Koreana Summer 2002 (English)

Vol. 16, No. 2 Summer 2002

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Sajuham

Korea's traditional marriage process involved four ritual procedures: uihon (marriage negotiations between two families), napchae (selecting the wedding date), nappye (delivery of a box containing bridal gifts), and chinyeong (the marriage ceremony itself).

Today's wedding usually involves the actual marriage ceremony, but.nappye is just as important a procedure.

Before the wedding, the groom's family would present the bride and her family with a ham, a box of gifts, as an expression of their gratitude for accepting the marriage proposal. It was thus an important and auspicious event of a marriage process.

The chest typically contained a letter proposing marriage, bolts of blue and red silk for the bride's dresses, clothing for both the bride and groom, and various other gifts, in addition to a paper inscribed with the groom's saju, or "Four Pillars," which are the year, month, day, and hour of the groom's birth. The box, also known as sajuham, was delivered to the bride's family a month before the wedding. Most families used a rectangular box made of paulownia wood or moth-

er-of-pearl, while others would use a box embroidered with mandarin ducks, magnolia blossoms, lotus blossoms, and the ten symbols of longevity. The contents varied depending on the customs of each family. Its most important function was to symbolize the two families' sincerity and comm_itment to the marriage by preparing and formally receiving the box of gifts.

The groom's family filled the box with valuables and silk fabrics as gifts for the bride. To receive the gift ches~ the bride's family set up a table laden with rice steamers filled with rice cakes. This process of deli~r­ ing the ham served as an opportunity to wish the bride and groom a happy married life and for the two families to enjoy a festive get-together before the actual marriage ceremony.

The delivery and receipt of the ham symbolized the two families' acceptance of the upcoming marriage. A medium for blessing the bride and groom to be joined in love and expressing gratitude for the union, the sajuham was a "token of love" for the two families. +

KOREAN ART & CULTURE Cover: Due to its diverse climate and four distinct seasons, Korea is home to a ·wide variet y of flowers , including various endemic species. On the cover is bleeding heart (Dicentra specwbills) a representative indigenous wildflower of Korea found throughout the country.

1l1is issue of KOREANA wkes an in-d epth look at not onl y the wildflowers of Korea, but also the nation's horticu lture industr y, plant theme parks, flower festivals and more

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The Flowers of Korea

0 N T

E

4 Unique Plants and Flowers of Korea Lee You-mi

12 Koreans & Flowers Kim Gwang-eon

N

20 Korea's Aromatic Flowers

T

s

Park Chung-kon

26 Plant Theme Parks in Korea Pa1k Seok-geun

34 FOCUS

Korea's Flower Festivals and Horticulture Industry KOREANAInternet Website

Suh Yeong-jin

http://www.kf.or.kr/koreana

42 © The Korea Foundation 2002 All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced in any form without the prior permission of the Korea Foundation.

The opinions expressed by the authors do not necessarily represent d1ose of d1e editors ofKOREANA or the Korea Foundation.

KOREANA, registered as a quarterly magazine with the Ministry of Culture and Tourism (Registration No. Ba-1033, dated Aug. 8, 1987), is also published in Chinese and Spanish.

INTERVIEW

Kim Tae-jeong Gweon 0-un

46 ARTISAN

Kim Yu-je Lee Hyoung-kwon

54 ON THE ROAD

Appreciating Baekje's Cultural Legacy Kimjoo-young

Vol l6, No 2 Summer 2002

62 MARKETS

Yangjae Flower Market Jeong Gi-hong

70 CUISINE

Asian Clam Soup Jaecheopguk Koo Chun-sur

KOREANA Published quarterly by The Korea Foundation 13 76-1 Seocho 2-dong, Seocho-gu, Seoul137-072, Korea PUBLISHER

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74 LIVING

Korea's Mobile Phone Culture: A World at Yotir Fingertips Park Gil-sung

78 DISCOVERING KOREA

Mt. Jeombongsan's Jindong Valley Hyunjin-oh

86

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UNIQUE

PLANTSA}U)FLOVVERS OF

KOREA

LeeYou-mi Researcher,Korea National Arboretum n entire universe is contained within the realm of plants and the flowers which they produce by concentrating all their energy and employing all manner of survival strategies to disseminate their offspring. An astounding beauty, a thoroughly systematic science, and infinite possibilities as an abundant resource are all part of the world of plants.

From the distant past when our ancestors relied on plants for every aspect of their life from food and clothing to shelter until today, the essential value of plants and flowers has undergone drastic change. Even in our modern society in which we live among metal and concrete structures amid an overwhelming tide of materialism, we gain increasingly greater comfort from

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living organisms, including flowers. We are now living in an era when people long for a return to the forests of rich botanical diversity and seek the cure for diseases by developing drugs from plant extracts. Advanced countries, which have already adopted such an approach, are actively preparing for the future by securing as many varieties of plants as possible as genetic resources.

Korea has been known for its scenic mountains and rivers from ancient times. It is home to about 4,000 types of plants, including some 300 types of ferns and plants that reproduce by means of spores. It might seem that this is a small number compared to countries in tropical and other climatic zones as well as the 250,000 species of plants dispersed around the world, but this is actually not the case.

Korea is a small country in terms of land area, but it is home to far more kinds of plants per unit area than Western countries.

Though its territory is so compact that all corners of the country can be reached by ground transportation in just half a day, its plants are so varied that those in the central region are quite different from those found in southern areas. Natural conditions are so diversified on the Korean peninsula that the communities of plants growing on mountain summits can be totally different from those found at ground level.

Collection of Korea's wild plants at Korea Botanic Garden

Korea is a small country in terms of land area, but it is home to far more kinds of plants per unit area than Western countries. Though its territory is so compact that all corners of the country can be reached by ground transportation in just half a day, its plants are so varied that those in the central region are quite different from those found in southern areas. Natural conditions are so diversified on the Korean peninsula that the communities of plants growing on mountain summits can be totally different from those found at ground level.

Because of Korea's four distinct seasons and its diverse topographical features and types of soil, the genetic diversity of its plants is particularly extensive. For example, when blight afflicted various species of dogwood, a plant much beloved around the world, it was the Korean dogwood that managed to survive. And when Japanese snowbells growing in various parts of the country suffered from extremely cold weather, it was the species indigenous to Korea that overcame this adversity.

Meanwhile, an extract from ginkgo leaves is popular as a treatment for improving blood circulation. Although these trees are found in Korea's neighboring countries, leaves from Korean ginkgo trees yield the greatest amount of extract. These examples testify to the uniqueness of the plants of Korea. To appreciate the variety and notable qual-

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Gingko tree in autunm (above)

Pheasant's eye, Adonis amurensis (right)

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ities of Korean plants, it would be helpful to review the special plants that bloom in various parts of the country in each season.

Where do flowers first open in Korea? By February, amur adonis start to emerge in the sunny areas of Mt. Hallasan, while in the forests of southern provinces, the slender flower stalks of winter aconites can be seen swaying in the breeze: The flowers budding in the wild in spring create a quite different scene from those of camellia or Japanese apricot trees that Koreans would cultivate in .their yards. As the frozen land begins to thaw, the entire landscape is abuzz with vibrant life, with new buds shooting up from the ground and tree branches beginning to swell with sap.

As spring progresses, forests come alive with the sprouting of all kinds of spring flowers: the yellow amur adonis spreads its glossy petals under the sunlight; the pink primrose grows in clusters by the water; the hepatica pushes out delicate petals from its downy flower stalk, which are soon followed by sharp-lobed leaves; and the yellow cinquefoil and dandelions compete with lavender violets for ground space.

Among the flowers of all the seasons, spring flowers are perhaps the most varied and splendid.

The Korean abelialeaf, a flowering tree that first signals the arrival of spring, is representative of plants that grow only in Korea, and the only tree 1. Enmthis pinnatilida Maxim.

2. Primrose (Primula sieboldi.J.) 3. Hepatica (Hepatica asiatica) 4. Violet 5. Dandelion

belonging to the Abeliophyllum distichum Nakai genus. Each spring, its flowers bloom before its leaves sprout Its flowers look so much like forsythia that some people call it white forsythia, but its petals are smaller and white, not . An early harbinger of spring, its y fragrant flowers open far than forsythia flowers.

Korean abelialeaf came to be miseon namu because of its fanfruit. Miseon refers to a type of made of thin bamboo strips attached to a mulberry paper or silk surface. The fruits are enchanting, measuring only about 3 centimeters across.

Miseon namu is found in Jincheon-

gun, Chungcheongbuk-do province and the adjoining Goesan-gun. You will find the trees growing in stony areas with so little soil that you can only wonder how they manage to survive in such a difficult environment. Perhaps this diversity has limited its numbers, as the trees are so rare that several of their habitats are designated and protected as natural monuments.

Gaeneusam, or Echinosophora koreensis Nakai, is another flowering tree that grows only in Korea. The flowers of this tree, which belongs to the legurninosae family, resemble acacia flowers, but are bright yellow while the tree is relatively small. Its yellow clusters of flowers blooming among rich green leaves create a delightful image.

The tree is found mostly in the northern areas of Korea as well as in the Yanggu area near the Southern Limit Line. Designated a natural monument, the gaeneusam is gaining increasing recognition among those people interested in Korea's rare plants. Although its uses have not yet been extensively researched, a similar plant called gosam, or Sophora flavescens, is used as a medicinal herb, suggesting the potential of gaeneusam having valuable applications as well. There have been no attempts to cultivate this plant in a nursery because it is so rare, but it would likely do well if planted in sunny areas.

White forsythia (Aheliophyllum distichum) (top) Echinosophora koreensis (left)

Though scholars may have slightly differing opinions, ,some 400 species of plants, or about onetenth of all the plants in Korea, are endemic to or found only in Korea. About 200 species are deemed rare and 58 species have been designated for legal protection.

Modemipul (Megalernnthis saniculiJOHa)

Modemipu4 or Megaleranthis saniculifolia Ohwi, is one of the most beloved of Korea's endemic plants. It is so-named because it was first discovered at Modemi Village located at the foot of Mt. Jirisan. At the height of summer, it is also found in the deep valleys of Mt. Jeombongsan and Mt. Sobaeksan where you can likely hear the gurgling flow of a nearby mountain stream. This plant can indeed arouse exclamations of wonder because it looks as though stars had fallen from the sky and settled in the mountains. Its value is all the more significant because it grows exclusively in Korea.

Though not endemic to Korea, Dolmaehwa of the Diapensiaceae family is a rare and special tree. It grows among rocks at the highest slopes of Mt. Hallasan, rooting itself to cracks in the stone. In May, it sprouts white flowers resembling Japanese apricot flowers, hence its name: "stone Japanese apricot."

In Korea it is found only on Mt. Hallasan in small numbers. It is specially protected as a species on the verge of extinction. At one time, its continued existence was seriously threatened due to its declining numbers, but now a number of people are working hard to ensure its preservation. Another distinct feature of this tree is that it is very small, only about 2 centimeters tall.

Even though it is so diminutive, it does have sturdy branches.

In contrast to these plants that grow only in certain areas and are limited in number, maehwa mareum, or Ranunculus kazusensis Makino, is a plant that used to be regarded as an annoying weed until only several decades ago. In a rapid turn of events, however, it is now considered so valuable that people raise funds for its preservation. Although it used to be common in the past, its continued survival came to be severely challenged

due to the widespread use of agricultural chemicals. The plants also began to vanish because of changes in farming methods, under which rice paddies would be drained of water in winter, forcing the seeds that had fallen in summer to flower in spring when the paddies were filled with water again. In fact, it was thought to have become extinct since botanists could find no trace of the plant for a long time. The local botanical community therr rejoiced several years ago when a botanist found maehwa mareum at Chojijin on Ganghwado Island. When the news spread that this site had been designated for land reclamation and devlopmn~ this maehwa mareum habitat was selected as the initial beneficiary of a national trus~ a national campaign that allocates public funds for the purchase of selected sites in order to prevent development, thereby ensuring the preservation of natural resources.

I>ohnaehlVa(above), (;eurnngangchovong (Hanabusaya asiatica) (bottom), Abies

Koreana (opposite page)

10

Further such efforts resulted in another discovery of the plant growing in a rice paddy near the sea to the west of Ganghwado. It is interesting to note the changes in our attitudes toward a particular plant, depending on the times.

Maehwa mareum also helped to demonstrate that Korea has now become advanced enough to commit financial resources and manpower to protect its endangered plants. If just before the rice-planting season you visit rice paddies where maehwa mareum are growing, you can see its extremely fine leaves and dazzlingly white flowers dancing in the water, looking like snow.

In the forests during summer, when

photosynthesis and transpiration are the most active, flowers open constantly, poking their heads out from dense green foliage. These include the purple self-heal, drooping bellflowers, hypericum ascyron, otherwise known as giant St. John's wort, whose petals appear to be rotating like propellers, and meadowsweet, which covers extensive areas and sprouts clusters of small flowers.

At ponds that are heated by the intense summer sun, various aquatic plants begin to sprout flowers. Water lily and lotus are two of the most common water plants which produce beautiful flowers, but they are large and come in so many varieties that they do not seem like native Korean flowers.

Banana lily and Nymphaea minima, which are endemic to Korea, can be found growing around ancient ponds upon careful search.

Euryale ferox Salisb., commonly known as euryale seed, is a rare species worldwide and one of the rapidly vanishing plants in Korea. It has attracted keen interest due to its unique shape.

Euryale seed is an annual aquatic plant belonging to the Nymphaeaceae family.

Amazingly, many of its leaves can grow to more than 1 meter in width, over the course of a single summer. Moreover, it grows thorns all over, from the calyx suppbrting its petals to the large leaves floating on the water like cushions. It is an easily recognizable plant. About the only place without any thorns are the lavender petals that appear when the thorn-covered calyx opens. -It is a valu.able plant with various possibilities and functions, although it exists in only small numbers. It employs a unique method of survival through its fruits that float on the water and subsequently take root. It is a valuable medicinal herb while as a vanishing native plant, it is also a meaningful symbol of environmental conservation.

When aquatic plants gradually fade and refreshing fall winds start to blow to signal the end of a sweltering sum-

mer, flowers of the geumgangchorong or Hanabusaya asiatica Nakai begin to blossom. This is a flowering plant that Koreans love for its name alone. It came to be so called because it was first discovered on Mt. Geumgangsan and the shape of its flowers resembles a lantern, or chorong Also endemic to Korea, this rare plant is found only on the slopes of high peaks such as Seoraksan and Odaesan in Gangwon-do province and other high mountains in Gyeonggi-do province. Although it is not easy to spot this plant on steep mountainous terrain, its gorgeous lavender flowers growing among rocks is a lovely sight. Some people have tried to raise geumgang chorong at home, but once removed from the high mountains, its color fades and it fails to survive the warmer temperatures at ground level.

In winter, trees become bare of leaves, revealing scraggly branches, while flowers and grass in the fields have long withered away. During winter, which is cold and harsh in Korea,

the trees and plants resort to any means available to survive the extreme conditions. Evergreens, whose richly verdant leaves attest to their robust vitality, stand out all the more in winter when other trees are devoid of leaves and flowers , while annual plants await spring) with the portions above ground all dried up and roots lying dormant under ground in the form of a bud The pine tree or Pinus densiflora S. et Z is the most beloved evergreen in Korea, which grows in such abundance that people have come to regard it as a national tree. However, pine trees are commonly found both in Korea and Japan such that the pine tree is not unique to Korea.

On the other hand, the Korean fir is a representative evergreen conifer that can be called Korea's special tree. The Korean fir grows resolutely on high mountain slopes, withstanding the harsh conditions, visible against the background of mountain ridges shrouded by misty clouds, mingled among

withered trees with white bark, that you gaze upon when you stop to catch your breath while climbing Mt. Jirisan or Hallasan, or in the photographs of picturesque mountains. Westerners call it the Korean fir, because it grows only in Korea.

The typical Korean fir is shaped like a perfeGt cone. It is regal in all regards, from the uniformity of its dark green leaves to the dynamism of its cones, thrusting toward the sky and scattering seeds far and wide. The Korean fir is one of the most popular Christmas trees in many European countries.

This article has described only a few of the plants and trees that are found nowhere else but in Korea or are rare throughout the world Though scholars may have slightly differing opinions, some 400 species of plants, or about one-tenth of all the plants in Korea, are endemic to or found only in Korea.

About 200 species are deemed rare and 58 species have been designated for legal protection. • 11

lowers are always blooming in Korea, thanks to the country's continental climate with four distinct seasons. Azaleas are representative of spring flowers, peonies summer, chrysanthemums fall, and Japanese apricot flowers winter. In particular, the spring flowers that come into bloom after a long winter transform the entire country into a wonderland of flowers. The people who had remained indoors throughout the long winter waste no time in getting out to the fields, mountains, and valleys to drink in the fragrance. Those who are still not satisfied hold a flower party in the third lunar month featuring flower pancakes made of glutinous rice dough with azalea petals placed on top that are pan fried in the mountains or valleys. In due time; they naturally burst into song, and happy hand gestures and shoulder and leg movements become dance movements. This practice of eating flower pancakes is appropriately called kkotdarim, which loosely translates into "flower-making."

Meanwhile, children spend time picking flowers, tasting the petals, and enjoying the scent They also play a game of flower tug-of-war by linking two flower stems and pulling to see whose stem breaks first; the loser usually runs errands for the winner. They also tie flowers on a long stick and mn around

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Royal azalea (left) and flower pancakes (above) 14

waving it in the air in what is known as "flower stick game." Meanwhile, young maidens would make rings out of violet and clover, while dyeing their fingernails red with a paste of garden balsam petals mixed with wood sorrel leaves.

The azalea is the queen of spring, but the royal azalea, which blossoms before it sprouts leaves, is the harbinger of summer. Koreans have long been fond of the royal azalea; it is mentioned in a song from the ancient Silla Kingdom (57 B.C.A.D. 935), 'Heonhwaga" (Song Dedicated to Flowers).

A romantic incident during the mle of King Seongdeok in the early eighth century is also related to royal azaleas. Sun Jeong-gong was on his way to Gangneung as the newly appointed magistrate, when his entourage stopped by the sea to eat lunch. The group noticed clusters of beautiful royal azaleas high above them on a steep cliff surrounded by high peaks like a folding screen. Sun's wife became enchanted with the sight and told the servants that she wished to get a closer look at the flowers. No one, however, had the courage to climb up the steep cliff. An old man, who had been herding cattle nearby, scaled the cliff, picked a handful of royal azaleas, and then sang a song as he presented the flowers to the lady Samgungnyusa (Memorabilia of the 1bree Kingdoms), Vol2 This might well

be the first flower-related romance recorded in Korean history, which is especially poignant because the main characters are a beautiful woman and an old cowherd Sweet flag, so beloved by Korean women, is associated with Dano, the fifth day of the fifth lunar month. In the past, young maidens used to compete in picking sweet flag flowers, as it was believed that rinsing one's hair with water in which sweet flag flowers had been soaked would keep it thick and glossy.

People grew sweet flag in their garden because of a belief that bathing with sweet flag water would keep them healthy. The roots were also used to make ornamental hairpins.

Perhaps no other flower more vividly symbolizes summer than the peony.

