Why 'Arirang' Isn't Listed Among Korea's Cultural Assets

The government has listed music performed during royal ancestral rites, pansori or traditional Korean narrative song, "Goseong Ogwangdae," a mask dance drama from Goseong, South Gyeongsang Province, and royal cuisine as important intangible cultural assets of Korea. But the country failed to list the folk song "Arirang," widely considered Korea's unofficial national anthem, and the world-famous side dish kimchi.

The Cultural Heritage Administration this week announced it will now list the different styles of the folk song in Korea on the UNESCO World Heritage List next year, but the announcement only came after China listed "Arirang" as part of its own cultural heritage because it is sung by ethnic Koreans in Yanbian Province.

To be registered on the UNESCO World Heritage List, a cultural asset must first be part of a country's inventory of valuable heritage. But why has "Arirang" been left off the list of Korea's important cultural assets?
Technical Obstacles

The only version of "Arirang" that has been officially recognized is "Jeongseon Arirang," which was selected in 1971 as intangible cultural asset No. 1 of Gangwon Province. "The existing law protecting intangible cultural assets requires the designation of not only the item but also the individual or group that practices it, but this was not possible when it comes to 'Arirang,'" said Kim Sam-ki, the director of intangible cultural assets at the CHA. "'Arirang' is a folk song loved by all Koreans, so there is no particular individual who is the best at singing it."

Kimchi, too, is a Korean cultural icon, but it cannot be listed as an important cultural asset because pretty much everyone makes it, rather for example a specific group of local artisans.

Music performed during royal ancestral rites, folk songs of Gyeonggi Province, pansori and "Goseong Ogwangdae" were listed as important intangible cultural assets, because there are individuals who are masters of the craft or performance. Han Bok-ryeo (royal cuisine) and Chung Kil-ja (royal confectionery) have been officially recognized as masters of those skills.
Ironically, the regulations have made it possible for quite parochial items to be designated while those shared by everyone have been excluded, which is like leaving the Pyramids off the list because the architect is unknown.

Kim Yeon-kap, executive director of the Korean Arirang Association said, "There are problems when it comes to designating 'Arirang' as belonging to a particular individual, but one solution may be to select a group such as the Jindo Arirang Preservation Society and Miryang Arirang Preservation Society."

Another problem is the narrow definition of cultural assets. The law on preserving cultural assets stipulates that they must be theatrical plays, music, dance, forms of entertainment or ritual, martial arts, craftsmanship, food or other intangible cultural products of major historic, artistic or academic value. Seven criteria have been set for selection. Lunar New Year's Day or Chuseok (Korean Thanksgiving) celebrations do not meet these selection criteria. China, by contrast, has listed traditional Korean dress or hanbok, traditional wedding ceremonies, and ssireum or Korean wrestling as part of its own cultural heritage since they are worn or practiced by ethnic Koreans there.
Revisions

Some patriots fear that China's listing of "Arirang," and a Korean farmer's dance as part of its own intangible cultural assets is a precursor to registering them on the UNESCO World Cultural Heritage List. Korean laws need to be revised quickly.

"We are pushing to revise existing laws so that items that cannot be linked to a particular group or individual can be registered," Kim said. "We also plan to compile a new list of intangible cultural assets by the end of this year that will include 'Arirang,' ssireum, folk tales and customs observed during traditional holidays in line with the UNESCO World Heritage List and widen the scope of our intangible cultural assets."
Link:http://english.chosun.com/site/data/html_dir/2011/06/24/2011062401056.html

The 5th World Taekwondo Culture Expo Kicks Off in Muju

The 5th World Taekwondo Culture Expo will take place in Jeollabuk-do Muju-gun from July 8th to July 13th. This year, about 2,000 athletes from 31 countries worldwide are expected to participate in the Expo under the theme of ‘Youth, Dream, Friendship and Coexistence.’

Following the athletes’ arrival and registration on the first day, the Expo will kick off on July 9th at Muju Dome Stadium with an opening ceremony and congratulatory performances. Subsequently, various programs including seminars on Taekwondo-related topics such as Taekwondo aerobics and self-defense, as well as Poomsae (a set of movements of offense and defense set for self-training), Gyeorugi (sparring) and Gyeokpa (board smashing) competitions will be held. Finally, the visiting athletes will compete in a friendly tournament on July 12th before departing on the last day of the Expo.

More info
2011 World Taekwondo Culture Expo
☞ Period & Venue: July 8–July 13 / Jeollabuk-do Muju-gun
☞ Admission: Free
☞ Homepage: www.wtcexpo.net (Korean, English)
☞ Related InformationTaekwondo
☞ 1330 tt call center: +82-63-1330 (Korean, English, Chinese, Japanese)
Link:http://english.visitkorea.or.kr/enu/FU/FU_EN_15.jsp?cid=1321703

The rise of Korean contemporary art

As the art market sees gradual recovery after years of recession, Korean artists on the international art scene are matching their talents with major art institutions across the globe. Exhibits dedicated to showcasing contemporary Korean art and artists are opening in cities filled with art and culture like Venice and Basel.

