Latest news with #NationalMuseumofKorea
Korea Herald
2 days ago
- Sport
- Korea Herald
Tracing the steps of Olympic marathon gold medalist Son Kee-chung
National Museum of Korea exhibition highlights how Son asserted his Korean identity under Japanese colonial rule An Olympic medal is the ultimate badge of glory. It's a symbol of victory, grit and countless hours of relentless training. And behind every medal lies a personal story of hope and inspiration. While it is a reward of a lifetime, no proud smile could be seen on gold medalist Son Kee-chung's face during the medal ceremony for the men's marathon at the 1936 Berlin Olympics. Korea was under Japanese colonial rule from 1910 to 1945, and Son clinched his victory as a member of the Japanese delegation, running under the name Kitei Son. He set an Olympic record with 2:29:19, but received his reward with head held down and eyes downcast, revealing his resentment and grief over having to compete under the flag of the country that had colonized his own. He clutched the oak tree seedling — a gift traditionally given to Olympic victors at the time — to hide the Japanese flag on his shirt. Although he represented Japan, his win was a powerful symbol of national pride and resistance for Koreans. It gave them hope and a sense of unity under the oppressive conditions of harsh colonial rule. Fast forward 89 years to where Son crossed the finish line with a smile on his face and the Taegeukgi, South Korea's national flag, emblazoned across his shirt, as if his dreams had come true. The recreation of Son's gold-medal-winning run generated by AI is part of "The Radiant Strides, Moving the World." The exhibition at the National Museum of Korea celebrates the achievements of the late runner in line with the 80th anniversary of liberation from Japan's colonial rule. Among the exhibits is a handwritten postcard from the late Olympic champion, on which he signed "Korean" in English, along with his name written in Korean. The message is dated Aug. 15, 1936, just six days after his gold medal race. The postcard was acquired in 1979 by Heo Jin-do, an 84-year-old collector, through a German auction house. In a quiet act of national pride, Son consistently signed his name in Korean whenever possible, according to the museum, referring to the postcard as an important material that demonstrates his strong determination to show his Korean identity. Other items on display include the gold medal, the Corinthian helmet belatedly presented to Son as a prize, a laurel wreath, and a clipping of The New York Times article detailing Son's Olympic victory. The exhibition runs until Dec. 28 at the NMK.
Korea Herald
5 days ago
- Entertainment
- Korea Herald
NMK chief plans international tour of '5,000 Years of Korean Art' exhibition
You Hong-jun pledges to bring renowned artworks from around the world to Seoul At a time when Korean culture and tradition are sweeping across the globe, You Hong-jun, the newly-appointed director general of the National Museum of Korea, has set his sights on taking the "5,000 Years of Korean Art" exhibition abroad, aiming to highlight the cultural foundations that underpin modern Korean culture. "The exhibition held 45 years ago marked a major milestone in gaining recognition for Korean art in the Western world. I am planning an exhibition that highlights the essential qualities of traditional Korean art as the original foundation from which modern Korean culture has evolved," the 76-year-old told reporters during a press conference held at the museum on Thursday. Organized by the state-run museum, the 1979 exhibition went on a two-year, seven-city tour of the US, showcasing 354 nationally treasured cultural artifacts. It played a pivotal role in reshaping global perceptions of Korea, transforming it from a nation known for war and division to one rich in vibrant culture. "It will take around two to three years to arrange and finalize the dates with overseas museums and art galleries before the exhibition can actually take place. The museum is planning to discuss the exhibition with cultural institutions in several countries, including the US, France and the UK," he said. Some of the institutions on the list are the Metropolitan Museum of Art in New York, the British Museum in London and the Guimet Museum in Paris, several local media reported, quoting You. "If I succeed in putting together this exhibition well, I believe I will have done this job properly as the museum's chief," he added. You also pledged to bring renowned artworks from around the world to Korea, noting that the NMK has the expertise and resources necessary to exhibit pieces showcased in some of the world's most prestigious museums. You continued, saying that a museum's success and reputation are reflected in the quality of its exhibitions. "I want to organize exhibitions in Seoul that allow people to see famous masterpieces without having to travel," he said, vowing to make great art accessible to a broader audience. Confident about the NMK's growing reputation and stature, the new chief added that the state-run museum now ranks alongside France's Louvre and the Vatican Museums, underscoring its central role in representing and preserving Korea's history and culture. The museum chief also stressed the need to focus on long-term improvements to better accommodate the growing number of visitors, citing the record-high