Even the brilliant summer sun seems unable to outshine the sultry charms of this flower. As such, peonies are mentioned in a shaman song of Hamgyeongdo province, which tells of Sakyamuni (the Historic Buddha) and Maitreya (the Future or Coming Buddha) battling each other for dominance over the world of humans. Finally, they decided on a contest to grow peonies. They would each plant a peony, lie down next to it, and the one whose flower reached his knees ¡- first would be the winner. When Maitreya's peony grew faster, Sakayamuni broke off the stem and " placed it on his knee. "Why are you breaking off my flower and putting it on your knee? Your flower will fade in less than 10 days and your plant will never live past 10 years," cursed Maitreya.

In truth, peonies have a brief life.

Indeed, Kim Youong-rang (1903 -1950) described the "despair'' of watching withering peonies as "glorious sorrow." The peony, so beautiful that Sakayamuni and Maitreya fought over it to rule the world, blooms for less than 10 days.

Koreans have loved peonies since the time of the Silla Kingdom According to historical records, the emperor of Tang China sent peonies to Silla during the first year of the reign of King Seondeok

Perhaps no other flower more vividly symbolizes summer than the peony. Even the brilliant summer sun seems unable to outshine the sultry charms of this flower.

15

(632) while the renowned Silla scholar Choe Chi-won (857-?) planted peonies at various Buddhist temples. Samguk sagi (History of the Three Kingdoms) also recounts an episode related to peonies. In the early seventh century, upon seeing a painting of peonies that the Tang court had sent along with seeds as a gif~ the princess who would later become Queen Seondeok (r. 632-647) said: "The flowers are beautiful but they surely do not have any scent, for the painting shows no butterflies." The seeds were planted and when the flowers bloomed, they actually proved to have no sen~ and everyone marveled at the perceptiveness of the princess.

The peony may be the queen of summer, but the chrysanthemum is the gentleman of autumn, because the flower buds begin to open when the weather turns cold and frost begins to appear.

Koreans have a hard time imagining fall without chrysanthemums. The wild chrysanthemums growing in the open look plaintive and melancholy as though

16

they embody all the regrets of a year gone by. To ancient Koreans, the chrysanthemum symbolized the noble dignity and integrity of the learned scholars of virtue seonbi. Following is a poem

by YiJeong-bo (1693-1766).

Chrysanthemum, why have you waited until the spring wind of the third month is [Jme, to bloom all alone when the leaves fall and the weather turns cold?

Perhaps you are the only one whose integrity proudly blossoms without succumbing to frost.

Gang Hui-an (1417-1465, scholar and painter) wrote in Yanghwasorok, the nation's first book on floriculture, that chrysanthemums were introduced from China during the reign of King Chungsuk (r. 1332-1339) of the Goryeo Dynasty (918-1392). As described in a Goryeo song, Koreans drank a liquor made from chrysanthemum petals, a custom that originated in China They also

used chrysanthemums to make flower pancakes as they did with azaleas. The Baekje Kingdom (18 B.C-AD. 660) introduced the chrysanthemum to Japan Maehwa, Japanese aprico~ whose fragrant flowers blossom in winter, can be called the "flower of flowers." The elegant maehwa that blossoms in the snow in the dead of winter is often associated with the impeccable principles and integrity of the seonbi. Scholars used to convey their ardent love for a woman by writing poems that pay tribute to the noble character of maehwa. Many women enthralled with the splendor of maehwa, particularly gisaeng (professional courtesans), used to adopt the syllable mae in their names; for example, Seol Jung-mae, which a liquor company now uses as the brand name for one of its products.

It is imperative to mention¡ camellias when discussing Korea's winter flowers.

Because they blossom in winter and early spring, camellias, together with maehwa, have been regarded as a sym-

bol of integrity and virtue from the ancient past. Camellias also represent passionate love because of their brilliant red flowers. Korean women of the past combed their hair with camellia oil, which was also used for lanterns. In the hit song "Come Back to Busan Harbor," which became popular in Japan as well, the singer Cho Yong-pil sings of the "island of blooming camellias," which symbolizes a happy country. The lyrics of this song urge Koreans who had left Korea for employment abroad to return home and share the nation's newfound prosperity with their fellow countrymen.

Spring has come to the island of blooming camellias, Yet seagulls wail plaintively in the Busan Harbor bereft of its brothers, Each of the ferryboats returning to Oryuk Island, Calls out desperately to my brothers, but they fail to answer,

Camellia

Please return to Busan Harbor, my beloved brothers.

Many poems and songs of the Japanese colonial period (1910-1945) recounted the heartache of those who had to abandon their homeland for faraway places. "Come Back to Busan Harbot was a product of the remarkable economic development that Koreans achieved in the 1970s. The "fenyboats'' in the lyrics refer to the ships that used to 0

'

run to and from Japan.

"Bongseonhwa" (Touch-me-not) is typical of the songs that reflected the hardship of the colonial period The lyrics of this song, including "Touch-me-not standing beneath the fence, how desolate you look," as well as the melody both convey the grief of lost national sovereignty. Because this song would arouse great sorrow in Koreans, the Japanese colonial authorities prohibited its singing. But a song does not always need to be sung out loud, so the people sang of the bitter grief in their heatts, as if groaning from within Mugunghwa, the Rose of Sharon, is the national flower of Korea It was not officially proclaimed the national flower by the authorities, nor did anyone insist on its designation as such, but Koreans have regarded the mugunghwa as their national flower since the late 19th century. Proof of this is the phrase in the national anthem: ''Rose of Sharon, thousand miles of beautiful mountains and

17

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rivers!" Korea's history of cultivating mugunghwa elates back more than 2,000 years. A passage in Sanhaegyeong, a geography book published in China during the era of the Warring States, reads: "In the Land of Gentlemen are Roses of Sharon, which bloom in the morning and fade in the evening." Gang Hui-an also noted in his book Yanghwasorok: "Koreans raised mugunghwa from the time that Dangun founded the nation." In fact, China and other countries have referred to Korea as the Land of Roses of Sharon for a long time.

In a message .written to the emperor of Tang China on the king's order, Choe Chi-won of Silla warned: "Geunhwahyang [Land of Roses of Sharon, referring to Silla] is modest and prudent, but Gosiguk [Barhae, a neighboring kingdom] is becoming increasingly belligerent." This means that Korea as well referred to itself as the land of mugunghwa, effectively establishing it as the national flower as early as the ninth century. It seems that the name "mugunghwa" statted to be used during the middle of the Goryeo Dynasty, based on account written by Yi Gyu-bo (11681241) of a debate between two friends, one insisting on the Chinese characters ~ ~ meaning "everlasting," for mugung and the other on ~ '8, meaning "palace;' implying that the king loved the flower so much that the queen's residence lost its luster. Mugunghwa was also used in the flower wreath that the king conferred on the scholar who recorded the highest score in the state-administered examinations for senior-level office during the Joseon Dyansty (1392-1910). The people who attended banquets that included the presence of the king would decorate their hats with mugunghwa and called them jinchanhwa; which literally means "a banquet for offering fine food to the king."

During the period of Japanese colonial rule, Korean women used to wait eagerly for national liberation, passing the time embroidering eight Roses of Sharon on a map of Korea to represent the country's 18

eight provinces. In patticular, Nam Gungeok (1863-1939) carried out a "campaign of creating hills of Roses of Sharon" throughout the country, so as to promote national awareness and patriotism.

He raised Roses of Shat¡on in Hongcheon, his hometown, and sent tens of thousands of the flowers to schools, churches, an<;! various social organizations. In 1933, the Japanese authorities imprisoned him for what was referred to as the "mugunghwa incident," propagating flowers across the nation. The Japanese suppressed the language, letters, and even the songs of Korea, and ultimately prohibited its people from planting mugunghwa.

Mugunghwa flowers open at dawn, begin to dose in the afternoon, and then fall to the ground around sunset, with its one-clay cycle coinciding with that of the sun. This daily cycle occurs for about 100 days from early summer until fall. The flowers of mugunghwa also drop off neatly; the petals dose like a bud and the entire flower falls off intact, in contrast to other flowers whose petals fade in color

and fall off separately, thereby littering the surroundings.

Some people have criticized the designation of mugunghwa as the national flower on the grounds that it grows mostly in the southern region, its place of origin is India, and the flowers do not stay open for long. However, this is a shortsighted view.

For Koreans, flowers symbolize life itself. In a shatnan song passed down on Jejudo Island, the daughter of Myeong Jin-guk, the Goddess of Childbirth, enables 10,000 babies to be born on a day, while holding a flower-of proliferation in one hand and a flower of reincarnation in the other.

Flowers can also restore life. In another shaman song of Jejudo, a concubine pushes Yeosan into the water where she drowns, but then returns to life thanks to her seven sons who revive her with dohwansaengkkot, or "reincarnation flower," from Seocheon Flower Garden, a garden of flowers that the Goddess of Childbirth uses to bless children. She is then reincarnated as the Kitchen God.

This garden of flowers was also said to include ppyeosalkkot and salsalkkot that were used to cure bone and skin ailments. Segyeongpuri; a shaman myth of Jejudo, also tells of reviving a dead man with three flowers picked from the Seocheon Flower Garden. In addition - Sim Cheong, the heroine in the Korean folk tale of the same name who throws herself into the sea so that her sacrifice can enable her blind father to regain his eysigh~ also returns to the world of the living on a lotus blossom Flowers were also used to aid one's rise to divine status. In a shaman myth of Jejudo, the daughter of Myeong Jin-guk and the daughter of the King of the East Sea fought each other to become the god of childbirth of the human world. The King of Heaven gave them each a flower seed and told them to plant it in the sand of the Land of Seoyeok in Seocheon, whereby the one whose seed produced flowers would become the god of childbirth. The seed that the King of the East Sea's daughter planted grew a single root and a flower, but the seed of

Myeong Jin-guk's daughter, though it also had a single ro~ produced 45,600 stems.

Myeong Jin-guk's daughter thus became the Goddess of Childbirth while the King of the East Sea's daughter became an old woman in the world of the dead The people of the ancient kingdom of Silla compared outstanding youth to flowers. The Hwat·ang, Flower of Youth Corps, was a troop of young warriors that produced numerous prominent ministers, faithful subjects, outstanding generals, and loyal soldiers. Hwarang means men as beautiful as flowers. The head of these young men was known as hwaju, or owner of flowers. This legacy remains alive today. The members of the younger generation who have a promising future are called ''budding flowers," with children of a bright future being "flowers in bloom:' Young women at the height of their youth are referred to as being in the "Year of Flower" or of a "flower age" Flowers were also considered to represent the will of Heaven. It is recorded in Samguk yusa (Memorabilia of the Three Kingdoms) that during the third year rule of King Michu (r. 262-284) of Silla, Monk Han is said to have built Heungyunsa Temple on a site where flowers fell from the sky. It is also recorded in the same book that Prince Bocheon and his brother Prince Hyomyeong, sons of King Jeongsin, built Bocheonam Temple nearby where green lotus flowers grew on Mt. Odaesan Flowers were also compared to people. One example is found in the tale ''Hwawanggye" (Lesson of Flower King), written by Seol Chong (656-?), during the rule of King Sinmun (r. 681-692) of Silla Of all the flowers, the king of the Land of Flowers loved roses most. He then became torn between the rose and pasqueflower, moved by the latter's unwavering loyalty. The king later began to rule wisely based on the pasqueflower's earnest counsel. Im Je (15491587) of the Joseon Dynasty also wrote a story entitled "Hwasa" or "History of

Flowers." In this story, the maehwa, peony, and lotus were designated as the kings of all flowers, and thus ruled over other flowers, trees, and plants. Through this story, the writer expounded on the rise and fall of a nation while criticizing the current political reality.

In addition, flowers served as the source of a number of sayings. "A flowerpot where the flower has faded" refers to things or people past their prime who at·e no longer useful. ''Better bread than flower" indicates how food is more important than ornamental objects of beauty for those who are hungry.

Koreans frequently compare flowers to women and butterflies to men. "Like a butterfly that has seen a flowet describes the ecstasy of lovers. ''Would a butterfly pass by a flower?'' refers to two lovers never missing a chance to confirm their love upon meeting. "A butterfly that has seen a flower does not heed fire" means that a man and woman deeply in love would even defy death to perpetuate their love. "A butterfly without a flower'' alludes to a man who has lost his beloved, while "a pretty flower gathers butterflies" means that a beautiful maiden will likely find a handsome suitor.

A married couple having first a daughter and then a son is described as "flowers bloom firs~ fruits at·e borne later." When something fortuitous occurs, it is compared to "a lover who atTives just when flowers open." Even plain-looking women are compat·ed to flowers: "Flower she is, but a pumpkin flower." "Cotton flower is the best of flowers" refers to the importance of substance over appearance ''Flowers are silent even when they laugh, and birds shed no teat·s even when they cry" describes the empathy two people can share without the need for saying anything. The saying, "Even birds stop coming when flowers fall" is used to deplore the abrupt end of visitors due to a person's fall from grace A trivial object that demonstrates its value by being placed in an appropriate setting is described as an "oddly shaped rock in a bed of flowers." • 0

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hen discussing the flowers of Korea, it is necessary to mention aromatic flowers.

In Western countries, flowers generally tend to be assessed on the basis of whether they can be used in perfume. Westerners also grow aromatic plants or herbs primarily for their fragrance. Like pets that delight their owners with their loyalty and affection, aromatic plants and herbs please their owners with their fragrant scent Oils extracted from aromatic plants are also used in aromatherapy.

Meanwhile, aromatic flowers have con-

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safflower, and gardenia have much potential as well. Some of these plants are already being used for the production of perfume, hair rinse and tea The following describes the flowers that have had an influence on the sentiments of the Korean people and are widely used as perfume and cultural products.

White Lotus and Lotus Tea Baengnyeon, or white lotus, produces flowers with thick white petals that give off a subtle yet pungent scent It is not known when white lotus first began to grow in Korea, but since it originated in

KoREA's

OMATIC FLOWERS

Developing Native Flowers as Commercial Products Park Chung-kon Editor, Pastoral Life

tributed to today's flourishing perfume industry. The cultivation of roses in Kazanluk, Bulgaria and the massive rose farms in France are directly linked to the perfume industry, such that it is no coincidence Paris developed into the global center of world-renowned perfumes.

Korea also has a number of flowers that can be used as perfume sources. In addition, a variety of herbal vegetables, wildflowers, medicinal and other herbs, and dye plants has strong potential of becoming ingredients for perfume. It is thus time to invest greater effort in those plants that are capable of being developed into cultural products and perfume inputs. For example, wildflowers that can be used for perfume include aromatic madder, nettle-leaf wood mint, honeysuckle, magic lily, winter aster, Siberian chrysanthemum, lily of the valley, gentian, wild chrysanthemum, and touchme-not Sweet flag, Korean min~ fragrant plantain lily, Ulleung chrysanthemum, 20

India, many believe that it was brought to Korea with the introduction of Buddhism. Unlike the red lotus that is commonly found growing in ponds and rice paddies across the nation, white lotus is considerably less common.

However, it grows in abundance in the Hoesan White Lotus Pond in Muan county, Jeollanam-do province; Pihyangjeong Pond in Jeongeup city, Jeollabuk-do province; and the pond at Inchwisa Temple in Asan city, Chungcheongnam-do province. It blooms from July to September.

In Korea, white lotus is used for making the herbal tea baengnyeoncha, while being the subject of the Lotus Blossom Festival. White lotus tea is a high-quality tea, handmade from white lotus buds. It has a slightly pungent yet sweet aroma reminiscent of the scent associated witl1 Buddhist temples. It is said to be so refreshing that it is capable of banishing the five forms of greed (money, sex,

food, honor, sloth) and seven human emotions. To produce this tea, painstaking care must be taken so as not to damage a single petal or allow even the slightest whiff of its fragrance to escape.

The producers of baengnyeoncha practically live with the white lotus plants when they come into bloom. They are master artisans who produce this exceptional tea by capturing the subtle essence of the lotus flowers.

Of the various lotus flower festivals, the Muan Lotus Blossom Festival is the most well known This festival is staged in late August each. year at the Hoesan

Lotus tea (baengnyeoncha)

White Lotus Pond in Bogyong-ri, llio-eup, Muan county. The Hoesan White Lotus Pond, which encompasses 330,000 square meters, is almost entirely covered with white lotus, making it the largest habitat of white lotus in Asia.

The Hoesan White Lotus Pond was created when a resident from a nearby village planted 12 white lotus plants at the edge of the pond about 60 years ago.

That night, the villager dreamed that 12 cranes resembling white lotus blossoms descended from the sky. He thought the dJeam was extraordinary, and together with other villagers, he devoted great care to looking after the plants, which have continued to proliferate into today's burgeoning colony.

Every year, the festival draws more than a million people from all parts of the nation. The multitude of lotus blossoms rising elegantly above the water easily steal their way into the hearts of visitors. From the white lotus, _which in Buddhism symbolizes emancipation in that the lotus emerges from its muddy surroundings to blossom, visitors gain an appreciation of purity and the wisdom of seeking happiness by abandoning worldly desires.

Apart from white lotus, various other types of lotus including red lotus, water lily, and water gentian grow in Korea.

They have different appearances while their ornamental value and range of uses vary as well. But none can compare with 21

white lotus in terms of its subtle, intriguing fragrance. White lotus is truly a valuable aromatic resource.

Okjamhwa and Nogodan Perfume The buds of okjamhwa, or plantain lily, begin to open at around the time the summer sun begins to sink toward the horizon and then blossom into brilliant white flowers resembling white gems when darkness descends. It came to be called okjamhwa due to its resemblance to okbinyeo, a jade hairpin. It blooms like a lily in the gentle moonlight and gives off a wonderfully sweet aroma. The flowers continuously bloom nightly throughout summer. Unlike okjamhwa, sanokjam has lavender flowers. It grows wild in the vicinity of Nogodan on Mt. Jirisan. There is a popular myth associated with okjamhwa Once upon a time, a seonbi; a scholar of impeccable virtue and learning, was playing a piri, a bamboo oboe-like instrumen~ under a full moon at a pavilion. He

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stopped playing when he noticed a delicate fragrance and slight movement. He then realized that a beautiful fairy was standing nearby, smiling at him. The fairy said that she came down from heaven because of the beautiful sound of his music and asked him to continue playing. The scholar began to play again.

Unmindful of the time, the scholar continued to play into the wee hours of the night. When a rooster crowed, the fairy jumped up and prepared to return to heaven. Disappointed, the scholar beseeched the fairy to give him a token to remember her by. The fairy took a jade hairpin from her hair and gave it to him, but in his wonder and awe, the scholar dropped it onto the ground where it immediately turned into okjamhwa. It blossomed into blindingly white flowers early every evening.

In the past, it was possible to find okjamhwa only in the gardens of highranking government officials, but nowadays many people grow okjamhwa It is

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considered to be a prized flower because of its delicate appearance and delightful fragrance Today, this wildflower is used to produce an outstanding perfume, called Nogodan. Korea's leading perfume, Nogodan features a marvelous fragrance.

The scent-producing material extracted from okjamhwa is refined and used as the main ingredient for the perfume. The perfume is sold at Oncheon Land and souvenir shops in the vicinity of Mt. Jirisan as well as various outlets in Seoul.

Women who use Nogodan say that its refreshing subtle fragrance makes them feel more attractive. .