Korean Pavilion at Venice Biennale (June 4 – November 27, 2011)

The Korean Pavilion (www.korean-pavilion.or.kr) at the Venice Biennale held a preview on June 2. Promoted by the Arts Council Korea and conceived by Yun Cheagab, an independent curator, the exhibit features 14 works by media artist Lee Yongbaek under the theme “The Love is gone, but the Scar will heal.”
Lee, who is known for addressing social issues with religious and political themes, uses a variety of technologies in his work, from video installations to robotic sculptures. Currently on display at the Korean Pavilion is “Pieta,” two modern reinterpretations of the Renaissance sculpture by Michelangelo, and “Angel Soldier,” a series of video performances of describing the march of a soldier disguised in flowers. “Broken Mirror,” is about the complex relationship between reality and illusion, inviting self-reassessment and reflection.

Lee Hyerim is featured at Glasstress 2011 (www.glasstress.org), a collateral event of the Venice Biennale, which focuses on the glass arts, while Lee Ufan is taking part in the group exhibition “The World Belongs to You” at Palazzo Grassi, organized by François Pinault Foundation. (left): Lee Hye Rim, Strawberry Garden, 2011, 3D animation (Courtesy of the artist and Kukje Gallery)

The 54th International Art Exhibition of the Venice Biennale will be open to the public from June 4 to November 27, under the theme “ILLUMInazioni (Illumination)." Under the direction of the Swiss curator and critic Bice Curiger, this year’s “Olympics of contemporary art” welcomes artists from 89 countries, marking it the biggest Biennale in its history. For more information, please visit the official website at: www.labiennale.org (English and Italian)

Haegue Yang solo exhibition at Modern Art Oxford (June 11 – September 4, 2011)

Haegue Yang, who represented Korea at the Venice Biennale two years ago, has continued to participate in group and solo exhibitions at some of the world’s most recognized art museums. Following her participation in “Your Bright Future: 12 Artists From Korea (2009)” at the Los Angeles County Museum of Art (LACMA), Yang held several solo exhibitions including “Voice and Wind (2010-11)” at New York’s New Museum and “Arrivals (2011)” at Kunsthaus Bregenz (www.kunsthaus-bregenz.at).


(left) Haegue Yang © 2009 Museum Associates/LACMA – Los Angeles County Museum of Art (right) Haegue Yang, Can Cosies – Brechbohnen 400g, 2011, cans with knitted covers, each 400g, knitting yarn Height: 11 cm, diameter: 10 cm, Installation variable, Photo © Nicolas Pelzer

Her first solo exhibit in the United Kingdom, “Teacher of Dance,” will take place at Modern Art Oxford. The exhibition presents a collection of abstract but harmonious constructions juxtaposed in a synthetic manner. For more information, please visit the official website at: www.modernartoxford.org.uk (English).

Art 42 Basel (June 15 – 19, 2011)

Every June, the small Swiss city of Basel welcomes art lovers and buyers from across the globe to Europe’s biggest contemporary art fair. Art Basel features nearly 300 leading galleries in 37 different countries. The Kukje Gallery (www.kukjegallery.com) is participating for the 13th time this year, including artworks by Rhee Kibong, Lee Ufan, Park Seobo and Haegue Yang.


Rhee Kibong, Edge of Sensorium, 2011, acrylic, plexiglas and mixed media on canvas, 162 x 172 cm; Façade of None, 2011, acrylic, plexiglas and mixed media on canvas, 109 x 103 cm, © Tina Kim Gallery, New York (Courtesy of Kukje Gallery)

Rhee Kibong, who is currently having a solo exhibition entitled “There is No Place” at the New York-based Tina Kim Gallery (www.tinakimgallery.com), has been particularly strong at art fairs, selling out several years in a row, leading to high expectations for this year.

Along with the retrospective “Lee Ufan: Marking Infinity,” starting on June 24 at the Guggenheim (www.guggenheim.org), a series of the artist’s meditative paintings will be on display at the Kukje Gallery’s booth.

A selection of artworks by an international cadre of renowned Korean artists, including Kimsooja and Lee Bul, will be also on view during this year’s Art Basel. For more information, please visit the official website at: www.artbasel.com (English).

Korea ballet, Fly high to the world!

Korean ballet is on focus nowadays. Two main ballet companies of Korea, 'Korea National Ballet (KNB)', and 'Universal Ballet (UB)', are now internationally acknowledged for their artistic latent energy, being compared to world-class ballet companies. In fact, Korea ballet was out of B30 (Ballet Ranking Top 30) ten years ago. But now its reputation has been prominently enhanced, as Korean ballet troupes are being invited to foreign countries, surely raising the pride of Korea’s dance world.

Image : Kyunghyang Sinmun

The world’s eye on Korea ballet
KNB has been leading the popularization of ballet, performing 81 times in 2009, 123 times last year throughout the country including its capital city, Seoul. Last year KNB performed in Bolshoi Theater (Bolshoi Teatr) and Mariinskii Theater (Mariinskii Teatr), creating a better reputation of Korean ballet. Recently, KNB was invited to theaters of Italy and France and currently further schedules in details are under discussion. A specific plan for a performance at San Carlo Theater (Teatro San Carlo) in Napoli, Italy will be carried out by this October. This theater is one of the most prominent theaters comparable to La Scala Theater in Milan (Teatro alla Scala di Milano) or Rome Opera House of Italy. Stressing the fact this historic stage was founded 39 years before the globally honored La Scala Theater in Milan, the invitation is much more meaningful.

KNB is also invited to 'Les etes de la danse', a dance festival held in Paris and further schedules for the 2014 performance are as well under discussion. In addition, KNB is planning to perform in Caracalla Theater (Terme di Caracalla) and Rome Opera House next year. Especially this performance will be a very historical occasion for Korea, as Italy is a birthplace of ballet, and France is meaningful home of ballet where it became an independent art genre.