visitor numbers in the first half of this year — the highest since the museum moved to its current Yongsan location in 2005. More than 2.7 million people visited the museum between January and June, marking a 60 percent increase from about 1.65 million visitors in the same period last year. "I would like to ask visitors to consider coming during less busy times, such as late night openings on Wednesdays or weekdays. ... We are thinking about ways to manage the high volume of guests better and improve their visiting experience," he explained. You said he feels a sense of "great responsibility and duty" in leading the country's national museum. "I accepted the role to meet the demands of our time. On a personal note, I believe serving as the museum's director is better aligned with my abilities than holding the post of Culture, Sports and Tourism minister." A seasoned scholar and educator, You was a chaired professor of art history at Myongji University in Seoul before taking the post. You taught art history at Yeungnam University in North Gyeongsang Province and later at Myongji University. In September 2004, he was appointed head of the Cultural Heritage Administration — now known as the Korea Heritage Service. A staunch promoter of Korea's rich cultural heritage to the general public, he is well-known for his widely read book series, "My Exploration of Cultural Heritage." The 10-volume series traces Korea's layered history through personal storytelling and vivid depictions of cultural sites and historic neighborhoods.
Korea Herald
20-07-2025
- Politics
- Korea Herald
Seasoned art scholar You Hong-jun appointed director general of National Museum of Korea
76-year-old professor known for championing Korean heritage, storytelling You Hong-jun, a chair professor of art history at Myongji University in Seoul and a prominent advocate for Korean cultural heritage, has been appointed director general of the National Museum of Korea, the presidential office announced Sunday. The appointment came as President Lee Jae Myung named four vice ministerial-level officials, including You. Presidential spokesperson Kang Yu-jung highlighted You's long-standing efforts to foster public interest in Korea's cultural legacy, citing his widely read book, 'My Exploration of Cultural Heritage,' as a key contribution. The book traces Korea's layered history through personal storytelling and vivid depictions of cultural sites and historic neighborhoods. 'He is well-suited to further elevate Korea's global standing by encouraging public engagement and offering fresh interpretations of traditional heritage,' Kang said in a written briefing. A seasoned scholar and educator, You has taught art history at Yeungnam University in North Gyeongsang Province and later at Myongji University. In September 2004, he began his first government post as the third head of the Cultural Heritage Administration — now known as the Korea Heritage Service — where he led initiatives to protect and broaden public access to significant cultural properties.
Korea Herald
20-07-2025
- General
- Korea Herald
Denny Taegeukgi lights up Seoul to mark 80 years of liberty
Immersive video of Korea's national flag shown at National Museum Korea, Shinsegae Square's outdoor LED screens The oldest remaining prototype of the Taegeukgi, South Korea's national flag, is being displayed on large screens in Seoul to mark the 80th anniversary of Korea's liberation from Japanese colonial rule. An immersive video featuring the historic flag will be shown on the National Museum of Korea's outdoor light-emitting diode screen until Oct. 12, as well as at Shinsegae Square in Myeong-dong every 10 minutes through Aug. 15, which is the Liberation Day holiday. The "Denny" version of the Taegeukgi, housed at the state-run museum, is the oldest and the largest extant of Korea's national flag, measuring 262 centimeters in width and 182.5 centimeters in length. The flag was part of a collection held by Owen Nickerson Denny (1838-1900), an American diplomatic adviser to King Gojeong in 1886. The flag was presented by the Joseon era's King Gojong (1863-1907) to Owen Denny around 1890, before he left the country the following year. His descendant, William Ralston, donated the flag to the NMK in 1981, according to the museum. The one-minute video of the flag brings to life the history and spirit of Korea through the Denny Taegeukgi, using powerful visuals to show its journey from oppression to hope and national pride. It opens with a realistic re-creation of the original flag, made of white cotton with a red and blue taeguk and hand-stitched blue trigrams. Shadows and darkness soon follow, representing the dark period of Japanese colonization and Korea's suffering. As the light returns, the flag gradually regains its colors, representing hope and restoration. The original flag will also be physically displayed at the national museum until Oct. 12 as part of the special exhibition "80th Anniversary of Liberation: Faces We Meet Anew," in celebration of Liberation Day. "The museum has created a digital piece that brings the history and meaning of the Denny Taegeukgi to life, as part of the museum's efforts to combine new technology with cultural stories. We will continue to create innovative content that leverages technology to further elevate the museum's standing," Kim Jae-hong, the NMK's director general, said in a press release.