There is a story behind the Nogodan brand name. Nogodan, meaning "altar of an old mother-in-law;' refers to the site where memorial rites are performed in memory of the mother of Bak Hyeokgeose, the founder of the Silla Kingdom (57 B.C.-AD. 935). It is said that the perfume came to be called Nogodan because sanokjam grows in abundance in Nogodan and it was presumed that a kings mother would have ready access to perfume. The perfume brings to mind images of the pristine and majestic Mt. Jirisan. Okjamhwa is as intimately related with the sentiments and life of Koreans today as it was in the ancient past.

percent) of the rape flowers grown in Korea. They are mostly grown as a tourist attraction. These brilliant yellow flowers have become a symbol of this southernmost resort island Its leaves are eaten as fresh greens in spring when other vegetables are in short supply and used as ingredients in kimchi. Of note, the countless rape flowers produce substantial honey-producing nectar. As such, the rape flower fields attract beekeepers whose honeybees produce a honey with a unique flavor.

When the flowers wither, the plants produce a fruit that is used to produce oil Rape oil is used as a cooking oil and salad dressing. It is also used as an ingredient for margarine, butter, mayonnaise, and confectioneries. But the rape that grows on Jejudo is not suitable for these applications and thus not used extensively as a raw material for oil and¡ other processing.

Instead, the rape flowers are used to make perfume. You can find Jejudo rape

¡- Rape and Jejudo Perfume

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Rape flowers signal the arrival of spring on Jejudo Island Those who visit the island in April and May are inevitably mesmerized by the rape flowers that turn vast stretches of land into brilliant yellow, creating a dazzling and dizzying scene.

On Jejudo, ponies can be seen frolicking along the fields of rape flowers.

Beyond them are low serpentine stone walls, and behind them quaint strawthatched cottages. Summer tangerines grow in front and back of the houses.

Jejudo accounts for virtually all (98 Nogodan Perfume (opposite page top) Plantain lily (opposite page bottom) Field of rape flowers and Jejudo's special product, rape perfume (right) 23

Korea also has a number of flowers that can be used as perfume sources. In addition, a variety of herbal vegetables, wildflowers, medicinal and other herbs, and dye plants has strong potential of becoming ingredients for perfume. It is thus time to invest greater effort in those plants that are capable of being developed into cultural products and perfume inputs.

perfume in tourist shops and the dutyfree shop at the Jeju Airport. The perfume compares with such world-famous brands as Chane! or Yves Saint-Laurent, both in the quality of its scent and design It is an attractive yellow, from the use of rape and orange flowers. Its sweet fragrance is like ¡fresh rape and orange blossoms.

The majority of flowers that grow in Korea have a subtle fragrance, as do Jejudo's rape flowers, which seems to reflect the unique sentiments of the Korean people. A fragrance that is like a combination of the fresh scent of new buds sprouting on branches in spring and the sweet smell of nameless wildflowers. You can enjoy such an aroma in everyday life on Jejudo. This is a natural blessing offered by the rape flowers that Jejudo nurtures within its broad bosom.

It is not known when rape flowers first began to grow in Korea The flowers are referred to as undae in a document published in 1643, and it is thus surmised that they must have been growing on the Korean peninsula before then.

Rape came to be favored by Koreans after its cultivation, processing, and range of uses expanded with the passage of time.

Olangpo, Oleongung, and Dano Chanf!PO, or sweet flag, has yellowish flowers that are almost too delicate to be called flowers. In the past, women would make a hair rinse by soaking its leaves and stems in water. Sometimes cheongung whose botanical name is Cnidium officinale, would be used when sweet flag was not available.

Cheongung is known as a medicinal herb, but it has a long history of cosmetic use.

To keep their hair glossy and black, 24

Korean women in the past rinsed their hair with sweet flag water on Dano Day, the fifth day of the fifth lunar month, as well as the third day of the third month and the fifteenth day of the sixth month. How did they know that sweet flag would help keep their hair

healthy and vibrant? Sweet flag has a fragrance that appeals to Koreans, the kind of refreshing scent that you can smell in pristine forests or along riverbanks. Some compare it to the dean smell of laundry that has been dried by a warm sun This is why people who come across the

scent of sweet flag often find this fragrance to be somehow familiar, which is not surprising since it is the smell of our homes and the freshness of nature.

In bygone days, Korean women did not use sweet flag just to rinse their hair.

They also added it to bath water and carved its roots into hairpins, which remained fragrant for a long time. People would also hang sweet flag leaves under the eaves of houses in the belief that they would ward off misfottune.

Cheongung was widely used in Gangwon-do province. Cheongung is a leafy plant, like radish. When you pass by fields of cheongung, rippling waves of its scent are dearly palpable. It is a precious aromatic resource. Like sweet flag, cheongung leaves were cut and soaked in water to make a hair rinse and cheongung roots were used to make hairpins.

In the past, when Korean women were about to get married or move to a new house, they would often pack sweet flag or cheongung roots among their belongings. They would then plant the roots by the well or washing area of the new house for use on Dano Day. Sweet flag and cheongung have fallen into disuse nowadays, however.

Increasingly, people no longer observe Dano Day and use commercially-produced shampoo, rinse, and soap instead Fortunately, many apartment dwellers now grow them as potted plants. Sweet flag is particularly in demand by those people who remember its scent from the past They plant sweet flag in their garden or on their verandah to ¡enjoy its refreshing fragrance. Sweet flag is also popular for landscaping purposes and flower arrangements. It is our task to help restore the aromatic culture related to Dano so that these plants may again flourish. +

Sweet flag (opposite page) Women participating in a cultural event rinse their hair with sweet flag (upper left).

Cheongung ( Cnidiwn oRicinale) (left) 25

n the dictionary, the word "theme" is defined as "a unifying idea, image, or motif repeated or developed throughout a work" Theme is used frequently in many sectors of society and business but it is still an unfamiliar expression in the field of agriculture.

A plant theme park can be described as a botanical garden organized around a selected theme and with related distinguishing characteristics. Some of the major theme types include rose, medicinal herb, herb, native plant and wildflower gardens.

Amid increasingly fierce competition in the agricultural sector, local governments have been working actively toward multifaceted agricultural promotion by organizing regional festivals or developing plant theme parks and ecological parks as visitor attractions. In other countries, botanical gardens can be found in all regions. In Japan where local autono-

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my has been in place for sometime now, botanical gardens along with parks and museums are popular regional tourist attractions. Moreover, there are many regional theme gardens dedicated to a particular flower, such as begonia, dahlia, peony, itis, and lavender as well as herbs.

In Korea, too, the number of theme gardens has been on the lise of late On Jejudo, Yeornift Botanical Garden and the Bunjae Artpia are well-established tourist attractions, while Oedo Paradise Island on Geojedo is a good example of a plant theme park that has contlibuted greatly to invigorating the local economy. The Garden of Morning Calm in Gapyeong is now well known among Seoulites as a popular leisure destination. Meanwhile, Pyeongchang-gun is known for its Korea Native Botanical Garden and Herb Nara theme parks. The following is an overview of the major plant theme parks in Korea

Seoul, Gyeonggi Region Namsan Botanical Garden and Namsan Outdoor Botanical Garden jung-gu, Seoul

Since the first pavilion of the Namsan Botanical Garden was opened in December 1968, the second, third and fourth pavilions were opened three years later in 1971 with the donation of cacti collected by Korean:Japanese Kim Yong-jin from all over the world.

Currently, the garden is home to some 12,000 plants of 1,100 species, including 3,180 foliage plants of 303 species, 3,000 fleshy plants of 290 species, and 5,220 cacti of 507 species. Located on the ¡slopes of Seoul's best-known landmark, the gar-

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den is easily accessible and popular among Seoul citizens. Hotticultural classes are also conducted there.

Namsan Outdoor Botanical Garden is located across the street from the Hyatt Hotel, some 3 kilometers away from Namsan Botanical Garden. Part of a Seoul city project to restore Mt. Namsan to its original state, the garden was created on the site of a housing complex for foreigners ¡that was demolished in 1994.

The garden, which was opened to the public on February 18, 1997, includes some 117,132 plants of 269 species that grow naturally in the vicinity of Seoul.

The plants are grouped into 13 theme gardens including a garden for the blind and areas dedicated to Rose of Sharon, hibiscus, medicinal herbs, aquatic plants, vines, rare plants, flowering plants, apricot trees, wildflowers, royal azaleas, azaleas, shrubs, and commercial plants. In contrast to Namsan Botanical Garden, enclosed garden areas featuring mainly foreign plant species, Namsan Outdoor Botanical Garden focuses on indigenous

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Korean plants. The garden is maintained and operated by a group of volunteers.

Seoul Grand Park Botanical Garden Gwacheon-si, Gyeonggi-do Province Opened on May 1, 1985, the Seoul Grand Park Botanical Garden features 1,252 species of plants including foliage plants, cacti, fleshy plants, orchids (Oriental and Western), and ferns. The Seoul Grand Park site encompasses 8.91 million square meters. The Botanical Garden is housed in a 2,825-square-meter greenhouse with a height of 25 meters.

The second-largest greenhouse complex in Asia, it consists of four sections: ~582square-meter tropical, sub-tropical and foliage plants section; 685-square-meter cactus and fleshy plants section; 450square-meter Western orchids and ferns section; and 108-square-meter Oriental orchids exhibition section

Incheon Grand Park Botanical Garden Narndong-gu, Incheon Located within Incheon Grand Park,

the botanical garden is composed of two main areas: a greenhouse and outdoor native plants garden. Opened in April 1996, the greenhouse contains tropical fruit trees, foliage plants, ground cover plants, southern plants, and aquatic plants.

The native plants garden was opened in September 1997. There is also a rose garden that was opened in October 1995 where a rose festival is held every June.

Gwangneung Arboretum National Arboretum, Poclxon-gun, Gyeonggi-do Province The forest surrounding the royal tombs was meticulously maintained during the Joseon Dynasty (1392-1910) as a garden of the imperial household, while during Japan's colonization of Korea it was operated as an experimental forest.

The arboretum was opened to the general public in 1983. However, with public access taking a serious toll on the forest resources, entry has been restricted to advance reservations since June 1997 in an effort to preserve this unique forest.

Though this has reduced the recreation space available for local residents, it was necessary to protect the natural environment.

The Garden of Morning Calm Gapyeong-gun, Gyeonggi-do Province

Popularized as the setting of the movie Pyeonji (Letter), the arboretum is composed of willow, Rose of Sharon, bonsai, wildflower, coniferous tree, iris, bulbous plan~ and herb gardens. It also features a pagoda, an observatory, Hometown Garden, Garden Country, Morning Plaza, Model Exhibition Hall, and Biblical Promenade.

Seasonal festivals are held throughout the year. In March, there is an orchid

exhibition where visitors can appreciate the fragrance of early spring orchids; in April and May, the Spring Garden Exhibition and the Royal Azaleas Exhibition display spring flowers such as royal azaleas, tulips and ume blossoms; in May, the Wildflower Exhibition features native Korean wildflowers that can be found nearby Mt. Chuknyeongsan; in May and June, the Iris Festival exhibits over 300 varieties of dazzling irises; in August, the Rose of Sharon Festival in the Sunken Garden presents some 70 varieties of Korea's national flower; in October, the Autumn Leaves Festival highlights the colorful autumn foliage on Gapyeong's Mt. Chuknyeongsan; in October and November, .the Chrysanthemum Festival includes some 200 varieties of chrysanthemum displayed in creative arrangements; and in December and January, the Snow Festival features red-headed Japanese winterberry flowers against a snow-covered background as well as a natural snow slope for sledding.

Herb Island Pocheon-gun, Gyeonggi-do Province

Located in a white house on top of a hill is the Herb Shop, where visitors can browse through 100 kinds of items made with herbs, sample herbal tea and purchase whatever they might fancy. In the Herb Cafe, you can relax amid the fragrant scent of herbs. Visitors can enjoy herb teas made from herbs grown on the farm and try herb cocktails. The Herb Restaurant features dishes prepared with herbs grown on the farm. At the Herb House, visitors can see, touch and smell some 100 different kinds of herbs, while at the Herb Workshop, where herb scented candles and soap are produced, visitors can try their hand at making these items as well.

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Amid increasingly

Gangwon-do Region

fierce competition in

HerbNara

the agricultural sector,

Pyeongchanggun, Gangwon-do Province

local governments have been working actively toward multifaceted agricultural

Korea Native Botanical Garden Pyeongchanggun, Gangwon-do Province As a result of a project that began in 1983, the Korea Native Botanical Garden was subsequently developed and opened to the general public in July 1999. In May 2000, the garden was selected as one of the top visitor attractions in Korea by the Korea National Tourism Organization,

promotion by organizing regional festivals or developing plant theme parks and ecological parks as visitor attractions.

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Herb Nara includes a herb garden where you can learn all about herbs and seven theme gardens- Children's Garden, Fragrance Garden, Shakespeare Garden, Moon Garden, Butterfly Garden, Water Garden, and Sun Farm. There is also the herb farm where all the herbs used at Herb Nara are grown. A white birch building houses a restaurant and cafe serving foods and teas prepared with herbs and a shop selling a variety of herb products.

while last year it became the first privately operated botanical garden to be certified by the Korea Forest Service.

Chungcheong-do Region Songsu Herbland Cheongwon-gun, Chungcheongbuk-do Province

rative herbs and taste a wide variety of dishes using herbs at a herb buffet that includes an oak wood charcoal herb barbecue, herb bibimbap, herb salad, herbal tea, herb liquor, fresh herb juice, herb sandwiches and herb kimbap

Chollipo Arboretum Taean-gun, Chungcheongnam-do Province

Songsu Herbland is Korea's biggest herb theme park Every May the park holds a month-long festival during which time several hundred of its 500 varieties of herbs are exhibited. Other events include an exhibition of herbrelated books such as a herb dictionary, illustrated book of vegetables, and guide to edible flowers to broaden awareness about herbs; the exhibition and sale of herbs; and the display and sale of foods made of herbs, and other herbal products. Visitors can also view various deco-

Established as a non-profit foundation by the Korea Forest Service in 1979, _the Chollipo Arboretum Foundation was reorganized as a public service corporation in 1996. It has been wholly funded by the late foundation chairman and arboretum founder, Min Pyong-gal (Carl Ferris Miller). As of April18, 1999, it was home tb 6{136 species of plants collected from 60 countries such as the United

States, including an extensive collection of magnolias. Over the years it has conducted valuable research and supplied experimental material for scholars and experts in diverse fields while also contributing much to heightening public awareness about the value and importance of preserving plant resources. The arboretum successfully hosted the 1997 Magnolia Society annual spting meeting and in 1998 it hosted meetings of the International Dendrology Society and the Holly Society, thus playing an important role in the international exchange of academic material and information The arboretum operates on a membership basis and access is limited to academic groups and those with research purposes. It is not open to the general public.

Jeolla-do Region Jeonju Arboretum jeonju, jeollabuk-do Province The Jeonju Arboretum features 2,150

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species of plants, including ~07 species of woody plants and 1,080 species of herbaceous plants. In addition to the arboretum, there are gardens of medicinal plants, Rose of Sharon, and weeds, a bamboo fores~ the Nambu Garden featuring plants collected from the southern region and the islands of Korea, rose garden, rock garden with plants found at high altitudes and rocky terrain, and a wetlands garden containing aquatic plants from Korea's wetland areas. There are also nine specialized arboretums including a children's arboretum with 130 species of plants .that appear in elementary school textbooks which thus serves as an educational site where children can acquire firsthand knowledge about plants. The arboretum devoted to native plants was developed to study the characteristics of various species.

Wando Arboretum Wando-gun,jeollanam-do Province This arboretum, which consists of 700 kinds of rare subtropical trees and an /

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evergreen broad-leaf forest, is used for the conservation of native trees and ecological study. And with the establishment of a special arboretum, it also serves as a forest reserve exhibition The arboretum includes gardens of azaleas, fruit trees, broad-leafed trees, camphor trees, edible plants, medicinal herbs, coniferous trees, shrubbery, rocks, and camellias.

Gyeongsang-do Region

fan cactus, bougainvillea, tea olives and golden ball cactus displayed in temperate and tropical plant gardens.

The front gate, ticket booth, observatory, restrooms, maintenance offices, rest area, gift shop, and memorial hall were all designed by Prof. Kang Byung-keun of Konkuk University to harmonize with the natural surroundings. Opened on April 15, 1995, the island park is doing its patt to further promote local culture.

Oedo Paradise Island

Gicheongsan Botanical Garden

Geoje-si, Gyeongsangnam-do Province Oedo Paradise Island has become widely known as the setting of the final scene of the popular TV drama "Winter Song." First opened as a certified. tourist destination in 1976 on a 15.51-square-kilometer site, a 4.29-square-kilometer arboretum has since been developed without harming the primeval forest. It features some ~0 rare species of plants including the native Oedo camellia, subtropical cactus, cocoa palms, gardenias, sunflowers, eucalyptus, palm trees, apple cactus,

Pohang Gyeongsangbuk-do Province

With some 600 species of herbaceous flowers and 400 species of woody plants, this botanical garden places priority on plant education. Though not currently open to the general public, it conducts

educational programs on a reservation basis and operates the Korean Ecological Landscaping Research Institute as an affiliated organization. It is undertaking a variety of projects including developing a garden trail, plant tagging, constructing a seed and specimen depository, gathering information and materials, building an education hall, surveying regional plant life and collecting species samples, developing foods using native plants, and recruiting research specialists.

JejuRegion Yeomiji Botanical Garden Seogwipo,jeju-do Province The sunflower-shaped 12,210-squaremeter Yeomiji greenhouse is the largest of its kind in Asia, housing L800 species including 1,200 species of subtropical and tropical plants. It includes gardens of flowers and butterflies, aquatic plants, succulent plants, tropical ecology and tropical fruit trees. Outdoors there are various theme gardens such as Japanese,

Korean, Italian and French styles, conifer garden, East-West folk garden,Jeju native plant garden, cycad garden, and exhibition of 800 species of subtropical and temperate zone plants.

Halla Arboretum jeju-si,jeju-do Province The arboretum consists of theme gardens featuring forest trees, shrubbery, medicinal and edible plants, rare trees, Iiana, flowering trees, bamboo, herbaceous plants and aquatic plants. A diversity of flowers can be seen year-round In January, there are narcissus, Christmas berries, and camellias; in February, adonis, ume flowers, and ginger trees; in March golden bells, azaleas, and magnolias; in April, cherry trees, Japanese elderberry, and orchids; in May, mountain royal azaleas, oak flower trees, Korean firs; in June, roses, sedum, chinaberry trees, and yellow lilies; in July, terrestrial orchids, wild pinks, purple bellflowers, lilium disticum, and common day lilies; in Augs~ Rose of Sharon, oleanders, Halla leeks,

and cluster amaryllis; in September, asters, golden spider lilies, asters, sweet viburnum, and common bluebeard; in October, round leaf holly, elderberry, winter daphne, and asters; in November, Jeju orchids, pyracantha and Faifugium japonicum; and in December, maiden's blush, subtropical plants, and bracken

Bunjae Artpia Bukjeju-gun,jeju-do Province

With 100 species of trees and 2,000 bonsai plants, Bunje Altpia is Korea's first tourist attraction featuring a bonsai garden. Located midway between Hallim Park and Mt Sanbangsan, the manicured bonsai plants are displayed throughout a 36,300-square-meter site which includes a carp-filled pond with a stone arch bridge.

33

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FOCUS

Korea's Flower Festivals and · Horticulture Industiy Suh Yeong-jin Reporter, Sports Today 34

area's regional festivals can be largely divided into two groups: food festivals and flower festivals. Whereas food festivals are rather limited in nature, flower festivals have the potential to develop in a number of interesting and varied ways.