UB is also planning to have a tour in 40 countries within the next 3 years. 'Shim Chung' and 'Giselle' is already scheduled to perform in 8 cities of 6 countries including Taiwan (April), Singapore (May), U.S.A. and Canada (July), Japan (September), and Oman (November) this year. Most of these concerts were attained by UB directly contacting the local theaters who happened to respond with great enthusiasm.

Shim Chung’ an original ballet of Universal Ballet staged in Taipei, Taiwan

Last year UB staged an original ballet ‘Shim Chung’ in Taipei. The 1,500 seats of the National Theater of Taiwan were full with audiences and after the performance enthusiastic response and applause has continued for over ten minutes; there were some people who did not leave the hall even after the three curtain calls, proving how successful the show was. Not actually the Western ballet but the music, costumes, and stage effects that well featured Korean characteristic was what captured the eyes of the Taiwanese audiences. It is worth to note that the National Theater of Taiwan is very selective about the quality of the performance to put on stage while little chances are open to foreign organizations. The fact UB of Korea has won such opportunity, especially with sponsored stage facilities charges and stay expenses, indicates the notably enhanced reputation of Korean ballet.


The rise of Korean ballet masterpieces
With many rising young talented ballet dancers, the future of Korean ballet is more than positive. The number of ballet audiences is growing as well as that of ballet lovers who search for shows of their favorite dancer to send wholehearted support. Korean ballet companies are now being invited to renowned ballet theater overseas. What has made such transition?

First, Korean ballet companies who has been collaborating with foreign staffs now are being recognized for their talent. ‘Giselle’ recently staged by KNB was possible with the positive feedbacks of the foreign staffs who worked with the troupes in Korea before. Such feedbacks shared with other professionals in the overseas dance field led opportunities for Korean ballet troupes to prove their talent and stage performances in front of the world audience.

Besides, Korean ballet dancers who successively take main roles on international ballet stages, join world-class ballet companies and win international ballet competition awards has been another significant factor that helped Korean ballet to win favorable attention from the world. Now these dancers from Korea have good physique as a ballet dancer equivalent to fellow Westerners and exceptional talent receiving great compliments. Hyo-Jung Kang, who studied in Sunhwa arts school of Korea and now a ballet soloist of Stuttgart Ballet, Germany has been selected to take the Juliet role of ‘Romeo and Juliet’. Sang-Eun Lee, former member of UB and who recently joined Dresden Semperoper Ballet has won a role of La bayadere. These young dancers, both having experiences performing classic and modern repertories, have proved the high standard of Korean ballet with skills and physique comparable to any other world dancers. Even in Russia, a ballet power, Korean dancers are taking their roles and joining classic programs such as ‘Swan Lake’ of ‘Romeo and Juliet’.

Prince HoDong’ an original ballet of Korea National Ballet

The high standard quality of Korean ballet programs is one other contribution. Korean ballet companies are creating and staging original ballet performance such as ‘Prine HoDong’ or ‘Sim Chung’ that features the aesthetic of Korea, while foreign choreographers has been invited to teach ballet techniques upgrading the skills of Korean ballet dancers. The beautiful combination of traditional Korean melody and classic ballet movements are what captures the eyes and hearts of foreign audiences. The powerful and futuristic Korea ballet performance was enough to give a strong impression to the overseas audience of e.g. Poland and Russia; it was no doubt ballet, a Western dance genre, but beautifully performed by dancers from the Eastern land, Korea.


From ballet to classic art
Since the new millennium, the reputation and fame of Korean ballet has been remarkably enhanced, thanks to frequent exchanges with foreign ballet troupes and performing arts professionals.

Yet it is true in Korea, classic art including ballet has been still trapped in the image of an aristocratic art genre. Even in contemporary times with its long tradition and expensive ticket prices it has been considered as a culture to be enjoyed by the privileged. Also the exclusiveness of ballet is a problem to solve. In Korea, people still think of romantic ballet or classic ballet as its typical type, which in fact consists of most of all performances that are shown on stage these days. In overseas, the percentage of classic and contemporary ballet is half and half. Korea should now put more effort to promote contemporary ballet and overcome the stereotypical image of the genre so that more people can enjoy ballet as a popular cultural activity.

Image : Munhwa Ilbo

A national prestige cannot be mentioned without its cultural status. With continuous efforts of performing arts professionals to promote classical art besides ballet supported with interests of the general public, we can expect a brighter future of Korean ballet glittering on world stage.
Link:http://blog.daum.net/korea_brand/1197

Two Korean collections added to UNESCO ‘Memory of the World Register’

Two collections of historical records—the ‘Archives for the May 18th Democratic Uprising against Military Regime, in Gwangju’ and ‘Ilseongnok’—are to be included on the UNESCO ‘Memory of the World Register’ (MOW). After a period of review, the historical documents received the official approval of the UNESCO MOW International Advisory Committee.

The ‘Archives for the May 18th’ consist of documents, photos, and videos about the democratization movement in Gwangju, Jeollanam-do that occurred from May 18th to 27th, 1980. ‘Ilseongnok’ is a collection of journal entries written by kings of the Joseon Dynasty that recount national affairs and daily royal life. The collection gives a firsthand account of 150 years of Korean history (from 1760-1910).

