived since the mid-15th century during the Joseon Dynasty (1392~1910). The village has well-preserved the traditional ways of life and atmosphere. Narrow paths lined by low stonewalls run between centuries-old residential compounds roofed with traditional tiles in a beautiful natural setting. It was registered as a historic Korean village on the UNESCO World Heritage List in July 2010.
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Hwaseong Fortress Hwaseong in Suwon is a fortress completed in 1796, two years after construction began. King Jeongjong initiated the project, where the latest engineering methods were applied to build the strongest fortress of its day. Innovations such as hand-operated cranes were also employed. The walls are 4-6m high and 5.7km long. Hwaseong was registered as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1997.
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Crafts Sometimes ostentatious and at other times frugal, the dignity embedded in extravagance and the hidden elegance of simplicity both add subtle touches to traditional Korean crafts. Perhaps this is something that only a true masterpiece can convey. Korean traditional crafts represent a glorious heritage and a great treasure.
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This mirror dates back to the late Silla Kingdom (57 B.C.~A.D. 935) and is the oldest extant handcrafted work known to exist. It measures 18.6cm in diameter and is 0.6cm thick. The back is inlaid with mother-of-pearl and amber. The craftsmanship is gorgeous, sophisticated and stylishly beautiful.
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This 93.5cm statue of Maitreya is made of gilt bronze. It was crafted during the early 7th century during the Three Kingdoms period. The Buddha of the Future appears to be lost in deep meditation, with the right leg over the left knee, head bowed and the right forefinger gently placed on the cheek. The work is monumental in every detail, from the gentle smile, lifelike facial expression, elegant robes free of creases and perfect balance between the upper and lower body to the subtle placement of the hands and the feet.
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Gumdongdaehyangro (Large Gilt Bronze Incense Burner) This incense burner was cast during the Baekje Kingdom (18 B.C.~A.D. 660). It is 61.8cm high and weighs 11.8kg. The piece is divided into two main sections : the body, where the incense is burned, and the lid through which the incense smoke passes. The lid is decorated with a knob in the shape of a phoenix with wings fully extended perched atop a mountain covered with musicians and animals. The body is shaped like a lotus and is supported by a dragon-figure stem. The overall creativity and modeling are superb.
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This 6th century golden crown from the Silla Kingdom (57 B.C.~A.D. 935) was excavated at Cheonmachong, the Heavenly Horse Tomb, in Gyeongju, and is now designated National Treasure No.188. Three branches and two antler-shaped decorations are vertically connected around the rim of the crown, and commashaped jade pendants and small glittering metal ornaments, dalgae, are suspended from the rim. The piece is regarded as the epitome of Silla gold craftsmanship and is the best made of all Silla gold crowns currently known to exist.
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Chungja Sanggam Unhakmun Maebyeong (Blue Porcelain Prunus Vase Inlaid with Crane & Cloud Pattern) This masterpiece of inlaid celadon from the Goryeo Dynasty (918~1392) was created in the mid-12th century. It stands 42.1cm high and measures 6.2cm in diameter at the top and 17cm in diameter at the bottom. The decorative motif is of clouds and cranes, but notably the direction in which the cranes are flying depends on whether they are inside or outside the circle. Those inside are soaring skyward, while those outside are headed toward the earth.
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Seongdeokdaewang Sinjong (Spirit Bell of King Seongdeok) At 3.75m tall, this is the largest extant Korean bell. King Gyeongdeok of Silla initiated the casting project in memory of his father, King Seongdeok, but it was his son, King Hyegong, who managed to complete it in 771. A sound pipe at the top of the bell intensifies the vibration, a feature unique to Korean bronze bells. Overall, with its elegant shape, ornate decoration and beautiful and lingering sound, this is the most outstanding example of bronze bells cast during the Silla Kingdom (57 B.C.~A.D. 935).
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Thu
12
Fri
13
Sat
W50
12 December
W51
12 December
14
Sun
21
Sun
15
Mon
22
Mon
16
Tue
23
Tue
17
Wed
24
Wed
18
Thu
25
Thu
19
Fri
26
Fri
20
Sat
27
Sat
W52
12 December 28
Sun
29
Mon
30
Tue
31
Wed
W53
Photo Sources Kansong Art Museum National Palace Museum of Korea Gyeongju National Museum of Korea National Center for Korean Traditional Performing Arts Buyeo National Museum of Korea The National Library of Korea National Museum of Korea The National Changguk Compoany of Korea National Geographic Information Institute kyujanggak BAE BIEN-U Leeum, Samsung Museum of Art Seoul Museum of History Photographer Seo Jaesik Seonggyungwan Andong Festival Tourism Foundation Yonhap news Korean Traditional Performing Arts Foundation Tourism Jindo Cheoyongmu Preservation Society TOPIC IMAGE Korea Tourism Orgasnization The house of Korea Korean Culture and Information Service euro creon http://yangdong.invil.org
Personal Information
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