Because of Korea's four distinct seasons, all manner of flowers bloom yearround and thus make for natural themes of various festivals. In March, camellias bloom across the country to herald the arrival of spring; in April, cherry blossom festivals are held; in May, royal azaleas are in full bloom; and in June, rose festi-

K

vals are popular. Flowers are linked with regional characteristics to create regional events with distinct identities. The enthusiasm for flower festivals continues into winter as well with "snow flower," or snowflake, festivals.

Most of Korea's flower festivals are combined with regional events. The cherry blossom festivals held throughout the country, for example, display a strong regional flavor. The Jinhae cherry blossom festival is a well established festival of Gyeongsangnam-do presented as Gunhangje, or Naval Pott FestivaL while the Yeongam cherry blossom festival is a pai-r of the Wangin Culture Festival,

named after a distinguished scholar of Baekje (18 B.C-AD. 660) who introduced Chinese characters to Japan as well as his hometown of Yeongam. Recently, there have been increasing efforts to organize festivals that combine food and flower themes. Flower festivals provide visual and fragrant enjoyment but food festivals have the advantage of offering gastronomic pleasure, thereby appealing to a broad cross section of visitors.

This past April, the Gyeongju cherry blossom festival was held in conjunction with the festival "Meeting of Korean Atts and Rice Cakes." Held at Bomun Resort amid cherry blossoms in full bloom, the 35

event featured a feast of traditional rice cakes and a Korea vs. Japan ssireum (Korean wrestling) competition. In Yeongdeok, the region's snow crab festival was held together with the peach blossom festival. The joint festival included a crab-cooking event and performance of the shaman ritual byeolsin gut at the Oshipcheon peach orchard.

Meanwhile, the camellia festival in Seocheon was held in concert with a festival that heightened the West Coast specialty juggumi (baby octopus), which attracted hordes of people.

The Seocheon Juggumi Camellia Festival is a representative event that successfully combines food with flowers.

The picturesque scene of the groves of camellias at Seocheon Maryang Estuary, a popular site on the West Coast for watching the sunrise as well as sunset, was complemented with the regional specialty, baby octopus, that proved successful in attracting visitors from near and far. The tourism potential of the camellia groves on the hill above Maryang Estuary, a designated natural monument, was diminished when a thermoelectric power plant was constructed nearby. The splendor of the 500year-old camellia trees that look out onto the ocean was blighted by the power plant's imposing presence. Naturally, the number of visitors slumped such that the regional government, in seeking a solution, hit upon the idea of incorporating the camellias with the local specialty, baby octopus. Held in April this year, the Camellia Juggumi Festival succeeded in boosting visitor attendance, thanks in . patt to the recent completion of the west coast expressway and the West Coast Mini Museum as well as diverse events such as ferry tours of the estuary.

Some 40 flower festivals are held in Korea in April and May in conjunction with regional cultural festivals. The April cherry blossom festivals are the most common events.

Cherry blossom festivals are presented at some ten locations in Korea including Jinhae, Gyeongju, Gunsan, Yeongam,

~

_,_

and Yoido in Seoul, which annually attract millions of visitors. The Jinhae Naval Port Festival, a cherry blossom festival with a tradition of 40 years, includes a ceremony to commemorate the achievements of Admiral Yi Sun-sin, open house of the Korea Naval Academy, and a night market. In Yeongam, where the cherry blossom festival is held together with the Wangin Culture Festival, there is a cherry blossom-lined walkway with 250 steps, each carved with a different Chinese character, as well as a parade of 1,000 lanterns.

In Hadong, Gyeongsangnam-do province, a cherry blossom festival is staged in the area between the Hwagae marketplace and Ssangyesa Temple. Since the region has long been known for its traditional marke~ the cherry blossom festival events include an unveiling of a statue of a vendor, selection of a "cherry blossom ssireum champion" and "chetTy blossom singer," and a naturally formed cherty blossom archway, which is known as "pathway leading to a wedding:' Festivals in Jeollabuk-do province include a camellia festival held at Seonunsa Temple in Gochang, and a pear blossom festival hosted by Naju to promote Naju pears. On Jeju Island, a rape flower festival is held in May. The spring flower festival season then winds up with royal azalea festivals held at various mountain sites around the country including Hallasan, Sobaeksan, Jirisan, and Taebaeksan Flower festivals can be divided into two types in terms of their objectives: One involves improving the leisure activities and quality of life of local residents while the other focuses on bolstering the regional economy. The Yorkshire festivals in England are an example of the former. Organized by the local community, the Yorkshire flower festivals are held for about two weeks every spring and autumn, offering products made from flowers. Their basic objective is to enhance the quality of life of local residents by generating revenue by attracting tourists from home and abroad.

Similar flower festivals are held in

For a large-scale festival, post-event management can be more important than the actual event itself.

fla w.ilf':

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is simply an exhibition, it will do little to help develop the flower industry's !@yg~

activities, and indeed could

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a wasteful endeavor.

37

Anmyeondo International Flower Exhibition

38

Canada and Australia. In contrast, in the Netherlands and France where horticulture is highly advanced, flower festivals are intended to promote economic activity by focusing on the improvement of flower varieties, product exhibitions and marketing efforts. These events are large-scale commercial undertakings aimed at maximizing international publicity. Toward this end, regional governments come up with the initial investment and horticulture businesses participate actively, especially to promote export sales. Tourism revenue is sought as well. Festivals of this type are also hosted at Hyogo Prefecture, Japan; Magdeburg, Germany; and Kunming, China.

Thus far, Korean flower festivals have been primarily regionally oriented while being of limited benefits. While managing to attract a limited number of tourists they failed to add to the quality of life for local citizens in any tangible manner, in addition to doing little to contribute to the systematic development of the local

horticulture industry. In this regard, the international flower festival Floritopia 2002 held at Kkochji Beach, Anmyeondo, Chungcheongnam-do province, was particularly noteworthy for demonstrating how flower festivals can help promote Korea's floriculture industry.

An early example of a Korean flower festival organized to promote the local flower industry is the World Flower Exhibition in Goyang. Now in its tenth year, the Goyang flower expositions attracted the participation of 60 horticulture businesses and organizations from 20 countries this year.

Floritopia 2002, held April 26 to May 19, is the first international flower exposition in Korea to be formally certified by the International Association of Horticultural Producers (AIPH). Under the theme "Flowers and New Civilization," it was held on a 792,000square-meter site where over 100 million flowers of 2,000 kinds were exhibited.

With the magnificent natural environment of Anmyeondo as a backdrop,

Floritopia 2002 was a significant undertaking that combined natural beauty and floriculture promotion.

The exposition featured several theme gardens and pavilions including an Ecological Swamp Garden that highlighted wetland ecology; Cheongja Jasoo Garden where flowers were used to create an image of c!Jeongja, the renowned jade-colored celadon of the Goryeo Dynasty (918 -1392); and Wild Plant Garden featuring plants native to Korea such as bellflower and Chinese astilbe. It also included folk performances by the 30 participating countries. The main exhibition area on Kkochji Beach, where some 60 outdoor gardens were on display, featured seaside flower gardens set against natural rock formations, along with a flower garden in the forest. The Field of Peace nearby Kkochji Beach was created from soil and flowers gathered from ten battle-ravaged areas around the world to commemorate the casualties of these battlefields. Anmyeondo flower field is connected to a forest where

17,000 pine trees have been planted.

Whereas the World Flower Exhibition Goyang, located just north of Seoul, focused on commercial promotion, the Anmyeondo exposition represented a large-scale festival set in a beautiful natural environment that showed how such an event could contribute directly to the advancement of the local floriculture industry.

Floritopia 2002 was a kind of preevent to Korea's co-hosting of the 2002 World Cup. It was forecast that 720,000 visitors would attend the exposition which would continue to attract tourists not only throughout this year but in 2003 as well. Such a large-scale event means a tremendous boost to the regional economy. First, 28.4 billion won ($240 million) was expended for the event itself as well as expansion of public infrastructure, such as roadway improvement.

Experts projected that the attraction of 720,000 visitors would result in the spending of some 54 billion won ($45 million). Accordingly, the estimated

tourist revenue would be about double the original investment.

Moreover, flower festivals continue to have a positive influence even after the actual events come to a close. At the time of a festival event, the number of visitors may fall below expectations. However, the media exposure leading up to and during the event contributes to continued attraction of visitors thereafter. Areas such as Jinhae, Seocheon and Hadong where flower festivals are regularly held are in fact popular tourist attractions year-round. For example, Bouchard Garden in Canada is an internationally renowned garden created at an abandoned mine site that now attracts two million visitors a year. It is now Vancouvet~s leading tourist destination.

Of patticular significance, the hosting of a flower festival can also adyance regional development by as much as ten years through expansion of roads into the city, as well as development of scenic routes, and flower-lined avenues.

A flower festival can also help pro-

39

mote the local floriculture industry.

Floriade, an international flower exposition held in Holland every ten years, contributes to soine $4 billion of flower supply arrangements. In comparison, Korea's current flower sales amount to some $300 million annually. Kunming, China, which used to be a virtual wasteland in terms of floriculture, has since gained international recognition as a floriculture center by hosting a major flower exhibition. Leading flower producing nations such as Japan, Germany, and Great Britain have advanced their floriculture industries through promotion of flower exhibitions, such that China and Canada are now planning to emulate this strategic approach.

Flower festivals create significant spillover effects, contributing to the development of related industries such as tree nursery seeds, plant supplements and floral arrangements. In the Netherlands, to promote the aesthetic value qf flowers as a cultural consumer product, large-scale flower expositions are presented annually. Overseas, the development of floriculture and horticulture industries is closely related to flower expositions.

Major flower festivals are not just exhibitions, but venues for commercial transactions as well. Export contracts concluded during the World Flower Exhibition in Goyang account for 30 to 40 percent of Korea's flower exports.

Floriculture representatives from 20 countries actively pursue business relations at the event For a large-scale festival, post-event management can be more important than the actual event itself. If a flower exposition is simply an exhibition, it will do little to help develop the flower industry's value-added activities, and indeed could even be considered a wasteful endeavor.

The regular hosting of large-scale flower expositions such as Floritopia at Anmyeondo helps to promote an awareness of the value of flowers and make flowers an everyday part of people's life, 40

thus contributing to the creation of a new culture: the scope of cultural activity can be brQadened by promoting hobbies related to flowers; increases in the number of flower growers and production of flowers can help promote the steady growth and development of flower-related industries.

Notable Flower Festivals Since the 1990s Koreans have taken a keen interest in herbs, or aromatic plants, for their decorative value and usefulness in everyday life. Some farms have hosted herb festivals to enhance the commercial value of herbs while also making efforts to promote the sale of related products. In Japan, village-based herb festivals are held in rural areas that focus on popular herb varieties. As the popularity of Herb Nara in Pyeongchang has shown, herb festivals that offer' a variety of experiences and things to see can contribute much to industry development.

Countless species of wild flowers are found in Korea because of the country's four distinct seasons and unique topography. Additional effort is needed to discover unique flower varieties or develop new varieties through genetic engineering, which can then be promoted at flower festivals. With evermore ordinary people showing an interest in the cultivation of native plants that are well suited to Korea's soil and climate, the creation of new varieties could lead to substantial commercial opportunities.

Flower villages should also be created as tourist attractions. At the rose festival held in Bulgaria every June; young girls dressed in folk costumes do a dance to expel evil while people throw roses to them in an act of supplication for a bountiful harvest of flowers. At the Genzano flower festival held in Italy every June, a carpet made of flowers is laid on the road and designs are chalked on the major downtown streets and filled with flowers by the citizens of Genzano, before a religious procession.

In Zurich, Switzerland, the Sechselauten Festival is a renowned event where

members of the guilds dump flowers on an effigy of winter and burn it when the evening bell rings at 6 p.m At the flower festival in Nice, France, beautiful women on flower-covered floats throw mimosa or tulips to the crowd Such regional festivals attract many tourists and play a part in increasing tourism revenues, and also lead directly to the development of floriculture technology.

As yet there is no place in Korea that could be called a "flower village." Flower festivals based on wild flowers should strive to go beyond the limits of such flowers and make .them more readily available; royal azaleas, forsythia, cherry, rape and other flowers should be made more accessible in everyday life as well Visitors should also be given the opportunity to experience flower culti-

Countless species of wild flowers are found in Korea because of the country's four distinct seasons and unique topography.

Additional effort is needed to discover unique flower varieties or develop new varieties through genetic engineering, which can then be promoted at flower festivals.

vation techniques for themselves with instruction from industry professionals.

A move toward activity-based "green tourism" needs to be pursued so that visitors to a flower village can stay at local homes or farmhouses, walk around the flower fields, buy fresh flowers and learn flower arranging.

In Korea there are many flower festivals but they are not very closely integrated with people's everyday life.

Promoting the local floriculture industry means making flowers a pmt of our daily activities. Regional flower festivals have had limited success in this regm¡d, but if a broader perspective is adopted and the potential for new development explored, flower festivals can soon become a foundation for the industry's future â&#x20AC;˘

41

INTERVIEW

Kim Tae-jeong Director, Korean Wildflower Research Institute GweonO-un Poet

ehind Pagoda Park, nondescript old buildings of four or five stories face each other across narrow alleyways. On the fourth floor of one of these buildings is the Korean Wildflower Research Institute As we open the door, Kim Tae-jeong, 60, director of the Korean Wildflower Research Institute, rises to greet us, straightening up like a slender bellflower.

But with his tanned complexion and rugged physique, the bellflower is too fragile a flower for comparison. A better likeness might be the sturdy boughs and unostentatious blossoms of the paulownia tree, which retains its thick leaves after silently shedding its light purple flowers.

Indeed, that is the feeling I get from Kim: something like the heady fragrance of paulownia blossoms.

"They used to call me a crazy guy, wandering around with my camera all day taking pictures of pretty flowers when I could hardly make ends meet," explained Kim. Countless photographs are plastered like wallpaper throughout the 170square-meter office. They completely cover the desks, and even hang from the ceiling.

A few bookcases and desks, randomly placed, bear stacks of books including Kim's 60 or so titles. A Hundred Korean Flowers, Korean Wildflowers, ntustrated Encyclopedia of Korean Wildflowers, Growing Wildflowers at Home, Wild

B

42

Herbs as Medicine, Medicinal Plants ... too many to take in at one pass.

Kim's telephone and mobile phone ring constantly. He keeps apologizing.

But it's not just the phone We are also frequently interrupted by people from magazines and publishing companies who have "come about the slides."

"I haven't always been interested in things like flowers, trees, and herbs," says Kim. Kim Tae-jeong was born in Buyeo, Chungcheongnam-do province, in 1942.

His remote village had no electricity or even bus service. The nearest bus stop was a five- or six-kilometer walk Amid the tranquil scene of sailboats

on the distant Geumgang River, his childhood was not much different from that of people born and raised in the countryside.

"My most vivid memory is going to the Geumgang River with a torch to catch crabs. For some reason, around the time of Dano (15th day of 5th lunar month), the crabs would climb up the rushes. You might find five or six of them on one stalk, and all you had to do was shake it over your basket. We used to say the crabs were playing the traditional Dano game, riding a swing."

Back then, he was only interested in the "swinging crabs," not the beauty of the Geumgang rushes.

"Do you thin!< I'd still be so interested in the crabs nowadays? I'd be too busy tal<ing pictures of the rushesf' Then came the most serious crisis of his life when he was 16. ''I had come to Seoul early on to seek my fortune, but living in Seoul wasn't as easy as I thought. It was notl1ing but a life of chaos and poverty, and my body couldn't take it...Eventually I was diagnosed with a liver disease that they said would be the end of me, so the only thing to do was to go back to my hometown."

His parents took him all over the country in search of a cure. What else could they do? But a remedy was nowhere to be found Far from offering hope, people told them it was useless.

Then, one day, Kim met an old man

who lived alone deep in the mountains, where he grew medicinal herbs.

"The old man ground up some sort of seed-like berry for me to take, and I just did as I was told. But what was this? By then, I could hardly even stand up straigh~ but after a few days I started to feel better."

At las~ after taking the old man's medicinal herb, without even knowing what it was, Kim began to regain his health.

Though he had been told there was no hope, he recovered his health so fully that he was able to begin his military service a few years later.

It was this experience that sparked his

interest in botany. Few people know that before becoming an expert on wildflowers, Kim was a noted writer of advertising jingles. ''I ended up doing that almost by accident. I used to hang around the Chungmuro area with people who worked in that field, like the comedians Gwak Gyu-seok and Gu Bong-seo. I wrote countless jingles, but I particularly remember the ad I did for Lotte Beef Noodles. That commercial was all my work, not just the copy but even the voice."

In other words, Kim became a voice talent as well as a copywriter. He even

Narcissus in bloom on Geomundo Island

wrote music for movies. He was also a gifted photographer, winning a prize in the Seoul City Photography Contest. Kim Tae-jeong is truly a man of many talents.

Wben people wbo think a mountain can fly run away, it is always ahead of them., kindly waitingfor them to catch up and rest before going on togetbeJc A mountain harbors graves on its sunnyside and spirits on its summit 43

When a mountain wants to be close to people, it rolls down to the villages that cling to its skirts, but if it doesn 't like the look of human life, it raises its head like a snail and slowly crawls back up to the rugged peaks.

By nurturing trees, by presenting unsurmountable cliffs, the mountains guide mankind -from "Mountains" by Kim Gwang-seop

/

Kim was naturally drawn to the mountains. He wanted to find the medicinal herb that had saved his life. But the mountains did not yield their secrets so easily, as at that time he could not identify a single herb or flower.

Not until he was over 40 did he join a regular mountaineering club and start to scale the peaks.

"I was so busy taking pictures of every flower and herb I came across, that I could not keep up with the other climbers, who wanted to get up the mountain and then come straight back down. So I had the idea of just getting to the mountain with the group and then going off by myself."

But there was a problem with that idea. The other climbers thought his behavior so strange that they started to follow him. This was a tin1e when there Kim Tae-jeong has published some 60 books on Korean wildflowers (bottom).

44

was much talk about communists and spies from North Korea. Crawling around by himself all the time in the dense wooded mountains, Kim was bound to invite suspicion.

"In the end they were following me around all day in the mountains and even back to my house afterward They wanted to know what I was doing. So I

showed them the photos I had taken.

They were very surprised and, I thoug~ a little disappointed."

From that time he began to be known as the "flower-snapping nut."

In the 20 years since, Kim Tae-jeong has worked with just about all of the 6,000 species of herbs and trees that are found on the Korean peninsula. These

6,000 species have about 100,000 names, with different names in different regions.

Kim has thus been working hard to standardize the nomenclature, firm in his belief that fate has assigned him this task He is an avid enthusiast in field surveys, thinking that nothing much will come of scholars who remain in their ivory towers expounding theories without venturing out into the sunlight He has no qualms about calling the dandelion the wildflower that is most representative of Korea. No matter how often it may be trodden upon, the dandelion eventually puts forth a golden flower, like the dauntless spirit of the Korean people.

some 12 years with Kim from the time of his retirement until his passing, combining his academic knowledge with Kim's fieldwork Kim would bring back samples from his field studies and classify them with Song's assistance, in an ideal melding of theory and practice.

Through fieldwork by day and theoretical studies by night, Kim's expertise

offered Kim a generous amount of money out of gratitude, but he waved it away. He was so delighted to have been able to clarify the notions of the Japanese scholars that he refused any compensation. It was a most satisfying moment for him.