After these two collections are officially added to the MOW, Korea will have nine documentary assets on the register. Korean cultural treasures first appeared on the MOW in 1997 with the registration of the ‘Hunminjeongeum Manuscript’ and ‘Joseonwangjosillok,’ the annals of the Joseon Dynasty.’
Link:http://english.visitkorea.or.kr/enu/FU/FU_EN_15.jsp?cid=1291019

Coming of Age: the Traditional Way

Korean pavilion built in Paraguay

Three traditional Korean gardens were built recently in Asuncion, the capital city of Paraguay. This is the first time that a South American country has opened such a garden, according to an announcement by the Korea Forest Service on May 17.

The new gardens include a pine tree forest and pavilion at the Presidential residence and Nu Guazu Park to symbolize the friendship and cooperation between Korea and Paraguay.

To mark the opening, a ceremony was held on May 16 and was attended by Paraguayan President Fernando Armindo Lugo Méndez, Korean ambassador to Paraguay Park Dong-won and Korean residents of the area.
Link:http://www.korea.net/news.do?mode=detail&guid=55185

Michelin Starred (★★★) Best Travel Destinations in Korea!

Michelin has revealed its selection of recommended tourist attractions in Korea, which will appear in the Michelin Green Guide Korea, set to be released in France on May 17.

On Michelin’s 3-star list (3 being the highest rating) are Gyeongbokgung Palace, Changdeokgung Palace and Bukchon Hanok Village in Seoul and the Daereungwon Tomb Complex (twenty-three ancient tombs of the Silla Dynasty) in the historic city of Gyeongju. Other top 3-star tourist destinations in Korea are Gyeongju Yangdong Village (a UNESCO World Heritage Site filled with traditional houses) and Andong Hahoe Village (another UNESCO World Heritage Site and popular travel destination).

Also joining the list of Michelin favorites are: Suncheonman Bay in Suncheon, Jeollanam-do Province (known for its mesmerizing natural landscape), Seonamsa Temple and Songgwangsa Temple (with their long history and valuable cultural heritages), Maisan Provincial Park in Jinan, Jeollabuk-do, and Dolmen Museum in Gochang, Jeollabuk-do.

Haeinsa Temple in Hapcheon, Gyeongsangnam-do and Seongsan Ilchulbong Peak on Jeju Island were also recommended by Michelin as best travel destinations in Korea.
Link:http://english.visitkorea.or.kr/enu/FU/FU_EN_15.jsp?cid=1280214

Kazakhstan marks ‘Year of Korea 2011’ with events

To celebrate the “Year of Korea 2011” in Kazakhstan, various cultural programs, including an opening ceremony event, concerts, Korean film festival and photo exhibition, have been taking place across the country from May 4. (To read the related news, click here)

As part of “2010-2011 Kazakhstan-Korea Year” exchange project, a variety of cultural programs to promote Korean culture have been held in the Kazakhstani capital city of Astana and Almati, the country’s largest city.

The “2010-2011 Kazakhstan-Korea Year” project was initially agreed to by President Lee Myung-bak and his Kazakhstani counterpart, Nursultan Nazarbayev, during the Korea-Kazakhstan summit talks, which took place in May of 2009. The project was designed to substantially expand bilateral exchanges in all sectors, including politics, the economy, culture and human exchanges.

During the ongoing event, Korea and Kazakhstan also signed a memorandum of understanding in the tourism sector, which will enhance the friendship between the two countries in the future.
To mark the “Year of Korea 2011”, an opening ceremony event titled “Night of Korea” was held by the Korean Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism at a concert hall in Astana on May 5. This celebratory event was attended by some 3,000 people, including officials like Korean Vice Minister of Culture, Sports and Tourism Mo Chul-min and his Kazakhstani counterpart, Chairwoman of the Presidential Council on National Branding Lee Bae-yong, Korea Trade-Investment Promotion Agency (KOTRA) CEO Cho Hwan-Eik and Korean ambassador to Kazakhstan Lee Buyng-hwa.

Chongdong Theater’s well-known musical “Miso” staged a wonderful performance, and the performers were joined by popular Hallyu stars and the bands Tmax and JQT for an opening concert.
Kazakhstani audiences were especially enthusiastic about actor Song Il-gook, the lead in the historical Korean TV drama “Jumong,” which is currently very popular in Kazakhstan.

Both Korea’s Arirang TV and Kazakhstan’s state broadcaster, Kazakhstan TV, aired the opening concert on May 8.

* Culture Ministry to host various Korean cultural events in Kazakhstan throughout 2011

To mark “Year of Korea 2011,” Korea’s Culture Ministry will hold a variety of programs to promote Korean culture in both Astana and Almati throughout the year.

The ministry held a Korean film festival and photo exhibition in Astana from May 6 to 9. The film festival showed four popular Korean films, including “Overspeed Scandal,” "Ski Jumping National Team" and "Beyond the Years." The photo exhibition showed the charms of Korean tourism through beautiful pictures of Korea’s UNESCO World Heritage sites, including Jeju Island and Bulguksa Temple in Gyeongju.

The Culture Ministry plans to send a Korean delegation of culture and arts volunteer service workers, a taekwondo promotion delegation and Korean intangible assets to Kazakhstan for performances, starting in June.

* Korea, Kazakhstan sign tourism MOU

During his visit to Kazakhstan, Vice Minister Mo signed an MOU with Kazakhstan’s Vice Minister of Tourism and Sports, Talgat Ermegiyaev. Through the agreement, the two countries will expand the volume of exchanges in tourism and sports.