Korea Herald
04-07-2025
- Entertainment
- Korea Herald
Riddle me this
Looking to find something unique? Shop for the latest 'it' items at the National Museum of Korea, look for one-of-a-kind vintage items with an American vibe at a Hongdae store. Feeling restless? Head outdoors for a weekend glamping. Hunting down museum goods The National Museum of Korea has always enjoyed a steady trickle of visitors to its gift shop, where history gets a stylish twist. Recently, however, a fresh wave of enthusiasm has been sweeping through the store. Fans of Netflix's hit animated film "Kpop Demon Hunters" are flocking to get their hands on the "authentic" goods inspired by the traditional items referenced in the film. The tiger and magpie badge, which very much resembles Derpy and the three-eyed magpie from the film and is a playful nod to the traditional duo often seen in Joseon-era minhwa folk paintings, has already sold out but will be restocked soon, according to the museum. Other hot items include gat-inspired accessories such as bookmarks, pencil tops and keyrings. One standout is the Ilwol Obongdo collection, featuring pouches and bags printed with the majestic image of five mountain peaks, the sun and the moon. Historically, this image from the folding screen was reserved for kings. In the film, it forms the backdrop to the 'Golden' stage where the fierce trio, Huntrix, performs. Don't skip the museum itself. It offers a rich journey through Korea's cultural heritage and is the perfect place to escape the summer heat while connecting with history. If you would like to look specifically for the Ilwol Obongdo and tiger-magpie painting, visit the Calligraphy and Painting section on the second floor of the museum. National Museum of Korea 137 Seobinggo-ro, Yongsan-gu, Seoul Mountain glamping getaway at Spoon Camping deep in the mountains is not just for seasoned campers anymore with places providing convenience for those seeking an escape into nature. For those without equipment or a desire to set up a tent themselves, Spoon Glamping in Pocheon, Gyeonggi Province, offers a ready-made retreat with stunning views and cozy comforts. Nestled high in a quiet mountain village, Spoon Glamping offers a surreal landscape and an interior design that evokes an almost exotic atmosphere. The site is divided into two areas: the glamping zone and the caravan zone. One major advantage of the glamping zone is its panoramic mountain view. Each glamping tent is equipped with a barbecue grill and a fire pit, perfect for late-night conversations or roasting marshmallows for dessert. Between the room and the grill is a small outdoor table, where guests can place their food and enjoy grilled pork belly or seafood over charcoal while seated in classic camping chairs. However, the idyllic scenery and fresh mountain air come at a cost — a compromise with nature. Mountain moths and mosquitoes are inevitable visitors. While insect repellents are provided, their effectiveness may vary. Spoon Glamping 201 Cheonggun-ro 2985 beon-gil, Gunnae-myeon, Pocheon, Gyeonggi Province Shop vintage items and collectables at Little Riddle Whether you are a seasoned collector or just a curious beginner, looking for vintage items and collectables can be exciting and rewarding — especially when you get the one that others cannot find elsewhere. And from online marketplaces to neighborhood shops, places to discover one-of-a-kind treasures are limitless. If you are wandering around Hongdae, head over to Little Riddle, a select shop that offers vintage goods in an atmosphere that feels distinctly American. It is only a minute- walk to the shop from Exit No. 6, Hongik University Station on Subway Line No. 2. The store sells vintage-style knitwear, magnets, keyrings, T-shirts, mugs and Kit-cat Klocks, made in the US since 1932, to name a few. All of these items would make great gifts to bring to a housewarming party or to have for yourself. The shop also features a display ranking the top eight incense scents, making it easier for customers to choose. Stick cost about 4,000 won each or 10,000 won for a set of three. hwangdh@ jaaykim@ junheee@