"I still live and breathe nature, and when I think of those moments, a new

reached a level that is the envy of scholars. This came to be known not only throughout Korea but even in neighboring Japan. He received a number of requests for interviews and meetings with Japanese media. But he never let it go to his head Whenever the Japanese media contacted him, he would refer them to other experts in Korea "A few years ago, some renowned Japanese scholars came to ask me about the mutation of the Namsan viole~ which they call the 'Seoul violet' in Japan. They wanted to investigate the phenomenon in Korea before reaching a definitive conclusion. I didn't hesitate to refer them to the university ...But they were vety insistent They said it was me they needed" Eventually he gave in and led them on a field survey. They were able to confirm that the Namsan violet divided its leaves in Korea just as it did in Japan.

The visitors were much pleased. They

strength wells up within me."

So wrote Kim Tae-jeong in the preface to one of his books.

His face seems flushed with insatiable excitement. He stretches his neck as if expecting someone to call him.

What remains for him to accomplish?

"There's still a great deal to be done.

My greatest hope is to compile a botanical encyclopedia that covers the whole of the Korean peninsula. The ones published so far only cover the southern half. This is something rm determined to accomplish. When I made a field trip to North Korea a while ago, the experts there promised to do everything they could to help me."

He slowly raises his head and narrows his gaze in the direction of the distant mountains in his mind's eye. There he seems to see his ultimate dream, like the vigilant dandelions that watch over the invisible. â&#x20AC;˘

Tbe dandelion doesn't stand out Alone, at dusk, it watches the setting sun.

Over the caved-in roof of the train that still stands halted at the truce-line scm; dandelion, watch without ceasing

¡-

Inside this country's only steam train smokestack, like the uplifted eyes of a pair of deer; watch over the invisible Your eyes stare, your eyes stare hard, dandelion.

-from "Dandelion" by Gweon 0-un

"And that's not all. Unlike other plants, when you put the native Korean dandelion next to a foreign variety, it absolutely refuses to accept the pollen. Shall we say it sticks to its principles? It's quite remarkable:' Maybe that's why there's a song about the "single-minded dandelion."

Even after roaming the hills of the entire country, how did Kim come to know so many herbs, flowers, and trees?

"Having no specialist knowledge of my own, I could never have learned so much by myself. I was lucky to have an expert by my side."

His expert was Professor Song, a distant relative by marriage, who spent

45

ARTISAN

Yu¡je Fame of the Nampo lnkstone Revived by lnkstone Artisan Lee Hyoung-kwon Head, Cultural Propetties Research Institute

he cultural mainstream of the ]oseon Dynasty (13921910) was centered around Confuciansim, with Confucian literati shaping the attitudes and development of society.

The literati were the elite class who sought to realize their ideals by serving as public officials after passing the government civil service examination or through academic pursuits and the education of youths. Their frugal lifestyle and love of nature widely influenced contemporary art and academia.

The literati revered the "four friends of the study"-paper, writing brush, ink and inkstone- which were always kept close at hand. Of the-"four friends," the inkstone was the most treasured.

Because it was far more long lasting than the other three, the literati, who were normally disdainful of worldly success or wealth, often succumbed to the attraction of a prized inkstone. There are stories about scholars of modest means who without hesitation sold their house to buy an inkstone they took a lilting to.

The inkstones most coveted by scholars since the time of Tang China are without a doubt the Duanxi inkstone from Guangdong province and Xichou inkstone from Aruni Anhui province in China. As for Korean products, Haejuyeon (yeon means inkstone) made

T

46

Kim Yu-je's first step a design.

He uses traditional manufucturing techniques to produce inkstones with a modern appeal (above, opposite page).

with stone from the seas off Haeju, Hwanghae-do province, as well as Jongseongyeon made from the stone of the rugged mountains of Jongseong-gun, Hamgyeongbuk-do province, are said to be the bes~ but they are not easy to come by today because both these areas are in N01th Korea. As such, the most suitable alternative is the Nampoyeon from the Boryeong region of Chungcheongnam-do province. This area accounted for 70 percent of Korea's overall inkstone production until the 1970s, but production here has since plummeted, with the time-honored inkstone houses in Boryeong being devastated by a tidal wave of low-cost

Chinese impotts. Only a handful of attisans designated as "living cultural treasures," some of them canying on a fatnily inkstone business that is cent1,nies old, at¡e striving to preserve the tradition of Nampoyeon. One of the youngest but not the least atnong d1ese dedicated attisans is the 40-year-old Kim Yu-je who is eat-ving out a new niche for inkstone-making by re-creating the famed Seongnanyeon (stone egg inkstone) together with in!<Stones of his own design.

Kim was initiated into the stonemason trade at the youthful age of 15, leat¡ning to sculpt granite into Buddhist figures and pagodas. After five years of unpaid

47

/

apprenticeship and two years of assistantship, he was able to coax any figure of his desire from any kind of stone.

Kim once sculpted a statue .of the Holy Mother for a convent in Jeongneung, ¡Seoul and worked as a sculptor under Prof. Lee Soon-Suk of the College of Fine Arts of Seoul National University.

Although stonemasoruy was a well-paying job, he cared little about earning money. He wandered aimlessly around the countty, moving about 20 times over a period of 14 years. He was so restless because of an addiction to literature.

Despite his lack of a formal education, Kim became an avid reader. He 48

gone bankrupt just a day before his wedding and he was spending the days fishing at nearby reservoirs and streams.

The reference to the Nampo stone thrilled the out-of-work stone worker as if he had found a map to buried treasure.

Kim went to Gyujanggak, an ancient library at Seoul National University, to research the writings of Seo Yu-gu, a Sirhak scholar of the Joseon period, who had been cited in the book as the source of information about the Nampo stone.

He found the relevant reference in Seo's writing and had it translated into modern Korean: "The inkstones in every stationery shop and village school today are from Nampo. Nampo inkstones are so

The literati revered the "four friends of the study"- paper, writing brush, ink and inkstone which were always kept close at hand. Of the ''four friends," the inkstone was the most treasured. Because it was far more long lasting than the other three, the literati, who were normally disdainful of worldly success or wealth, often succumbed to the attraction of a prized inkstone.

wrote poems while working with stone and published a collection Spring at Seoul Railroad Station in 1994. He now leads a local literary circle, who fondly call him the Stoneworker Poet In 1991 he came across a book by Gwon Do-hong entitled Inkstone. He recalls that he shuddered at the tug of destiny when he read the chapter "The Nampo Stone from Boryeong, a Flower of Stones." Mt Seongjusan, from where the author explained the Nampo stone was found, is only a 15-minute bus ride from his hometown, but he had never known anything about this previously.

The stone company he operated had 49

common that they do not receive the appreciation they deserve. They can in fact compete with the best Chinese inkstones. The best stone for making inkstones is found in a pit at the foot of Seongjusan in Nampo county. Some of the stone, called Hwachoseok (flower stone), has natural patterns resembling flowers and plants. There is also Seongnanseok (egg stone), which are even rarer."

Everyday Kim packed a lunch and

50

crisscrossed Seongjusan looking for the pit of flower stones and egg stones. For almost six months, he chiseled and hammered stones until one day he discovered mysterious patterns ingrained on the surface of the stones he had split open. The stones were beckoning him

Kim's inkstones are works of art as he strives to enhance and highlight the natural patterns of the stone.

51

with patterns of clouds, eggs, and other beautiful designs of gold and silver. Kim succeeded in finding the inkstone quarry that had been forgotten for almost 200 years. The Stoneworker Poet wrote down his feelings of that day:

Swept by the pine-scented wind Riding on the waves offire At the stone mine of]anggun Peak where the strata quaked and writhed I hear wailingfrom deep underground In the still fevered darkness Marine plants Broken stalks of bamboo trees Fossils offerns Faces forgotten eons ago Look for their shards Scattered by the wind from the river. (from "At the Stone Mine'~ Kim Yu-je's inkstones made with Nampo stone are reputed to be of unsurpassed quality for several reasons. First, they are of ideal hardness, not too hard like marble or glass that an inkstick will not grind easily, and not so soft that the inkstone itself will be ground together with the inkstick and make the ink murky. They are also evenly grained with a smooth, hard texture ¡that makes grinding speedy and effortless. They also prevent the ink from splattering while grinding and keep the color of the ink clear and fresh. The ideal ink color is not only black; it should be vivid and clear, which is determined by the inkstone's grain Then there is the color of the inkstones themselves, which, in the case of Kiln's, is dark gray with a soft, warm hue.

Enhanced by the natural patterns of the stone that resemble abstract paintings, they are beautiful works of art. "The patterns in the stone are fossilized images, external matter in the sediment 52

pressurized into stone during the Mesozoic formation," Kim explains.

Having worked with hard granite from the time he was a teenager, sculpturing inkstones could be as easy as cutting play dough but Kim proceeds with painstaking care because he considers it most important to highlight the unique patterns of each stone.

Kim's Nampo inkstones are also highly renowned because the ink does not dry up for three weeks. Because of this quality as well as their diverse natural patterns, elegant color, easy grinding and lack of splattering, his inkstones have fast become prized collectotJs items.

Kim's reputation began to soar with his first inkstone show at Hyun Gallery in Seoul in 1993. Today he operates a workshop that the Ministry of Agriculture and Forestry recognized for its creation of traditional inkstones in 1994 while actively designing inkstones of modern styles as well as re-creating traditional versions. In 1995, he received a gold prize at the Commemorative Folk / Art Competition of the Jubilee Anniversary of the National Liberation organized by the Ministty of Agriculture and Forestry. That same year, he held an exhibition of his creative inkstones at the invitation of the - Buddhist Art Exhibition, which was highly acclaimed by Korean and "'\ Japanese calligraphers.

The re-creation of traditional arts and crafts and artisan pursuits are not especially financially rewarding, but Kim Yu-je is willing to travel along this road for the immense pride he derives from his creative works. His ultimate goal is to restore the former glory of Nampo inkstones by breathing the spirit of the artist into the stone. + lnkstone made of fine-grain stone (opposite page) lnkstone made of rough-grain stone (right) 53

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here once was a kingdom of Baekje. It was founded around the time Christ was born and perished in 660 at the hands of the neighboring Silla Kingdom. Baekje bordered the Silla and Goguryeo kingdoms with its capital being in today's Gwangju, Gyeonggi-do province. With a government that was relatively well established for its time, Baekje was a formidable force centered around the Han River that flows through the heart of Seoul. Although the hegemony-minded Goguryeo to its north captured its capital, Hansung, and killed its king, Baekje survived by moving its capital to Wungjin (today's Gongju) in 475.

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Baekje again relocated its capital to Sabisung (today's Buyeo) in 538. There, amid domestic and external stability, Baekje reorganized its government and pursued active cultural exchanges with China and Japan, enjoying a renaissance of sorts. However, confrontation with Silla in the process of trying to reclaim the Han River area, frequent conflicts, excessive construction projects, depletion of resources due to the extravagance of the royal family, and diplomatic blunders such as a failure to notice the close ties developing between Silla and the Tang Dynasty of China, led to the kingdom's demise.

During its 700-year history, Baekje

produced cultural and artistic works of a quality equivalent to those of Silla, whose cultural legacy is more frequently admired It is ironic that the major causes of Baekje's demise, that is; its overly ambitious construction projects and the court's extravagant lifestyle, contributed to the enrichment of Baekje art. Such a phenomenon, however, has been witnessed throughout the world, for example, among the dynasties that once ruled Europe. Europe would not be the tourist attraction it is today without the masterful cultural and artistic works created during the reign of such royal dynasties.

The first place to visit in order to appreciate the richness of Baekje cultme

Nakhwaam seen from Baekmagang River (opposite page) Suhukjeong Pavilion (above) and Baekmagang River seen from Nakhwaam (left)

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is Gongju, Baekje's second capital.

Surprisingly, Gongju, which was also a former capital of Chungcheongnam-do province, is such a quiet and serene city.

The rather out-of-place urbanization, ubiquitous in even small cities in Korea, is nowhere to be found in Gongju The stores are not bustling with loud tourists and the traffic flows smoothly, even at the center of the city. That there does not seem to be a single restaurant that makes an effort to attract tourists is a vivid example of just how low-key Gongjuis.

Upon crossing the Geumgang River Bridge, you will notice a small hill on the left just before entering Gongju. This hill

is Gongsanseong, an earthen fortress built to protect the capital against Goguryeo invaders who had already captured Hansung, the original Baekje capital. The arched gate opposite Gongsanseong marks the entrance to the tomb of King Muryeong and a group of tom'bs at Geumgangsung-dong. Six of these tombs were excavated and studied during the Japanese colonial period (19101945). Tombs Nos. 1-5 have chambers of natural stone, whereas Tomb No. 6 is built with bricks and its walls are decorated with murals. These wall paintings and a mural in a tomb at Neungsan-ri, Buyeo, are the only known murals from the Baekje period. Compared to the

Sasindo murals of Goguryeo, the lines are refined and elegant, reflecting the subdued character of Baekje people.

Behind tombs Nos. 5 and 6 is the tomb of Muryeong, the 25th king of Baekje who successfully attained political stability and bolstered Baekje's economic and cultural status through active trade with China and Japan. King Muryeong paved the way for his successor, King Sung, to enjoy a renaissance period This is clearly evident from the relics recovered from the tomb of King Muyreong, which included a wealth of treasures made of gold and bronze such as crowns for both the king and the queen, necklac(";s, earrings, belts, silver bracelets, wooden headrests and footrests, gold and bronze shoes, and swords with dragon-shaped hilts. Items used in ceremonial rites such as wine bottles, goblets, bronze mirrors, stone animals to protect the tomb, and various everyday utensils were also found Among the items, the most notable is a memorial stone identifying the occupants of the tomb and a stone land purchase certificate indicating that the land for the tomb had been pur57

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An excavation site in Busosanseong (top) and a restored ancient dwelling (top right) Site of supply depot of the fortress Busosanseong (above) Entrance to Busosanseong (left, lower left)

chased from the land god Osujeon (Han Chinese money) was found on the stone land purchase certificate, as proof that the land was paid for, reflecting the philosophy of the Baekje people that even the king was required to respect property rights.

The coffins of the king and the queen feature flame-like decorations, with those on the queen's coffin being more orderly, reminiscent of a flower. A stone mythical beas~ or jinmyosu, stands at the entrance to the tomb behind the memorial stone to guard the tomb and its occupants. The jinmyosu has protruding eyes and its mouth is open The lips of the jinmyosu clearly show traces of red paint, in keeping with the traditional belief that red can ward off evil spirits and protect the dead A must-see tourist attraction is the National Gongju Museum, where the treasures excavated from the tomb of King Muryeong are displayed Another treat is the hill next to the museum, where a panoramic view of Gongju can be enjoyed, an unparalleled location for appreciating the tumultuous history of Baekje.

At this point, tourists who have an interest in exploring the-history of . Baekje at the museum might be tempted to settle down for the night Instead of Gongju, however, Buyeo would be

During its 700-year history, Baekje produced cultural and artistic works of a quality equivalent to those of Silla, whose cultural legacy is more frequently admired. It is ironic that the major causes of Baekje's demise, that is, its overly ambitious construction projects and the court's extravagant lifestyle, contributed to the enrichment of Baekje art.

58

more appropriate for lodging, as it presents more profound aspects of Baekje culture. Baekje's elegant and sophisticated culture flourished in Buyeo, which was the capital when Baekje succumbed to the forces of Silla and Tang China.

Buyeo retains the legacy of a kingdom with a tragic history, which is one of the reasons tourists continuously visit the area. Despite having been the capital of Baekje for 123 years, one can readily sense that little is left of the glory of its bygone days. Expetiencing firsthand the influence of Baekje is unexpectedly difficult. Visitors should thus pay special attention so as not to overlook a single detail, while spending extra time at each historic site.

The Jeongnimsa temple site is the prime attraction in Buyeo. It is at the center of the city and can be recognized by its five-story pagoda. The well-preserved pagoda represents the best of what few Baekje relics remain in Buyeo.

The stone pagoda stands tall in the middle of the temple grounds, piercing the / sky as it reaches toward the heavens. A closer look reveals an even grander refinement, adding to its artistic excellence. Despite its age of some L400 years, it remains sturdy and firm, especially when compared to other pagodas creat~ ed during the Unified Silla period (668935) and the Goryeo Dynasty (918-1392), which barely maintain their original -"<. appearance. Indeed, it is mysterious how this pagoda has managed to remain intact when so many others have deteriorated beyond recognition or collapsed into rubble.

While the five-story pagoda at the Jeongnimsa temple site is the only existing Baekje pagoda in Buyeo, the tombs in Neungsan-ri are the only underground structures in the area. The tomb paintings depict the Buddhist and Taoist practices of the Baekje people during the fifth and sixth centuries. Although the tombs are known to be of Baekje royalty, the identity of the occupants cannot be verified because the tombs have been plundered by grave robbers.

Gilt-bronze statue ofMaitreya Sayu, National Treasure No. 38 (top left) Five-story pagoda atJeongnimsa temple site (top right) Behind tombs Nos. 5 and 6 is the tomb of King Muryeong (above).

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The 100-meter-high Mt. Busosan is located on the south side of the Baekmagang River, making it an ideal site for the Buso Sanseong fortress for surveillance of the Goguryeo troops, much like the Gongju Sanseong mountain fortress in Gongju. Numerous stories about the Baekje royal family and Buso Sanseong have been handed down for untold generations.

Populai¡ sightseeing attractions in Buyeo include: sunset at the Jeongnin1sa pagoda, shimmering Baekmagang River seen from Subukjeong Pavilion on a spring day, peaceful scenery of Goransa Temple, trickling rain falling on Mt. Busosan at sune~ melancholy wailing of a cuckoo at Nakhwaam, moonlight reflected on Baekmagang River, wild geese at Guryong plain, and sail boats returning to Gyuam Ferry. Buso Sanseong, which housed the Baekje palace, is also where the Yeongillu (Greeting the Sun) and Songwollu (Sending Off the Moon) pavilions stood.

Here you can sense the Baekje people's love of music and poetry. After looking around the Jeongnin1sa temple site and Buso Sanseong, the next stop is Baekmagang River which embraces Buyeo with its flow. Baekmagang is the source of numerous tales. Riding on a ferry and hearing the tales of Nakhwaam, Joryeongdae, Gudeurai Ferry, and Subukjeong makes for an experience to remember.

However, it is hard to understand the tales blaring forth from the ferry 's speakers. The rather chaotic atmosphere on the ferry is anything but reassuring to first-time visitors. Loud and sometimes intoxicated passengers are often on the ferry. Reading the printed material can help to understand the tour.

Nakhwaam Cliff is where 3,000 court women are said to have jumped to their death into the Baekmagang in order to avoid capture by the Silla and Tang troops who had overrun Buyeo.

Nakhwa means "falling like flowers." As to the number of court ladies, the truth no doubt lies somewhere between leg60

end and reality. Given the Korean psyche, however, the tale that court maids committed suicide to prevent their capture seems plausible enough. This is especially so in light of the mindset of the Baekje people who had to relocate their capital three times due to invaders. Whatever the case, the symbolic significance of Nakhwaam remains undiminished.

The word gudeurae is no longer used in Korea, having lost its rel~vanc.

The Japanese word gudara, however, means "mainland" or "big nation."

Horyuji, a temple in Nara, the former capital of Japan, is home to the Baekje Gwaneum, or Gudara Gwaneum. This

reflects the active exchange Baekje had established withJapan.