Meanwhile, in Almati, the Presidential Council on National Branding and five Korean government ministries, including the Ministry of Knowledge Economy, worked together to jointly hold the “Korea Week” festival, including the hosted “A Night of Korea” event and celebratory concert on May 4.

The Ministry of Knowledge Economy and KOTRA jointly held the AT&D KOREA Road Show, composed of forums, exhibitions and consulting services focusing on smart technology.

The Korea Communications Commission held a showcase event for broadcasting contents to promote Korean exports by screening Korean TV programs at the showcase event, a TV broadcasting showcase and business consulting meeting.
Link:http://www.korea.net/news.do?mode=detail&guid=54959

Jeju Island

Korean literature receives spotlight at international book fairs

Korean literature is increasing its global reach, with more and more publishers participating in international book fairs around the world. In March, Korean literature enjoyed heightened international exposure and more requests for copyright trade through representation at two important book fairs: The 2011 Abu Dhabi International Book Fair and the Bologna Children’s Book Fair.

Market Focus at the 2011 Abu Dhabi International Book Fair

Korea was invited to the Abu Dhabi International Book Fair as this year’s “Market Focus” country, and will have a special booth entitled, “Korean Collective Stand.” The fair, which wrapped up March 20 after six-day run, brought together international readers, as well as experts in the field and trade visitors. Market Focus, aimed at providing insight on industry trends to exhibitors, traders and inquisitive professionals, is an instrumental program for extending networks in the Middle East and North African region.
The “Market Focus: Korea” booth was operated by the Korean Publishers Association and supported by the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism. At this year’s fair, a number of acclaimed Korean publishers joined the Korean Collective Stand. Representatives from the Korean publishing industry showcased and promoted Korean publications and discussed trade with attending professionals. Also featured in the booth were a selection of translations of Korean literature and books on Korean culture.

On the first day of the event, the Korea Literature Translation Institute hosted a discussion forum session titled “Middle East Meets Far East - A Literary Bridge between the UAE and Korea.” The panel was composed of three renowned Korean writers who talked about their own oeuvre and urged Arab institutions to translate more Korean publications into Arabic to help bridge the cultural gap between Far East and Middle East. The authors who spoke at the session included Yi Munyol, author of “Our Twisted Hero,” novelist Kim Joo-young and poet Kim Min-jeong.
The Korea team donated a selection of Korean literature translations in English, French, and Arabic to the National Library in Abu Dhabi and the Dubai branch of Zayed University to increase awareness of Korean literature. The Korean Publishers Association also successfully held the Business Breakfast on March 16 at which the director of International Project Department, Moon Seung-hyun, gave an overview of the Korean book industry.

For more information, please visit the official website at: www.adbookfair.com/cms (English and Arabic).

Korea participates at Bologna Children’s Book Fair

The Korean Publishers Association is currently participating in the Bologna Children’s Book Fair, from March 28 to 31, under the auspices of the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism.
This year’s fair has been very encouraging for Korean publications. For the first time, a Korean author won grand prize at the Bologna Ragazzi Award for non-fiction. Kim Hee-Kyung’s “A House of the Mind: Maum” was highly praised and Gang Gyeong-su’s “The Stories Shouldn’t be True” also earned mention in the same category. In addition, five Korean artists were acknowledged for their work as illustrators.
The Korean Publishers Association is promoting 27 Korean publishers, with a focus on Korean children’s content, by showcasing their editorial production in the international marketplace and assisting them with rights trade in one of the most prestigious children’s book fairs. Approximately 700 books were on display to meet the growing demand for Korean children’s books. The organization will provide an in-depth look at the current state of publishing in Korea at a forum on March 29.

In conjunction with the fair, the Korea Literature Translation Institute is also hosting a “Fantasy in Korean Picture Books” event accompanied by a series of lectures on Korean children’s books at three designated Italian cities: Bologna, Rome and Venice.
The 48th Bologna Children’s Book Fair is for professionals dedicated to the children’s publishing and multimedia industry. Every spring, some 5,000 publishers, illustrators, field experts and registered press from over 70 nations attend the prestigious annual event.

For more information, please visit the official website at: www.bolognachildrensbookfair.com/en (English and Italian)

Take a walk through modern history at 'Korean Rhapsody'

"Reflection Reflection" by Cho Duck-hyun / Courtesy of Leeum

The dynamic history of 20th-century Korea has inspired a museum exhibition, featuring some 80 artworks in various forms ranging from Japanese “ukiyoe” and paintings from the period to contemporary media art.

“Korean Rhapsody: A Montage of History and Memory,” ongoing at the Leeum, Samsung Museum of Art, in Hannam-dong, Seoul, sheds new light on the country’s modern history with a creative fresh perspective.

“Koreans miss places where memories were made and this is related to social amnesia,” Lee Joon, deputy director of Leeum, said. “The contemporary history of Korea embodies both the past as well as the present, so we placed 100-year-old works next to contemporary artists’ work, juxtaposing our histories side-by-side.”

Seemingly odd matches of old and new works direct the viewer’s attention to Korea’s tumultuous past.

The exhibition is presented in two sections. The Black Box of Leeum hosts the first part in “Symbols of Modernity,” portraying the time from when ports were opened to foreigners to when Korea was liberated from Japan in 1945¬ .

It begins with two landscapes of Seoul, one by Hubert Vos and another by Ahn Joong-sik, providing the contrasting views of a foreigner and a local artist. Also featured is artist Jung Yeon-doo’s video clip, “A Day in the Life of Gubo,” which reconstructs Seoul in the 1890s and 1930s through miniature sets based on the 1934 novel “A Day of Novelist Gu Bo.”

