[Well-curated] Learn about mythical creatures of Korean legends to better understand Korean dramas

Mythical animals, like the nine-tailed fox, dragons and “haetae” are some of the famous creatures featured in many Korean dramas, films and webtoons.

If you want to learn about Korean gods, imaginary monsters and ghosts, the “Curious 12 Tales” exhibition is a perfect place to visit.

Held at one of the most famous tourist destinations, Insa-dong, the media exhibition is all about Korean folk tales and myths.

Within a 5-minute walk from both Anguk Station Exit No. 6 on Subway Line No. 3 and Jonggak Station Exit No. 3-1 on Subway No. 1, the culture complex Anyounginsadong is hosting “Curious 12 Tales” until July 25.

Different themes and tales are presented with media facades and augmented reality technology, allowing the visitors to be fully immersed in the digital presentation.

You do not need to be tech-savvy, as everything is explained both in Korean and English.

Tickets are priced at 20,000 for adults over 20 years old. Teenagers between 14 to 19 are charged 15,000 won while tickets for children under 13 cost 13,000 won.

Upon admission, visitors are required to register their date of birth for the AR experience and to find out their Korean zodiac signs.

Once you are done with the exhibition, you will have a greater appreciation for characters such as the household god in the hit movie “Along with the Gods: The Last 49 Days” (2017) and the human version of the nine-tailed fox in tvN’s beloved fantasy romance “Tale of the Nine Tailed” (2020).

Journey back in time to see treasures from the old capital

Over 100 pieces of designated cultural heritage and treasures from Hanyang, the capital of Joseon (1392-1910), are on display at an exhibition marking the 20th anniversary of the Seoul Museum of History, located in Jongno-gu, central Seoul.

At the exhibition halls of “Treasures of Hanyang,” which resemble the different cityscapes of Hanyang, a variety of Joseon-era artifacts such as maps, calligraphy works, paintings, documents, books and wooden crafts are on display. Most of the works are by Confucian scholars and officials, scientists and artisans of the time.

Among the highlights are “Yongbieocheonga,” the first book in Hangeul written in 1447 on the founding of Joseon.

“Daedongyeojido,” a large-scale map of the Korean Peninsula produced by Joseon-period geographer Kim Jeong-ho in 1861, and a portrait of regent Heungseon Daewongun (1820-1898) are some of the highlights.

Also not to be missed are craftworks such as porcelain jars and document chests.

The early Joseon era saw a striking development of government-run handicraft production facilities. Professional artisans who worked in and outside of Hanyang presented craftworks of the finest quality to the court and the central government. When not assigned works, the artisans would create their own products and sell them through licensed stores.

The special exhibit on Hanyang and its arts will run through Aug. 7.

Admission is free. The museum is closed on Mondays.

Experimental art of biology, technology hand in hand 

Anicka Yi is internationally renowned for experimental works that merge biology with technology. As soon as you enter Gladstone Gallery, where her first solo exhibition in Seoul is being held, you will wonder whether you are at a laboratory or a gallery.

Blooming flowers deep-fried in oil, which appear to be edible, are attached to a glass frame. It may sound eccentric, but they make a beautiful frame. The fragile and romantic flowers’ elegant forms were maintained, despite the greasy and tantalizing process of battering and deep-frying. The series of works, called “Tempura-Fried Flower,” are some of her earliest experiments with materiality and technique.

Entering the exhibition, a large panel intricately carved with sea anemone, coral polyp and amoeba shapes is on display. Titled “Anemone Panels,” the rippling surface of the sculpture was inspired by Yi‘s observation of sea anemones’ polychromatic forms while living in the headlands of California. 

Born in 1971 in Seoul, the artist grew up in the US and is currently based in New York City. The exhibition “Begin Where You Are” at Gladstone Seoul runs through July 8.

The US gallery opened its Seoul location in April as its first Asian venue.

Yi also had a solo exhibition called “Hyundai Commission: Anicka Yi In Love With The World” at Tate Modern in the UK, held from Oct.12, 2021 to Jan. 16.

(sj_lee@heraldcorp.com)
(hykim@heraldcorp.com)
(yunapark@heraldcorp.com)

By Korea Herald (khnews@heraldcorp.com)