The National Buyeo Museum located on Mt. Geumsungsan houses treasures that confirm the artistic refinement of Baekje during the Buyeo era. Among the Buddhist statues that greet visitors with their gentle smiles, the epitome of Baekje artistry is the gilt-bronze statue of Maitreya Sayu, National Treasure No. 38.

It depicts the Buddha meditating on how it might be possible to escape from the four common sufferings of all humansbitth, aging, sickness, and death The face of the Buddha is that of a young boy crowned with three-petaled flowers. The head is tilted slightly downward with its eyes cast toward the ground. It has a high nose and a gentle smile. Buddha's elbow rests gently against his right knee, his index finger lightly touching his face.

Notwithstanding its sitting posture, the statue conveys a clear rhythm of movement while projecting a sense of stability.

A closer look at this masterpiece reveals the agony of Buddha, arousing piety among observers. One can truly feel a sense of reverence, solemnity, and itnmaturity inherent in all humans. This statue is a clear example that artistic excellence can contribute to religious reverence.

Ironically, the seemingly unnatural posture of having only one leg on the ground appears to contribute to the statue's stability. This can be said to symbolize the need for all human beings to pursue religion to bring stability into their life. The statue is only 935 centimeters in height. The gentle smile emanating from the statue, however, is incomparable in its exquisite elegance and grace.

The statue is proof enough of the presence of Baekje's legacy despite the few physical remnants found in Buyeo.

Accordingly, Gongju and Buyeo remain rooted in the spit¡it of Baekje. +

Yeongillu Pavilion (top), back garden of Goransa Temple (bottom right), and mineral water spring Qeft) 61

bunch of baby's breath can brighten up a room while a single rose can patch up a lovers' spat Flowers have the magical ability to enliven the mood and atmosphere of any environment The sense of joy that comes when you buy a bunch of flowers and breathe in their fragrance is what attracts people to flower markets.

The Yangjae-dong Flower Market in Seochogu, Seoul, is one of a few largescale flower markets where the fresh and lingering scent of flowers is ever present. Just being there can lift your spirits, even if you do not buy any flowers. Although it is the biggest wholesale flower market in Korea, it is just as popular among ordinary retail consumers.

The market is located some 2 kilometers from the Yangjae subway station on the way toward Seongnam. It take.S a bit of effo1t to get to the market by public transport: from the subway station, walk to the bus stop near the Seocho Citizen's Hall and catch a regular bus or local shuttle bus going in the Seongnam-BundangGwacheon direction, then get off at the third stop right beside the market.

Getting there by car is easy and there is ample parking for 720 cars, which is free if you make a purchase. The fragrance of fresh flowers brought in from all over

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Entrance toYangjae-dong Flower Market (bottom) Floral arrangements on display in the basement of the main building (left)

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Flowers have the magical ability to enliven the mood and atmosphere of any environment. The sense ofjoy that comes when you buy a bunch offlowers and breathe in theirfragrance is what attracts people to flower markets.

the country permeates the entire marke~ creating an irresistible magnet that attracts customers all clay long.

The Yangjae-clong Flower Market specializes in the wholesale and retail sale of flowers and foliage plants (orchids, potted plants, and broadleaf plants) cultivated throughout Korea. The Agricultural and Fishery Marketing Corporation opened the market in June 1991 Before the market was built, the Seocho-dong "flower village people" used to grow

All the flowers sold at the market are supplied by the Yangjae Flower Marketing Center. The day starts with auctions for flower brokers and wholesalers held at dawn, after which the remaining flowers are sold to retail customers. This means that individual customers can buy fresh flowers at bargain prices. These clays the market is popular not only among Koreans but also a growing number of foreign nationals and tourists. The biggest customers are

Yangjae-dong Flower Market provides free customer parking (above).

An early-morning flower auction (opposite page, top) Outdoor sales areas (opposite page, bottom)

flowers there. Ironically, the market was built by the same "flower people" who had been displaced by urban development At the time the market was established, it was the government's intention to create a distribution channel that directly linked producers and consumers, thereby eliminating the inefficiency of existing multilayered distribution systems. This is how the market came to be such a vital part of the life of the people in the area.

.housewives looking for flowers to enhance the atmosphere of their home, but there are many family groups and couples as well The market covers an area of 69,885 square meters that houses some 400 flower businesses. The flowers are grouped into separate buildings according to type. In addition to the auction site located in the main building, there are garland stores in the basement of the main building, a cut-flower wholesale

64

market, two greenhouses, seed market, floral supply stores, plant market, and tree market By item, there are cut flowers, which includes flowers sold by the stem or the bunch; greenhouse plants, which include potted flowers and trees; and ornamental trees. There are over 800 species of flowers. The Flower Marketing Center, which covers an area of 13,315 square meters, handles 60 percent of all the flowers that are distributed throughout Seoul. There are over 300 flower bro-

kers, most of whom are owners of wholesale flower markets and major florists in the city, in addition to 150 wholesalers in the fresh flower wholesale market Cut flowers are first sold off to wholesale buyers with the remaining flowers being sold to retail customers later in the day at unbeatable prices. The market is filled with the beauty and fragrance of chrysanthemums, roses, lilies, gladioli, carnations and baby's breath. At the basement entrance, the scent of flow-

ers is especially aromatic, assailing the nostrils and refreshing the mind and body dulled by the routine of city life.

There are more than 500 species of cut flowers, far too many to know all the names.

At the wholesale market, flowers are sold at a 10 percent markup from the dawn auction price, which means that they are still more than 20 percent cheaper than the retail price. For just a few thousand won, you can decorate a

dining table or living room with fresh flowers. Roses are the most popular sellers, they are sought all year-round, regardless of season. According to variety, color and size, fresh flowers differ widely in ptice but generally, a bunch of ten flowers is priced at 2,000 to 4,000 won. Chrysanthemums are 1,500 to 2,500 won for 20, carnations 1,000 won for 20, lilies 2,000 to 4,000 won for 10, gladioli 2,000 to 3,000 won for 10, and baby's breath 1,000 to 2,000 won per bunch (2().

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30 stems). The market is open from 5 a.m. to 3 p.m., drawing crowds of retail customers in the afternoon. On Saturday the market closes at noon. If you arrive early when the flowers are being sold to small retailers, you can take advantage of even cheaper prices. If this is not possible, the afternoon hours allow for more leisurely browsing.

The busiest times of the year include graduation ¡and start of the school year, teacher's day, and the spring wedding season, when sales jump four- to fivefold times. During graduation anci enrollment times, the demand surges for roses, tulips, carnations and baby's breath, which merchants say causes prices to rise as well.

Even if you do not want to buy anything, your presence among flowers can add beauty and grace to daily life as well as recharge your psyche. A middle-aged couple who frequent the market said: "Flowers reduce stress and give you added vitality; they are the essence of brightness and freshness!'

In the 3,864-square-meter garland marke~ there are 100 stores that sell flowers for garlands, flower baskets, corsages, and bouquets. The fresh flower wholesale market in the building next door sells fresh flower arrangements made from cut flowers bought at the Flower Marketing Center auction. A three-layer garland for congratulations or condolences will start at 10,000 won. This market is open daily from 9 a.m. to 7 p.m, but in the summer when there are fewer customers, it closes every second Sunday. Orchids, bonsai plants, potted plants and ornamental trees are sold in the two greenhouses adjacent to the main building. These vinyl greenhouses of 11,890 square meters house 120 shops selling all kinds of ornamental trees, foliage plants, bonsai, and Western and Asian orchids.

The beauty of the market is its diverse range of products at prices that can suit any pocketbook There are rare orchids that can only be found deep in the mountains and mimosa with blossoms that close when touched. From 66

A wide variety of potted plants and orchids are available for sale (left, top) Garland market in the basement of the main building (above)

pots to ornaments, all sorts of floral supplies are available for purchase which will satisfy the needs of every flower or plant enthusiast. In spring, potted flowers are especially popular among people who like to vanquish the last traces of winter from their home and office.

Favorites include the primulas, pansies and cinerarias in small pots. Storeowners say that basket arrangements with sets of three or four pots are big sellers.

Kim Ok-hee, a 47-year-old resident of Nonhyeon-clong, Seoul who carne to the market after work one Saturday with her two teenage daughters, said ''I come here every season for a breath of fresh air and to give the kids a nature lesson" She was buying rosemary and lavender to freshen up her living room. Although she does

The Yangjae-dnng Flower Market in Seocho-gu, Seoul, is one of a few large-scaleflower markets where the fresh and lingering scent offlowers is ever present.]ust being there can lift your spirits, even if you do not buy anyflowers.

not buy flowers every time she goes to the market, she says visiting flower markets is a good way to brighten up your mood. These days many apartment dwellers buy plants such as Benjamin and Kaffir lilies which function as air purifiers. They sell for 25,000 to 30,000 won. Another favorite is small potted lucky bamboo that sells for 2,000 won which makes an attractive decoration for indoors. A 1-meter-tall Lady Palm that normally would cost about 45,000 won can be bought for 35,000 won Bargaining over price is one of the attractions of the market that can mean incredible deals for the hard-nosed haggler. The president of Silla Orchid Farm, noted: "Most homes have two or three orchids and lilies and lots of people come to buy them Some people are very persistent in negotiating the price and we end up giving them a sizable discount" Near the greenhouse is a 5,940-squaremeter ornamental tree nursery with stores selling floral supplies, seeds, and related items. A particularly unique aspect of the market is its daily flower auction, a whole new world of enjoyment for outsiders. Flowers arriving from around the country are placed on the auction floor from 10 pm. Boxes of flowers are received from distribution centers all over the country, including Gimhae and Masan in Gyeongsangnamdo, Gure and Yeocheon in Jeollanamdo, Namwon in Jeollabuk-do, and Seosan in Chungcheongnam-do. Flowers from Jejudo, which are flown in, arrive a bit later at 2 am The major auction items 68

are the most IXJpular cut flowers such as chrysanthemums, gerberas, roses, gladioli, lilies, and baby's breath. The entire auction process is conducted with an electronic auction system that has been in operation since 1991. The Agricultural and Fishery Marketing CoriXJration handles the auction on behalf of the flower producers. The noise and clamor of the wholesalers as they check the large electronic screen before submitting their bid is a sight worth seeing. The auction process begins at 1 a.m. and ends at around 6 a.m. with the cut flowers in greatest demand being auctioned off by 6 am. from February to May, and when less flowers are available, it ends an hour or so earlier. Orchids are auctioned from 10 a.m. on Monday and Thursday, herbaceous flowers and shrubs from 830 am. on Tuesday and Friday.

When the auction is concluded and the flowers have been distributed to their buyers, the flower market prepares itself for dealing with individual consumers. Stores selling cut flowers open for business by 10 to 11 in the morning and close at 3 in the afternoon.

The business manager of the Flower Marketing Center remarked "The price of the flowers depends on their color, freshness, and state of bloom. Through the electronic auction system, transparency is increased and the flowers are about 20 to 40 percent cheaper than the regular market price." Mt Cheonggyesan and the Yangjae Citizens Park are located nearby the market, which are IXJpular SIXJtS for family outings and making a whole day of your visit On public holidays people stop by at the flower market on their way back from the Seoul Grand Park in Gwacheon to buy flowers and plants. About 300 meters south of the entrance to the flower marke~ in the direction of Seongnam, is Hannaro Club, a discount store, where you can combine your flower shopping with grocery shopping. â&#x20AC;˘

Fresh cut flowers abound at reasonable prices.

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CUISINE

Asian Clam Soup

Jaecheopguk Koo Chun-sur Director, World Food Research Institute

ince time immemorial clams have been an important food source, since they could be gathered and consumed during winter months when hunting was difficult.

Consequently, large communities developed nearby rivers where clams were abundant, as evidenced by the excavation of large numbers of "shell mounds" where these early people of long ago discarded the shells of clams and other shellfish. An especially large number of shell mounds have been excavated in areas along the south coast of Korea and around Edo (today's Tokyo), the ancient capital of Japan.

Before the development of modern

S

roads, Hadong was the southernmost city accessible by overland route from Seoul, the nation's capital. Hadong is located at the midpoint of Korea's south coast, alongside which the pristine Seomjingang River flows toward the South Sea. In the past, lush bamboo groves ¡lined the Seomjingang, which is suitable for boat travel. Watching boats glide effortlessly along the river, one might wonder if this was a scene of the blissful paradise ¡that Koreans dreamed of in the past. From its source at Mt. Jirisan, the tallest mountain in the southern region of the Korean peninsula, the Seomjingang flows past bucolic farmlands that have managed to escape

Residents of areas where jaecheop are gathered believe that eating the clams is good for a pick-me-up or to relieve a hangover. With this notion being passed down from one generation to another, foods made with jaecheop are now a thriving business in these areas.

Amealof jaecheopguk and raw jaecheop

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Korea's ubiquitous industrialization.

Hadong is situated on a propitious site where Jirisan blocks the harsh winds in winter while refreshing cool breezes blow in from the sea in summer. Even though it boasts among the most pleasant climatic and natural conditions in Korea, being so far removed from the population centers of Seoul as well as Busan, the second largest city, the development boom that swept the nation has thus far had little impact on Hadong.

And this is why the Seomjingang remains one of the country's least polluted rivers.

Sweetfish, which require the cleanest of waters to survive, thrive in the Seomjingang, which makes it a magnet for all manner of fishermen. In its riverbeds are found tiny clams called

A jaecheopguk restaurant in Hadong, a village located along the Seomjingang River (above) People gathering jaecheop from the Seomjingang River (right)

what is now Seoul Station. The district was called Hap-dong, hap being the Chinese character for clam. They also lived in the stream that flows nearby the Suwon Airport, but have since disappeared as the population increased and the stream became polluted Today, they are mostly found in the sandy areas of rivers not far from the sea, a safe distance from cities and their polluted water.

Residents of areas where jaecheop are gathered believe that eating the clams is good for a pick-me-up or to relieve a hangover. With this notion being passed jaecheop (corbicula Fluminea). down from one generation to another, Commonly known as Asian clams, foods made with jaecheop are now a they are also referred to as kkamak jogae thriving business in these areas. When in Korean, which means black clams. the roosters crow, vendors make the Measuring less than one centimeter in rounds of streets of small riverside diameter, they are so tiny as to seem towns, selling homemade jaecheop soup. inedible. These clams, however, play an important role in sustaining the local In Hadong, an entire street is lined economy and promoting the well-being . with restaurants specializing in jaecheop soup, an indication of its popularity of local residents. among residents and visitors.

Most clams live in tidal flats or the If you go to a typical Korean restausand beds of rivers, but jaecheop are rant and try to order just "soup," as you found mainly in clean river waters near might in Western countries, you will the sea, where they burrow into the likely receive quizzical looks, since soup sand or tidal flats. In fac~ jaecheop used is not usually served as a separate item. to be found in the sandy bed of the stream that once flowed right behind In Korea, soup is generally a side dish 72

that accompanies a meal. However,

jaecheop-guk, Asian clam soup, is served as a main course in certain specialty restaurants today.

Jaecheopguk is the broth that results from boiling jaecheop. No other ingredients or spices are needed. The soup is neither difficult nor time-consuming to prepare. One can only wonder how such a remarkably simple soup could have gained such popularity.

Taurine, a type of amino..acid found in clams, reduces the cholesterol level and fatty deposits in the bloodstream, thus helping to lower blood pressure and prevent hardening of the arteties. It is also recommended for those with liver ailments, as it contributes to the waste removal process. The nutrients of clams dissolve in water, making jaecheopguk an ideal dish to enjoy its nutritional benefits.

In particular, jaecheop is rich in vitamin B12 and iron, while regular con-

sumption helps to prevent anemia by aiding the prcxluction of red blocxl cells.

Jaecheopguk is also effective for stimulating the appetite, boosting energy and ~ maintaining a healthy nervous system.

The high-quality proteins of jaecheop also help to maintain a proper balance -"" among essential amino acids. The dams are easily digested and absorbed without burdening the liver. Clams are beneficial to the liver because methionine, an essential amino acid, promotes liver function, while taurine accelerates the discharge of bile, thus helping to facilitate the body's cleansing process.

Even without knowing such nutritional facts, riverside residents have learned from experience that eating dam soup after heavy drinking helps to overcome a hangover. There are some people who have jaecheopguk delivered to their house everyday, consuming it daily like milk.+

ASIAN CLAMS The Asian clam is a small freshwater bivalve mollusk that belongs to the corbi-

Recipe for Jaecheopguk (four servings) Jaecheopguk is cooked by just adding salt.

culidae family of the veneroida order. It has thick, lustrous hinged shells, characterized

The broth takes on a somewhat milky appearance and retains its unique flavor

by a series of distinctive concentric ridges.

It has three main teeth, and a long lateral

due to the absence of other ingredients.

tooth. The clams are found in areas south of the Han River. Especially large numbers live in the lower reaches of the Nakdonggang River. Shell coloration can

400 grams of jaecheop, 4 cups of_water, salt to taste 1. ¡Soak clams in salt water overnight to remove sand. Remove clams from water

differ, depending on the local habitat.

Asian clams contain the following nutrients (per 100 grams):

and rinse clean.

2. Place clams in a pot, cover with water, and heat. When the water begins to boil,

Iron: 10.0 mg Vitamin 82: 0.6 mg Vitamin 812:0.06 mg Calcium: 320 mg

lower heat and simmer.

3. The soup is done when the clam shells pop open. Salt to taste. Serve the soup with chopped scallion and pepper to taste.

73

LIVING

Korea's Mobile Phone Culture: A World at Your Fingertips Park Gil-sung Professor of Sociology, Korea University

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n Japan, the camera; in Korea, the mobile phone." This phrase was much used by international media reporters in contrasting the two host nations of the recent World Cup soccer finals. In both countries, spectators flocked to the stadium whenever there was a match, but they came bearing different gadgets: the camera and the mobile phone. Japan's stadiums sparkled with camera flashes \ike a spectacular fireworks display; a wholly different spectacle was seen in Korea. At climactic moments, Korean spectators hurriedly called their friends and families on their mobile phones so that they could enjoy the exhilaration of the roaring crowd. Journalists from around the world were amazed by the sight of so many spectators yelling excitedly into their mobile phones. But the scene was simply a reflection of the mobile phone's significance in Korean daily life. If the Japanese impulse is to document and record, the Korean urge is to connect and share with others.

Transcending the bounds of space and time with its total portability and unlimited connectivity, it is no exaggeration to say the mobile phone has become a driving force of contemporary Korean society. Without it, today's lifestyle would not have developed its increasingly on-the-go character, ever more free from spatial constraints.

Koreans have been among the pio74

neers in embracing the futuristic potential of the mobile phone. This year, the number of mobile phone subscribers in South Korea passed the 30 million mark As compared to its total population of some 46 million, an ina¡edible 80-SX) percent of Korean adults and adolescents, excluding infants and young children, are mobile phone subscribers. The available models and deSigns seem to change daily. In usage as well, Korea is a hive of communal activity. When the Korean soccer team scored its first World Cup victo1y against Poland on June 4, the rate of mobile phone usage in the area within earshot of the stadium was eight times higher than usual-the highest call swge in history.

According to a consumer survey, Korean adults regardless of age named the mobile phone as the gift they would

Shops selling mobile phones

Transcending the bounds of space and time with its total portability and unlimited connectivity, it is no exaggeration to say the mobile phone has become a driving force of contemporary Korean society.