“Since not many artworks from before the 1930s have survived, we brought in ‘ukiyoe,’ Japanese woodblock prints, to show the life of people in the late Joseon Kingdom (1392-1910) from a Japanese point of view,” Lee said.

Cho Duck-hyun’s 2011 work “Reflection Reflection” combines the image of a 1930s modern woman with that of the artist’s daughter in retro costumes, and visualizes the lapse of time by featuring mirrors standing face-to-face.

The section also displays an archive of photographs and video clips of dancer Choi Seung-hee and poet Yi Sang.

Continuing in the Ground Gallery, the second section of the exhibition “Unfamiliar Hopes,” features the period around 1945 up to the present.

Lee Que-de’s “Liberation Notice” (1948), Byeon Yeong-won’s “Anti-Communist Spirit” (1952) and Lee Jung-seop’s “Fighting Bulls” (1956) demonstrate the hardships Korean artists experienced during the Korean War (1950-53) though vivid, dynamic paintings.

A series of three photographic works by Koo Bohn-chang, “Park Weayeon, Age 101, She Lost Her Son during Korean War,” “A Letter to Mother” and “A Steel Helmet” speak volumes about the war.

Video artists Jo Seub’s “When the Day Comes,” however, unravels the story of war in a rather light, humorous way while sculptor Song Young-su expresses it in an abstract form through “Work 59-2.”

“The keyword of this exhibition is ‘memory’ and we wanted to show how people remember the same thing in different ways,” Lee said.

The timeline continues onto industrialization and Lee Jong-sang’s 1962 painting “Work” and Kim Chul-hyun’s “Industrial Picture Project” (1992-2001) portray the diligent people that devoted themselves to the economic development of Korea.

The trend of abstract painting settled down in Korea in the 1980s, amid the rise of new media and diverse artistic trends. Oh Yoon’s “Marketing” (1981) series and Paik Nam-june’s “Korea Relief” (1991) are examples of such movements.

Suh Do-ho’s “Uni-form/s: Self Portrait/s: My 39 Years” (2006) shows the artist’s way of portraying his identity in a synthetic, symbolic way through the uniforms he wore. Oh Hein-kuhn’s “Ajumma” (1997) series explores the identity of middle-aged Korean women — wearing a pearl necklace, a tiger fur print dress or a flower print scarf.

The exhibition is on view through June 5. Tickets cost from 4,000 to 13,000 won.

The docent program is available at 11 a.m., 1 and 3 p.m. every day and English explanations are offered at 2 p.m. on weekends. The museum is closed on Mondays. Visit www.leeum.org for more information.
Link: http://www.koreatimes.co.kr/www/news/art/2011/03/148_83385.html

World Heritage sites

A frontal view of the west gate and watch tower.

Seokguram Grotto

Jongmyo Shrine

The Jongmyo Shrine was added to the UNESCO World Heritage Site list in 1995 and is located in Seoul. The shrine is dedicated to the spirits of the ancestors of the royal family of the Joseon Dynasty. It is heavily influenced by Confucian tradition. An elaborate performance of ancient court music (with accompanying dance) known as Jongmyo jeryeak is performed there each year.

When it was built in 1394 is was thought to be one of the longest buildings in Asia. There are 19 memorial tablets of kings and 30 of their queens, placed in 19 chambers. The shrine was burnt to the ground during the Japanese invasion in 1592, but rebuilt by 1608.

Changdeokgung

Changdeokgung is also known as the palace of illustrious virtue. It was built in 1405, burnt to the ground during the Japanese invasion in 1592 and reconstructed in 1609. For more than 300 years Changdeokgung was the site of the royal seat. It is located in Seoul.

The surroundings and the palace itself are well matched. Some of the trees behind the palace are now over 300 years old, besides a preserved tree which is over 1000 years old. Changdeokgung was added to the UNESCO World Heritage list in 1997.

Bulguksa
Bulguksa is also known as the temple of the Buddha Land and home of the Seokguram Grotto. The temple was constructed in 751 and consists of a great number of halls. There are two pagodas placed in the temple.

The Seokguram grotto is a hermitage of the Bulguksa temple. It is a granite sanctuary. In the main chamber a Buddha statue is seated. The temple and the grotto were added to the UNESCO World Heritage list in 1995.

Tripitaka Koreana and Haeinsa
Haeinsa is a large temple in the South Gyeongsang province. It was originally built in 802 and home to the Tripitaka Koreana wood blocks, the oldest Buddhist wooden manuscripts in the world.[22] The carving of these wood blocks was initiated in 1236 and completed in 1251. The wood blocks are testimony to the pious devotion of king and his people.

The word Tripitaka is Sanskrit and stands for three baskets, referring to the Buddhist laws of aesthetics. The Tripitaka Koreana consists of 81'258 wood blocks and is the largest, oldest, and completist collection of Buddhist scripts. Amazingly there is no trace of errata or omission on any of the wood blocks. The Tripitaka Koreana is widely considered as the most beautiful and accurate Buddhist canon carved in Chinese characters.

The site was added to the UNESCO World Heritage list in 1995.

Hwaseong
Hwaseong is the fortification of the city Suwon south of Seoul in South Korea. Its construction was completed in 1796 and it features all the latest features of Korean fortification known at the time. The fortress also contains a magnificent palace used for the King's visit to his father's tomb near the city.