Without it, today's lifestyle would not have developed its increasingly on-the-go character, ever more free from spatial constraints.

most like to receive, while even elementary school children ranked it second after a puppy. And while the mobile phone is prized by all age groups, it represents different meanings for each generation. Subscribers in their forties use their mobile phones for regular phone calls; those in their thitties use them for not only phone calls but also listening to recorded messages; the twenty-something generation do all this plus exchanging text messages; and teenagers see the mobile phone more as a medium of selfexpression, a patt of their way of life, or even an extension of themselves. It is the teenagers who are realizing the full potential of this revolutionary communication technology to create their own generational culture, which warrants our special attention.

Today, the preferences and behavior of adolescents is drawing more attention than ever before. This is no doubt related to the fact that those of the younger generation are so much better prepared than their elders for life in the Information Age. It is not hard to see how successful they have been in differentiating their culture from that of the older generation, even while living within the same digital world Youngsters have made their mark in such roles as webzine editor, web PD, progammer, and video game reviewer.

The opportunities and potential of the information society revolve around them, for it is in their lifestyle that the 75

flow of social change can be seen most clearly.

A survey conducted in 2000 found that 79.4 percent of Korean teenagers had their own mobile phone, a remarkably high figure probably not seen anywhere else in the world Choosing a model to suit their personal taste, and carrying it with them at all times, adolescents have come to think of the mobile phone as an essential pa:tt of their vety self.

No longer a mere device for remote communication, the mobile phone is transforming itself into a unique world of its own. Only a few years ago, there was an advertising slogan: "Whenever you dial your call gets through." Today, dialing is only one of the numerous functions that the mobile phone can handle at the touch of a single button as its presence infiltrates every corner of our lives. It has even moved beyond the communications sphere and into the realm of finance, by taking on the function of an electronic payment card On school campuses, it is no longer news that the mobile phone can be used to register for classes, check grades, and find out about job opportunities. With a mobile phone in hand, you have a whole new world at your fingettips-a world that Koreans have taken to heart But the free and easy out-and-about lifestyle that the mobile phone makes possible is only part of the story. Korea's mobile phone culture remains rather removed from the ideals of courtesy, sound work ethic, and compassion, while being marred by conspicuous consumption, impulsive behavior, and lack of consideration for others.

Not long ago, advertisements for mobile phone services highlighted the idea of being free from restrictions of space and time, against visual linages of a future-oriented world. Today, they invariably focus on the latest new function and design while appealing to covetous consumer desit·e. This, too, can be seen as a symptom of Korean conspicuous consumption As Korea reinforces its standing 76

among the frontrunners of the mobile phone industry worldwide, the cqncerns about inappropriate usage and undesit·able behavior should not be ignored The transformation of the mobile phone from a practical convenience to a kind of personal adornment or fashion accessory, with consumer choice increasingly based on considerations of style and design, has negative as well as positive itnplications.

A particular cause of concern is the excessive use of mobile phones, especially among young people. According to one survey, 14 percent of teenagers talk on their mobile phones for at least 30 minutes per day, while 10 percent send and receive 30 or more text messages daily. It was also reported that 14.5 percent of youngsters had failed to pay theit· telephone bill on time at least once.

In terms of mobile phone subscription and usage rates, Korea certainly ranks among the world's leading countries, but in terms of its mobile phone culture, there is much to be desired.

Excessive and inconsiderate phoning without regard to titne or place and consideration for others has prompted several leading newspapers to promote campaigns and feature articles on the need to improve Korean mobile phone culture.

Indeed, the Korean public needs to improve its "phonetiquette" for the mobile phone era.

Many countries have introduced, or are currently working on, regulations for

mobile phone etiquette. To some extn~ established rules can help to instill a proper mobile phone culture. But a genuine phonetiquette culture will be implemented, not so much by rules and regulations, as by cultivating a mature sense of civic responsibility and public comtesy.

Koreans stand at the center of a new world thanks to mobile phone technology. Their enthusiastic embrace of this powerful technology will take further root when the carefree freedom of the 21st century develops into a mature and considerate mobile phone culture. Only then will Koreans fully benefit from their forward-looking adoption of the mobile phone, and have a rich and rewarding world at theit· fingertips. •

Mobile phones need to be close at hand.

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f you follow the mountainous spine of the Korean peninsula southward from Mt. Seoraksan via the Hangyeryeong pass and Mt. Mangdaeamsan, you come to the 1,424-meter-high Mt. Jeombongsan. The part of this mountain that is north of the Jureung ridge lies within the Mt. Seoraksan National Park, and is well known for its Osaek mineral springs. But few people are familiar with the village of Jindong across the ridge on the southern slopes of Mt. Jeombongsan. And even fewer have seen for themselves the pristine ecosystem of this unfrequented natural treasure trove, so rich in the mystery of ages past.

From the summit of Mt. Jeombongsan, turn to the east and descend toward the Danmongnyeong pass with the Osaek springs to your lower left. Danmongnyeong is the mountain pass between the villages of Osaek and Jindong. In the olden days, the Jindong villagers would carry food and other necessities from Osaek on an A-frame, Korea's versatile backpack carrier. Administratively, Osaek was a unit of Yangyang-gun county, and Jindong of Inje:gun coup,ty, which also included the village of Hyeon-ri But considering that even today it takes an hour to get to Jindong from Hyeon-ri, it is understandable that in the days before cars it would have been impractical to regularly bring in supplies from there.

Instead, Jindong and Osaek maintained close relations and mutual exchange despite their belonging to different administrative counties and being separated by a mountain

Danmongnyeong: High-altitude Wetlands The ecological significance of the Danmongnyeong area involves its flat wetlands at a high altitude. At some 8001,000 meters above sea level, the area includes marshes large and small, such that its high altitude and northerly latitude create unique environmental conditions. The flora that thrives in the Danmongnyeong area includes Marsh 80

Gangseon Valley (left) Geumgangchorong (Hanabusaya asiatica) on Mt. Seorak (top) Ranunculus japonica (above)

The parl of Mt. Jeombongsan that is norlh of the Jureung ridge lies within the Mt. Seoraksan National Park, and is well known for its Osaek mineral springs.

But few people are familiar with the village of Jindong across the ridge on the southern slopes of Mt. Jeombongsan. And even fewer have seen for themselves the pristine ecosystem of this unfrequented natural treasure trove, so rich in the mystery of ages past.

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Marigold (Caltha palustris var. membranacea Turcz), Anemone koraiensis Nakai, Anemone raddeana Regel, Horsetail Rush (Equisetum hymale L.) and Asian Skunk Cabbage ( Symplocarpus nipponicus Makino).

The flat topography of Danmongnyeong makes Mt. Jeombongsan especially difficult to cross even with the aid of a map, while in ancient times it was known as¡an ill-fated area. The terrain on the Jindong-ri side is level whereas the sharply contrasting northern flank, which faces Osaek, features rugged cliffs and deep valleys.

If you follow the Daegan Marugeum ridge from Danmongnyeong you come to another pass called Bugamnyeong.

Here, each April, winter and spring coexist. As refreshing spring breezes blow in from the East Coast, it is not unusual to see a white dusting of fresh spring snow on top of the snow that has accumulated over winter. But at the same time, there are spring flowers everywhere raising their heads, opening their buds, and bursting into bloom.

These include such species as Hepatica asiatica Nakai, Lonicera praeflorens Batalin, Adonis amurensis Regel et Radde, Eranthis stellata Maxim., Heloniopsis orienta/is (Thunb.) C Tanaka, Corydalis ambigua Cham. et Schltdl, and Viola orienta/is (Maxim) WBecker.

Indeed, the spring season seems far too short a time for so many varieties of flowers to bloom. At Bugamnyeong, its many plants busily prepare to bloom from the very beginning of spring. It is a wondrous sight to see the Hangyeryeong herb, Gymnospermium microrhynchum (S Oore) Takht or Symplocarpus nipponicus Makino sprouting new shoots even before the snow has melted

Leaves and Flowers Never Meet on Symplocarpus Nipponicus Makino Symplocarpus nipponicus Makino retains its pure yellow color when it puts forth new buds, as if the usual green 82

1. Allium sacculiferum .Maxim on Mt. Seorak 2. Corydalis grandicalyx B. Oh et. Y. Kim 3. Erythronium japonicum Decne 4. Wake-robin, Trillium kamtschaticum on Sobaeksan 5. Marsh marigold (Caltha palustris var. rnernbranacea)on]eombongsan 6. Noruoreum onJeombongsan 7. Anemone raddeana onJeombongsan

chloroplast cannot develop amid the lingering snow. Its flowers are beautiful, and the sight of its new buds sprouting in the snow is unforgettable. Because its buds emerge so early in spring, it is said that Manchurian black bears eat them when they awaken from their hibernation. Accordingly, residents of the Mt. Jeombongsan area refer to this common local plant as the "bear herb."

A similar plant, Symplocmpus renifolius Miq, is found on the mountains of central Korea. The leaves of the two plants differ somewhat in shape, though to the untrained eye they appear similar. The most noticeable difference is in the time of their flowering. The Symplocarpus renifolius Miq flowers bloom before its leaves sprout, from mid-March to early April, whereas the Symploca1pus nipponicus Makino blossoms between late June and early August.

The flowering process of Symplocarpus nipponicus Makino can be described as one of the mysteries of nature. Only after all its leaves have wilted away in the summer sun does its gorgeous flower bloom close to the ground. Among plants that blossom in early spring, it is not unusual to find those with flowers appearing before the leaves, but it is rare to find another plant that sprouts buds before the snow has melted yet does not produce blossoms until its leaves have completely wilted. The flower itself is quite striking, with a club-like spadix surmounting a deep purple bract.

Because it blooms so close to the ground in the autl)mn shade on a plant devoid of leaves, it can be difficult to spot, but once a single flower is found others will invariably be seen nearby, since they thrive throughout Jindong Valley. Another remarkable feature is that its berries take two years to mature. The young berries lie almost underground, but when the plant blooms the following year, they grow to the size of a child's fist as the seeds ripen and swell.

83

Habitat of the Rare Hangyeryeong Herb

I

At Bugamnyeong in early spring, the Hangyeryeong herb embarks on its annual life cycle. This is another plant that sprouts new shoots before the snow has melted, but unlike the Symploca1pus nipponicus Makino, it also produces flower buds at the same time. It remains yellowish, without producing chloroplas~ as bcith leaves and flowers develop, then, as soon as the snow has melted, its leaves and flowers open at the same time.

This perennial herb is a member of the barberry family that can be found in scattered locations around the world It is so rare that specimens are often not available even in the world's most prominent herbariums. As a result, it has never been adequately researched. In an ancient Korean botanical encyclopeclia, it is described as an annual herb. This confusion results from the lack of proper specimens and difficulty of finding it living in the wild The stem rises 20-30 centimeters above the ground, but it grows another 10-20 centimeters below the surface, with a lower root as thin as a beansprout. Yet at that tip is a tuberous root some 3-5 centimeters in diameter, indicating that the plant is a perennial. It was lil<ely tnistaken for an annual when specimens were extracted without its tuberous root.

Because of this rounded ro~ the plant is known in North Korea as the "mountain potato."

Of note, the Hangyeryeong herb flowers only briefly. After observing this plant at Bugamnyeong for several years, it has been found that its flowers generally bloom over a 10-day period in mid April. The seeds ripen in late May and early June, after which the leaves and stem wilt away. Its annual life cycle seems to have run its course by early summer.

To date, the only known habitats of the Hangyeryeong herb within South Korea are on the Jeombongsan, Gariwangsan, Taebaeksan, and Geu84

mdaebong mountains. With all of these mountains being high peaks in Gangwon-do province, it seems likely that the herb can also be found on other mountains in the province, though probably in just a few locations.

Within South Korea, its greatest concentration is around Mt. Jeombongsan, especially in the vicinity of Bugamnyeong, Gombaeryeong, and a few remote valleys. When the Natural Environment Protection Law was revised by the Ministry of the Environment in 1998, the Hangyeryeong herb was designated Protected Natural Plant No. 28.

As its young plants flourish in abundance on Mt. Jeombongsan, the Hangyeryeong herb appears to be thriving there.

Though further research is required, it might be worthwhile for the Jindong villagers to look into the potential of developing the plant into a local specialty product.

Each year, people visit Mt. Jeombongsan to see this rare plant. Just this year,

the Uiryeong Conservationists Club held its Mt. Jeombongsan Botanical Field Trip in the Jindong Valley area on April 27.

Families from Seoul enjoyed the natural surroundings while trekking about Bugamnyeong to view the golden floral carpet of Hangyeryeong herbs, living in harmony with such varieties as

Ranunculus franchetii H Boissieu, Hylomecon vernale Maxim., and Fumariareae corydalis grandicalyx B. Oh et Y Kim. The Uiryeong Conservationists Club has been visiting Jindong .Village since 1995, when they protested against plans to build the Sangbu Dam for the Yangyang Hydroelectric Power Plant near the village. Although their efforts failed to prevent the construction of the power plan~ since 1996 they have been providing ecological-awareness education as part of their Mt. Jeombongsan Botanical Field Trip each spring, along with helping to promote environmentally friendly development in the region.

the public to the importance of preserving our fragile ecosystems. As the longest valley that extends from Jindong Village toward the summit of Mt. Jeombongsan, it can be called the wellspring of Jindong Valley.

After trekking through this valley for about two hours, you will come to the Gombaeryeong pass where wildflowers decorate the landscape with colorful blossoms from summer to fall. The summer flowers burst forth as soon as the rainy season is over, while the kaleidoscope of changing hues and blooming species lasts well into autumn. The ridges and valleys of Mt. Jeombongsan become a palette of brilliant color with large tracts of

Filipendula graberrima Nakai, Geranium koreanum Kom., and Allium sacculiferum Maxim.

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The group's ecological education programs are naturally focused on the Hangyeryeong herb. And while other spring flowers are covered as well, the sessions aJe always scheduled to coincide with the flowering season of the Hangyeryeong herb. Along with the local freshwater fish Brachymystax lenok, the Hangyeryeong herb is a vivid symbol of the unspoiled ecosystem of Jindong Valley.

Jindong Village Preserves its Precious Natural Resources Jindong Village lies nestled at the southern base of Mt. Jeombongsan. The brooks and streams that flow down to the village from Jeombongsan join the waters that originate from Mt. Gaeinsan to form the source of the Bangtaecheon River, which then joins the Naerincheon River at Hyeon-ri Village. The broad expanse of Jeombongsan is an abundant source of water, ensuring the village of a plentiful supply of pure water all year-

Skies above Jeombongsan (top) Hangyeryeong herb (Leontice microrhyncha) (above)

round Brachymystax lenok, a rare freshwater fish, which can only survive in clean water, are found here and there around ]indong Valley.

The Korea Forest Service has designated the forest areas above Jindong Village, including the upper reae:hes of the Gangseon-ri, Neoreuni, and Bugam valleys, as Protected Natural Woods. The Gangseon-ri Valley was also the subject of the first installment of "Save This Place," a serial feature published by the daily newspaper Hankyoreh about a dozen years ago, which helped awaken

At Jindong Valley, you will encounter people who dearly love nature and strive earnestly for its preservation. Such people are the Jindong villagers who live on the flanks of Mt. Jeombongsan. With the construction of the power plant, some of their precious natural resources were engulfed by a wave of devlopmn~ but they are preserving what is most importan~ most dear, and must never be lost: the graceful face of nature. The beautiful scenery of the valleys of Mt. Jeombongsan, and the diverse flora and fauna that thrive in perfect ecological harmony therein must be maintained in their natural state. The residents of Jindong Village seem to realize that only they can protect these invaluable natural treasures of Jindong Valley.

Nowadays, as people develop an interest in ecological tomism, an ideal destination would be Jindong Valley. Not only does it boast exceptional scenery and unique ecology, but its local residents see themselves as patt of the natural ecosystem, one living species among many that are equally wotthy of preservation + 85

MASTERPIECES

Kim Hong-do Captures Korean People's list for Life LeeWon-bok Director, Gwangju National Museum

im Hong-do (1745-1806) is recognized as one of the three greatest painters of tl1e 500-year Joseon Dynasty (1392-910), along with An Gyeon (1410-?)

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and Jang Seung-eop (1843-1897). His glolious works highlighted the latter part of me "realistic landscape" period during the reigns of Sukjong (r. 1675-1720) and Jeongjo (r. 1m-1899), often referred to as

the golden age of Korean culture. Kim Hong-do is generally known as a genre painter but he was in fact such an exceptional artist in every field of traditional painting mat today he is often regarded as a Renaissance man for his diverse talent Together with Jeong Seon (1676-759), who established the realistic landscape style of painting, Kin1 contributed much to the development of Korean painting by depatting from me traditional Chinese style to create a style distinctively Korean in color and originality. Also known by his pennatne Danwon, Kin1 well deserved his "Immortal of Korean Painting" sobriquet After rising to prominence as a result of his paintings of Taoist Immottals, Kim was blessed with a life of comfort mroughout his eat¡eer because he was a favorite of the king who kept him on retainer. In a detailed portrait of Kim painted by Cho Hui-ryong (1786-1866), a friend of his son Yang-gi, he is said to look like a Taoist Immottal The 25-plate Danu;on's Genre Painting Album introduced here is only one of me many albums extant today of d1is prolific ¡attist who enjoyed such immense popularity. Other well-known works of his include tl1e On-the-Road Scenes, an eightfold screen he created at age 37 depicting everyday scenes encountered by a wayfaring scholar; Three Gentlemen in Retirement, scenes of me pastoral life of Seodangfrom Danwon's Genre Painting Albwn (left) Wash Area (opposite page)

86

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the literati who turn~d down offers for prestigious public life in favor of solitude in the countryside; and From Birth to Death, a chronicle of the idealized lifestyle of a Confucian literati There are also documentary paintings that meticulously detail various official cou1t functions.

Kim Hong-do is also known as one of the "three master genre painters" of ]oseon, together with Sin Yun-bok (1758?1813) and Kim Deuk-sin (1754-1822).

Whereas Sin's favorite theme was the love affairs between men and women of the upper classes, Kim depicted the daily life of various social classes with compassion and intimacy. Actually, Kim did not establish the genre painting d1at came to prevail in the late ]oseon period (17001850). This is credited to literati painters Yun Du-seo (1668-1715) and Cho Yeongseok (1686-1766), however, it was Kim who popularized it Genre painting is a generic category of paintings that depict d1e lifestyle and customs of a certain period. Their themes can be anything from the daily life of people of every class and strata of society, to scenes of religious or political events, celebrations, village festivals, and everyday work Kim lived at a time when d1e commoners were gaining a voice in society with the country's economic development. Historical documents reveal that genre painting was often scorned by the upper-class literati who regarded it as "secular painting" due to its lack of refinement that they much valued, but it was all the more popular among the common

Learning. Another theory is that it resulted from an integration of the theme and style of the "gyeongjikdo paintings" showing various scenes of farming and weaving from China and the "mulldo paintings'' d1at eme1ged early in the Joseon Dynasty to caution the king of the pitfalls of a life of pleasure and decadence. Then there is the third view d1 a~ much like the realistic landscape style which emerged around

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Danwon's Genre Painting Album, National Treasure No. 527, is housed in the National Museum of Korea Background landscape is absent to vividly highlight the lifestyle of the conunon people and their fundamental character traits.

Presented with humor and zest, each painting brings a smile to viewers while tugging at their heartstrings. The characters in the paintings represent the entire spectrum of society. Upper-class scholars can find themselves in Painting Appreciation. The education-minded people of the highly Confucian society are humorously depicted in Mat Wecwing d1at shows a boy reading intent-

Kim Hong-do's glorious works highlighted the latter part of the "realistic landscape" period during the reigns of Sukjong (r. 16751720) and Jeongjo (r.1777-1899), often referred to as the golden age of Korean culture. Kim Hong-do is generally known as a genre painter but he was in fact such an exceptional artist in every field of traditional painting that today he is often regarded as a Renaissance man for his diverse talent.

87

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who are busily earning a the Villag3 Schoo4 in which pupils are taken to task by the stern schoolmaster.

Farmers, craftsmen, merchants and individuals of various walks of life have all found their way into Kim's paintings.

Farmers are portrayed in Plowing the Rice Paddies, Threshing Tobacco Shredding and Lunchtime. Especially notable is the painting Lunchtime which evinces the influence of Western shading techniques on the faces of the farmers and the wine bottles. Artisans and craftsmen are the subjects in the Ironsmith, Horseshoeing and Roof Tile Work, along with fishermen and merchants in Fishing Ferries, Traveling Vendors, Marketplace, and Villag3 Inn. They are robust, hardy pro pie who seem to be enjoying their daily work in spite of the heavy toil required to earn their livelihood, in sharp contrast to the artist's depiction of the upper-class yangban, or noblemen, who are usually portrayed as being bored to tears with their life of leisure.

The album also includes games and spo11s scenes such as Wrestling (Ssireum), The Dancing Boy, The Stfck Game (Yutnori), and Archery; scenes from 88

women's daily life like At the Villag3 Wel4 Spinning and The Wasb Place; and special events such as the Wedding Procession, Fortunetelling and A Glance on the Road.

Kim Hong-do's genre paintings are highly acclaimed for several reasons.

They are above all exceptional works of aJt which deserve se1ious study not only because they record the lifestyle of bygone days but that they do so with keen insight and masterful brushwork ACcordingly, Kim is rated the best of the many genre painters active dtuing the late ]oseon period Indeed, his works faithfully document the society of his time more convincingly than any other records.

They testify to a society whose people a~·e wa~mhetd, optimistic and spirited, thereby challenging the conventional notion that the Confucian society of the ]oseon period was overly rigid and stagnant with little concern for the human condition. Also, Kim's paintings are a showcase of the Korean sense of beauty.

Natural simplicity, lightheartedness, humor and all other traits that a~·e at the core of ]oseon aesthetics a~·e what cha~ · ac­ telize all of his works. •

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89

IArt Revi~ AN EFFORT TO REVIVE MODERN ART

PAUSE KimOk-jo Cultural Reporter, Honam Newspaper Arts Lecturer, Chonnam University

he fourth Gwangju Biennale was held from MaJch 29, 2002 through June 29, 2002. It was presented by the Gwangju Metropolitan Government in conjunction with the Gwangju Biennale Foundation. Its three venues included the Gwangju Biennale Hall located at Jungwoe Park, the May 18 Freedom Park, and the former Namgwangju railway station. The theme of this yeat S event was PAUSE. Artistic director Sung WanKyung, a professor at Inha University,

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German artist OlafNicolai's Big Sneaker

selected this year's theme, artists and exhibition. The theme PAUSE represents a temporary and reflective halt in response to the rapidity of the 20th century, a century that we simply rushed through without taking a breath. PAUSE is not really about coming to a stop but rather an opportunity to refresh oneself in preparation for a new start.

Furthermore, the aim of this year's Gwangju Biennale was for the event itself to pause and reflect upon the road it has been traveling alongside the world

trends of modern art since its launch in

1995.

This year's exhibition consisted of four different projects involving the participation of 328 artists from 31 countries.

Asian artists, including 94 from Korea, accounted for 60 percent of the participating artists.

The theme for Project 1, an international modern art exhibition, was ''PAUSE," the same theme as the overall event. There were three co-curators: Sung Wan-Kyung, 2002 Gwangju Biennale Artistic Director; Charles Esche, Director, Rooseum Center for Contemporary Art in Malmo, Sweden; and Hou Hanru, an independent curator. Tills cocurator system was introduced for the first time at the Gwangju Biennale and has attracted much public attention for its creative results. Project 1, presented at the Gwangju Biennale Hall's galleries No. 1-4, introduced the latest developments of modern art. Of special significance was the participation of Korean architect Kim Young-Jun and Chinese architect Chang Young-Ho who incorporated unique architectural concepts in the exllibition halls, creating a noticeably different appearance from previous Gwangju Biennales.

Project 2, held at the Gwangju Biennale Hall's Gallery No. 5 under the theme "There. Sites of Korean Diaspora," was directed by curator Min Yong-Soon, a professor at the University of California, Irvine. The exllibition presented the illstory of Korean immigrants living around the world through 24 second- and third-generation Korean artists who expressed their sentiments about their motherland with their modern works of art.

Project 3, "Stay of Execution," and Project 4, "Connection," were exhibited in the center of Gwangju outside of the Biennale pavilions. Project 3, directed by Sung Wan-Kyung, highlighted the regional and historical characteristics of the city of Gwangju, while Project 4 dealt with the Gwangju People's Uprising of May 18, 1980. Fifty-one

Korean attists offered their interpretation of the "Stay of Execution" theme tlu-ough their works of art. Of significant note, the exllibition hall was the former provost marshal's headquarters where the military declared mattiallaw in 1980.

The artists' works were exllibited in the provost marshal office, military courtroom, military training grounds, guardhouse, cafeteria, laundry, waslu¡oom and interview room. Visitors could glimpse into Korea's democratization process tlu-ough these works.

Directed by curator Chung Guyong, a visiting professor at The Korean National University of Arts, Project 4, "Connection," was staged at the now abandoned Namgwangju railway station The exllibition highlighted the significance of the railroad, willch had served as the pathway for the modernization, industrialization and urbanization of Korea. ill addition, tills exllibition was an example of how abandoned public facilities might be used for alternative purposes. This railroad station building was abandoned when a new station was built at the city's outskirts due to Gwangju's urban sprawl The exllibition also enabled visitors to observe the illstorical, psychological and developmental consequences of the railroad The fourth Gwangju Biennale has received favorable reviews due to its significant differences from previous events. In particular, it focused on recent trends of modern ar~ a subject that had not been featured in previous Gwangju Biennales. Many young and energetic individual artists and art groups displayed the results of their creative endeavors. The Biennale paid much attention to the architectural details of the exllibition halls to reinforce the spe-

1. Exhibition by Chinese artist Gu Dexin and Hong Kong artist Young Hay 2. Malaysian artist Liew Kung Yu's The Arrival ofPuteri Oriental 3. Korean artist Park Moon-joung's In Pursuit ofReDection 4. Korean artist Hong Sung-min's Bamboo 91

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cific themes and is therefore more than just an artists-and artistic works-oriented exhibition. In stark contrast to the style of previous Gwangju Biennales, which seemed to basically conform with other international biennales, this year's exhibition focused on experimental and provocative works of art Another notable characteristic of this year's Gwangju Biennale was its "alternative Biennale" orientation. In recognition of Asian art and the concept of "alternative arts," which has emerged as a new trend during the 21st century, the Gwangju Biennale displayed contemporary thought by reflecting critically on issues affecting society through the works of international artist groups regardless of their actual prominence in the modern art movement. This can be regarded as an effort to promote an Asian influence, that can help to reshape the order of modern art, which has heretofore been dominated by U.S.- and Europe-centered tendencies.

One of the primary objectives of the Gwangju Biennale is to promote the regional characteristics of Gwangju. The city, which became known around the world as a result of the May 18 Gwangju People's Uprising, is now also known for the Gwangju Biennale. Therefore, Projects 3 and 4 were organized to highlight the regional and historical characteristics of Gwangju. By approaching the May 18 Gwangju People's Uprising from the perspective of outsiders rather than that of Gwangju residents, the Biennale received rave reviews.

Because of the relocation of the railway segment running from Gwangju to Yeosu to the outskirts of Gwangju, the use of the former Namgwangju station became an issue for city authorities and civic groups. Local civic groups have suggested converting the site into a green zone area, which the city authorities support While the discussions between the city authorities and civic groups were proceeding, the Gwangju Biennale designated the abandoned railroad station as an exhibition area for Project 4, thereby 92

enabling visitors to appreciate the potential of this particular area. As a result of its support of public and environmental art, the Gwangju Biennale is recognized for contributing much to the causes of civic group efforts.

The works presented at other international biennales are often difficult for ordinary people to understand.

Moreover, installation art and video art are often shunned by the general public due to their intimidating nature. Similarly, works at the Gwangju Biennale were not so easy to understand; however, the theme, "PAUSE;' emphasized the need to In recognition of Asian art and the concept of "alternative arts," which has emerged as a new trend during the 21st century, the Gwangju Biennale displayed contemporary thought by reflecting critically on issues affecting society through the works of international artist groups regardless of their actual prominence in the modern art movement.

take a break for leisurely reflection.

Visitors could thus take a break by sitting on chairs, beds, cushions or even in tents located throughout the exhibition halls, enjoying the artistic works even while lying down, along with certain galleties having a guide to explain the meaning of a particular work Some of the works were specifically designed as spaces where you could eat, drink, dance or watch videos while having a beverage. Visitors could also listen to music, read books, and enjoy the surroundings from a tower. They could play video games and send e-mail via the Internet as well Additionally, people were allowed to scribble on the wall of the gallery. At the Boramae Dance Hall where Korean artist ]eon

Yeon-Du's work was exhibited, visitors could play and dance. They could also learn such dances as disco, tango, waltz, samba and jive from professional dancers. This was designed to relieve people's stress through the active movement of their body. Chinese artist Yin Xiuzhen reproduced a popular teahouse in China where visitors can relax while eating pumpkin and sunflower seeds at their table.

Japanese artist Motohiko Odani's work Ninth Room intrigued visitors.

When entering a small room that is composed of four screen walls with mirrors on the floor and ceiling, various lights and sounds create a fascinating experience. Visitors could imagine sudden wealth while taking a break on a bench in a particular gallery or see regular bricks become gold bars before their very eyes. Visitors could sleep lying in an armchair or on the dried grass. Viewer interaction led to a heightening of the sensory perceptions of the art works.

While personally experiencing these works, any thoughts about not understanding modern art naturally disappear.

The Gwangju Biennale has designed visitor-oriented events to help make att a patt of people's daily life, while generating positive reactions as a result of its entettaining and enjoyable approach The Gwangju Biennale functions as a bridge between developing countries and global modern att while publicizing the potential of Asian att By further enhancing its standing as an international modern att exhibition, the Gwangju-Biennale is well on its way to becoming the representative art event of Asia.

Numerous well-known critics and repotters from distinguished media have visited the Gwangju Biennale and paid high acclaim to its excep4onal quality, which has rapidly advanced dtuing its brief history. +

Korean artist Oh Yi-yang's Existence

JOURNEYS IN KOREAN LITERATURE

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Choi In-ho 93

FROM EROS TO AGAPE

Choiin-ho Kim]oo-youn

Critic and Professor of Getman Literature Sookmyung Women's University

Chcii ln-ho ranks as one of the leading figures of 20th-century Korean literature, a writer who has taken up the mantle of a tradition and extended it in his own ways. /

hirty years ago, when I reviewed Choi In-ho's first short story "Another Man's Room," I suggested that Choi was the first writer in Korean literature to deal with the subject of human alienation. This judgment was based on the quality of modernity that I derived from Choi's work, not just intrinsically, but in relation to the general state of Korean literature at that time. The previous generation had been rather weak in its illumination of the human condition, but by introducing the theme of alienation, Choi In-ho was able to bring into sharp focus the often conflicting relationship between humanity and modern life. The new sense of alienation, which could make even one's own room feel like

Choi In-ho, at a book-signing event, is a prolific writer who has published more than 20 novels.

94

someone else's, was the sure mark of a modern consciousness distinct from that of the previous generation. And with Choi In-ho's work, it has established its place as a theme of Korean fiction since the 1970s.

Choi's next novel, the much-admired Home of the Stars, which rec0unts the love life of a bar hostess, is also a study of human alienation. Basically a product of the materialistic values that come with industrial development, alienation can also serve as a vehicle of enhanced selfawareness. With the advent of Choi, a fully modern consciousness appeared in Korean fiction for the first time.

Since the 1980s, however, Choi's work has become more diverse. His dynamic talents as a novelist have been revealed to the full in a series of books including Conditions of Love, Stairway to Heaven, Global Man, and The Firebird, while each of his novellas and short stories has created its own unique realm. Falling into the category known as contemporary fiction, his works from around this time often deal with love. Yet they are not mere love stories, but outpourings of a force and passion that might be described as the energy of youth. The novels Flower of the Equator, Whale Hunt; Desert on the Water, and Winter Wanderer all reflect this tendency, and it is likely that this force and passion has made Choi such a prolific writer, with more than 20 novels and hundreds of short stories to his credit All told, Choi In-ho ranks as one of the leading figures

of 20th-century Korean literature, a writer who has taken up the mantle of a tradition and extended it in his own ways.

After dealing with the theme of love with a finely-tuned sensibility in his works of .the 1970s, Choi has since turned his hand to history novels, fantasies, and subjects of universal human interest. Since the 1990s, he has attained a new depth in novels of contemplation and philosophy with a strong religious bent. For some, this remarkable breadth earns Choi a place among the great writers who treat the entire spectrum of human experience. Particularly in the central work of his later fiction, Road without Road and in his recent magnum opus, The Principles of a Merchant, he has achieved both literary excellence and unprecedented acclaim with a successful artistic treatment of the human ethos.

The ostensible subject of The Principles of a Merchant is the life of powerful Joseon-era merchant 1m Sangok, but the broader theme is the harmer ny and cooperation of man. To read _ about a merchant who amassed abundant wealth is itself a new experience in Korean literature. By and large, the __.._ heroes of Korean fiction have been intellectuals and proponents of new ideolcr gies, or in historical novels, figures of political significance. Merchants began to emerge only around the time of Kim ]ocryoung's novel The Inn. The choice of a merchant as protagonist lends itself to revealing the whole process of wealth accumulation and the development of modern consciousness alongside the emergence of a market economy.

Yet the 1m Sang-ok of The Principles of a Merchant is not so much a merchant with a nascent modern social consciousness, as an admirable character with an original spark of creative genius, a deep-seated love and concern for

humanity, and all the traditional virtues of the ]oseon intellectual. Besides his money-making schemes, we see his comradely relations with his subordinates, strong sense of social justice, and insightful philosophy of life, symbolized by an unusual wine glass called the "temperance cup:' This special vessel is designed so that when it is filled to the brim, its entire contents spill out, with stability being maintained only when a little room is left at the top. The ''temperance cup" serves to remind us of the importance of moderation in our everyday life 1m Sang-ok's eventful life also included complicity in a plot to overthrow the governm~ and a love affair with the daughter of a friend Especially noteworthy is the scene in which his young lover is martyred after her conversion to Catholicism. Having lost her father, a leader of the rebel faction, and realizing that she will never be united with the man she loves, she develops an emptiness in her life Then she comes to know God, who becomes, for her, the whole of life and truth and the promise of life after death Earthly death now holds no terror for her, and through her quest for truth, the author delves into the very

meaning of life and death. He had already addressed this theme in Road without Road, when he wrestled with the proposition that ''to meet the Buddha is to kill the Buddha" Truth is not knowledge learned in advance as some abstract notion, but a moment of insight into the mysterious providence of creation, continually renewed and eventually grasped by intuition Choi In-ho's literary career might be described as a journey from eros to agape Certainly his earlier works feature flashes of passion and sexual energy that could justly be called erotic. They also reflect an overflowing humanism.

Though they bring out the agony of alienation at times, their basic ton.e and theme is humanistic, and even the bitterness is not without a sweet tang. But in his later works, the sweetness of mutual love gives way to an unyielding resolve that constantly reminds us of the realities of life. This resoluteness springs from faith in a transcendent power or being beyond the realm of worldly existence.

In this sense, it is not humanistic but spiritual. It may appear in the tragedy of death, but behind the tragedy breathes a greater love. This is the realm of agape â&#x20AC;˘

By introducing the theme of alienation, Choi ln-ho was able to bring into sharp focus the often conflicting relationship between humanity and modern life. The new sense of alienation, which could make even one's own room feel like someone else's, was the sure mark of a modern consciousn.ess distinct from that of the previous generation. And with Choi ln-ho's work, it has established its place as a theme of Korean fiction since the 1970s.

95

NEW

FELWWSHIP PROGRAMS

The Korea Foundation launched its Advanced Research Grant and Postdoctoral Fellowship programs in Korean studies starting in early

2002.

ADVANCED RESEARCH GRANT The Advanced Research Grant program is designed to provide support for the scholarly research and writing activities of Korean studies scholars related to the humanities and social sciences fields, which will advance scholarship in Korean studies. Eligible projects involve research efforts that result in scholarly publications, which are to be disseminated in languages other than Korean.

• ELIGIBILITY: Overseas Korean studies scholars with a Ph.D. degree in a subject related to Korea and who are currently engaged in Korea-related teaching and research activities • GRANT TERMS: Personal remuneration and project-related research expenses • GRANT PERIOD: Six to twelve consecutive months • REQUIREMENTS: Grantees are expected to devote full-time effott to the research and writing during the grant period.

The Foundation fully expects that the proposed research will result in the publication of its results.

POSTDOCTORAL FELLOWSHIP The Postdoctoral Fellowship program provides promising and highly qualified recent Ph.D. recipients with the opportunity to conduct research at leading universities in the field of Korean studies so that they can further develop their scholarship as well as have their dissertations published as manuscripts.

• ELIGIBILITY: Non-Korean scholars who have received their Ph.D. degree in a subject related to Korea within five years of their application but do not currently hold a regular faculty position • FELLOWSHIP GRANT: Stipend support for a 12-month period • FELLOWSHIP PERIOD: A 12-month period in accordance with tl1e academic year of the affiliated institution • OBLIGATIONS OF FELLOWS: - Fellows shall be in residence at the affiliated institution during the academic year, and are requested to participate in tl1e affiliated institution's activities.

- Fellows shall revise their doctoral dissertation in the field of Korean studies to produce a publishable manuscript.

•INSTITUTIONAL AFFILIATION: A formal affiliation is required with a university or research institution, other than that from which the applicant has received his/ her Ph.D, that includes faculty and reference resources related to the applicant's research field.

APPLICATION DEADLINE: February 28, 2003 For further information, please contact: Fellowship Program Team

The Korea Foundation Seocho P.O. Box 227 1376-1 Seocho 2-dong, Seocho-gu Seoul137-072, Korea Tel: +82-2-3463-5614 Fax: +82-2-3463-6075 E-mail: fellow @kf.or.kr http://www.kf.or.kr

The Korea Foundation's other fellowship programs include: Fellowship for Korean Language Training: Designed to enhance practical use of the Korean language among overseas Korean studies scholars, graduate students, and professionals in Korea-related fields, by providing an opportunity to undertake intensive Korean-language training at a leading Korean university.

Fellowship for Field Research (formerly Fellowship for Korean Studies): Intended to promote Korean studies and facilitate research work by Korea-related scholars and specialists by supporting their onsite study and research activities in Korea.

Fellowship for Graduate Studies (formerly Graduate Scholarship): Aimed at fostering an expanded pool of young scholars majoring in Korean studies by providing scholarship assistance for graduate students in Korea-related fields at various universities in North America, Europe and Asia.

Publication Subsidy Program: Provides financial support for the publication of Korea-related books by major university presses and leading academic publishers worldwide.

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