The fortress covers both flat land and hilly terrain, something rarely seen in East Asia. The walls are 5.52 kilometres long and there are 41 extant facilities along the perimeter. These include four cardinal gates, a floodgate, four secret gates and a beacon tower.

Hwaseong was added to the UNESCO World Heritage list in 1997.

Gochang, Hwasun and Ganghwa sites

The sites of Gochang, Hwasun and Ganghwa were added to the UNESCO list of World Heritage in 2000. These sites are home to prehistoric graveyards which contain hundreds of different megaliths. These megaliths are gravestones which were created in the 1st century B.C. out of large blocks of rock. Megaliths can be found around the globe, but nowhere in such a concentration as in the sites of Gochang, Hwasun and Ganghwa.

Gyeongju Area
The historic area around Gyeongju was added to the UNESCO list of World Heritage in 2000. Gyongju was the capital of the Silla kingdom. The tombs of the Silla rulers can still be found in the centre of the city. These tombs took the shape of rock chambers buried in an earthen hill, sometimes likened with the pyramids. The area around Gyeongju, in particular on the Namsan mountain, is scattered with hundreds of remains from the Silla period. Poseokjeong is one of the most famous of these sites, but there is a great number of Korean Buddhist art, sculptures, reliefs, pagodas and remains of temples and palaces mostly built in the 7th and 10th century.

Complex of Goguryeo Tombs
he Complex of Goguryeo Tombs lies in Pyongyang, Pyong'an South Province, and Nampo City, South Hwanghae Province, North Korea. In July 2004 it became the first UNESCO World Heritage site north of the 38th parallel.

The site consists of 63 individual tombs from the later Goguryeo, one of the Three Kingdoms of Korea. It was founded around northern Korea and Manchuria around 32 BC, and the capital was moved to Pyongyang in 427. This kingdom dominated the region between the 5th and 7th century AD.
Link : http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Culture_of_Korea#Festivals_of_the_lunar_calendar

Games

Yut board game

There are a number of board games played in Korea. Baduk is the Korean name for what is known as Go in English. This game is particularly popular with middle-aged and elderly men. It has a similar status as has chess in Western cultures. There is a Korean version of chess called Janggi, based on an old version of Chinese chess. Yut is a popular family board game enjoyed throughout the country, especially during holidays.

No longer commonly played, except on special occasions, Chajeon Nori is a traditional game involving two teams of villagers in a giant jousting match.

Many folk games are associated with shamanistic rites and have been handed down from one generation to the next. Three rites are important with regards to folk games: Yeonggo, Dongmaeng and Mucheon. Yeonggo is a drumming performance to invoke spirits. Dongmaeng is a harvest ceremony, while Mucheon is dances to the heaven. These performances were refined during the period of the Three Kingdoms and games were added.

Ssireum is a form of traditional wrestling. Other traditional games include pitching arrows into a pot (tuho) and a game of stick-tossing (jeopo). There are also stone fights (seokjeon), swing riding (geunetagi), masked dance drama, and a ball game (gyeokku).

Festivals of the lunar calendar

Daeboreum

The traditional Korean calendar was based on the lunisolar calendar.[15] Dates are calculated from Korea's meridian, and observances and festivals are rooted in Korean culture. The Korean lunar calendar is divided into 24 turning points (jeolgi), each lasting about 15 days. The lunar calendar was the timetable for the agrarian society in the past, but is vanishing in the modern Korean lifestyle.

The Gregorian calendar was officially adopted in 1895, but traditional holidays and age reckoning are still based on the old calendar.[15][16] Older generations still celebrate their birthdays according to the lunar calendar.

The biggest festival in Korea today is Seollal (the traditional Korean New Year. Other important festivals include Daeboreum (the first full moon), Dano (spring festival), and Chuseok (harvest festival).

There are also a number of regional festivals, celebrated according to the lunar calendar. See also Public holidays in North Korea and Public holidays in South Korea.
Link : http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Culture_of_Korea#Tea

Dress

Hanbok

Hwarot, bridal robe

See also List of Korean clothing. The traditional dress known as hanbok (한복, 韓服) (known as joseonot in the DPRK) has been worn since ancient times. The hanbok consists of a shirt (jeogori) and a skirt (baji). The traditional hat is called gwanmo and special meaning is attached to this piece of clothing.

According to social status, Koreans used to dress differently, making clothing an important mark of social rank. Impressive, but sometimes cumbersome, costumes were worn by the ruling class and the royal family. These upper classes also used jewelry to distance themselves from the ordinary people. A traditional item of jewelry for women was a pendant in the shape of certain elements of nature which was made of precious gemstones, to which a tassel of silk was connected.

Common people were often restricted to un-dyed plain clothes. This everyday dress underwent relatively few changes during the Joseon period. The basic everyday dress was shared by everyone, but distinctions were drawn in official and ceremonial clothes.

During the winter people wore cotton-wadded dresses. Fur was also common. Because ordinary people normally wore pure white undyed materials, the people were sometimes referred to as the white-clad people.

Hanbok are classified according to their purposes: everyday dress, ceremonial dress and special dress. Ceremonial dresses are worn on formal occasions, including a child's first birthday (doljanchi), a wedding or a funeral. Special dresses are made for purposes such as shamans, officials.

Today the hanbok is still worn during formal occasions. The everyday use of the dress, however, has been lost. However, elderly still dress in hanbok as well as active estates of the remnant of aristocratic families from the Joseon Dynasty.
Link : http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Culture_of_Korea#Dress

Lifestyle

Gardens


The principles of temple gardens and private gardens are the same. Korean gardening in East Asia is influenced by Taoism and Korean Shamanism. Taoism emphasizes nature and mystery, paying great attention to the details of the layout. In contrast to Japanese and Chinese gardens which fill a garden with man made elements, traditional Korean gardens avoid artificialities, trying to make a garden more natural than nature.

The lotus pond is an important feature in the Korean garden. If there is a natural stream, often a pavilion is built next to it, allowing the pleasure of watching the water. Terraced flower beds are a common feature in traditional Korean gardens.

The Poseokjeong site near Gyeongju was built in the Silla period. It highlights the importance of water in traditional Korean gardens. The garden of Poseokjeong features an abalone-shaped watercourse. During the last days of the Silla kingdom, the king's guests would sit along the watercourse and chat while wine cups were floated during banquets.
Link : http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Culture_of_Korea#Gardens

Lifestyle : Homes

Traditional farmer's house; Folk Village, Seoul


Traditional house, hanok

Sites of residence are traditionally selected using geomancy. It is believed that any topographical configuration generates invisible forces of good or ill (gi). The negative and positive energies (yin and yang) must be brought into balance.

A house should be built against a hill and face south to receive as much sunlight as possible. This orientation is still preferred in modern Korea. Geomancy also influences the shape of the building, the direction it faces and the material it is built of.

Traditional Korean houses can be structured into an inner wing (anchae) and an outer wing (sarangchae). The individual layout largely depends on the region and the wealth of the family. Whereas aristocrats used the outer wing for receptions, poorer people kept cattle in the sarangchae. The wealthier a family, the larger the house. However, it was forbidden to any family except for the king to have a residence of more than 99 kan. A kan is the distance between two pillars used in traditional houses.

The inner wing normally consisted of a living room, a kitchen and a wooden-floored central hall. More rooms may be attached to this. Poorer farmers would not have any outer wing. Floor heating (ondol) has been used in Korea since prehistoric times. The main building materials are wood, clay, tile, stone, and thatch. Because wood and clay were the most common materials used in the past not many old buildings have survived into present times. Japan's kidnapping of an entire city known for its castle building skills built Japan's most famous castles and palaces, an act which the Japanese government has formally acknowledged and apologized for.

Today, however, people live in apartments and more modernized houses.
Link : http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Culture_of_Korea

Traditional art : Ceramics

A celadon incense burner from the Goryeo Dynasty with Korean kingfisher glaze

The use of earthenware on the Korean peninsula goes back to the Neolithic. The history of Korean Ceramics is long and includes both Korean pottery a later development after the traditional use of coils and hammered clay to create early votive and sculptural artifacts. During the Three Kingdoms period, pottery was advanced in Silla. The pottery was fired using a deoxidizing flame, which caused the distinctive blue grey celadon color. The surface was embossed with various geometrical patterns.

In the Goryeo period jade green celadon ware became more popular. In the 12th century sophisticated methods of inlaying were invented, allowing more elaborate decorations in different colours. In Arts of Korea, Evelyn McCune states, "During the twelfth century, the production of ceramic ware reached its highest refinement. Several new varieties appeared simultaneously in the quarter of a century, one of which, the inlaid ware must be considered a Korean invention."[6] Neither the Chinese nor the Japanese had produced inlaid celadon, which was unique to Goryeo wares. William Bowyer Honey of the Victoria and Albert Museum of England, who after World War II wrote, "The best Corean (Korean) wares were not only original, they are the most gracious and unaffected pottery ever made. They have every virtue that pottery can have. This Corean pottery, in fact, reached heights hardly attained even by the Chinese."[7]

White porcelain became popular in the 15th century. It soon overtook celadon ware. White porcelain was commonly painted or decorated with copper.

With the Japanese invasions of Korea in the 16th century, many potters were abducted to Japan where they influenced Japanese ceramics.[8][9][10] Many Japanese pottery families today can trace their art and ancestry to these Korean potters whom the Japanese captured by the thousands during its repeated conquests of the Korean peninsula.[11][12][13]

In the mid Joseon period (late 17th century) blue-and-white porcelain became popular. Designs were painted in cobalt blue on white porcelain. With the growth of Japan's hegemony on the peninsula towards the end of the 19th century, the tradition of porcelain declined as Japanese pottery flourished and eclipsed its Korean counterpart.

Traditional arts : Crafts

Lacquer drawer with mother-of-pearl inlay, at the National Museum of Korea in Seoul

There is a unique set of handicrafts produced in Korea. Most of the handicrafts are created for a particular everyday use, often giving priority to the practical use rather than aesthetics. Traditionally, metal, wood, fabric, lacquerware, and earthenware were the main materials used, but later glass, leather or paper have sporadically been used.

Ancient handicrafts, such as red and black pottery, share similarities with pottery of Chinese cultures along the Yellow River. The relics found of the Bronze Age, however, are distinctive and more elaborate.

Many sophisticated and elaborate handicrafts have been excavated, including gilt crowns, patterned pottery, pots or ornaments. During the Goryeo period the use of bronze was advanced. Brass, that is copper with one third zinc, has been a particularly popular material. The dynasty, however, is renowned for its use of celadon ware.

During the Joseon period popular handicrafts were made of porcelain and decorated with blue painting. Woodcraft was also advanced during that period. This led to more sophisticated pieces of furniture, including wardrobes, chests, tables or drawers.
Link : http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Culture_of_Korea#Painting