C M Y K 은색 금색 공용공용

Winter 2009 Vol. 2 No. 4 Winter 2009 Vol. 2 No. 4

ISSN 2005-0151 Quarterly Magazine of the Cultural Heritage Administration

Winter 2009 Vol. 2 No. 4

C M Y K 은색 금색 공용공용 Cover

The cover design features silhouettes of Korean ceramics against a black back- ground. Black symbolizes winter. The sym-

Winter 2009 Vol. 2 No. 4 bolism originates from the traditional “five directional colors” based on the ancient Chinese thought of wuxing, or ohaeng in

Korean. The colors were associated with seasons and other phenomena in nature, including the fate of humans. For a story about Korean ceramics, see Page 37.

KOREAN HERITAGE is also available on the website. ( http://english.cha.go.kr ) 3 | 4

ADMINISTRATOR’S NOTE KOREAN FOLK CUSTOMS

A Pioneer in Protecting Intangible Cultural Heritage Great Full Moon Festival

Korea has made systematic efforts to protect the nation’s traditional arts and culture since For Koreans of pre-modern times, especially for those in rural areas, the first two weeks of the enactment of the Cultural Heritage Protection Law in 1962, which covered time-hon- the year from the lunar New Year’s Day to the first full moon was a season for holy rituals ored intangible cultural heritage. In 2003, the nation became a signatory to the UNESCO and merrymaking. It was the time for planning another fruitful year as well as recreation Convention for the Safeguarding of the Intangible Cultural Heritage. Thus we have joined and entertainment before farm work began. global endeavors to ensure better visibility of different intangible cultural legacies of hu- Cracking nuts was the first thing to do on the morning of manity and to enhance awareness of their significance. the Great Full Moon Day (Daeboreum). It was a popular The latest meeting of the UNESCO Intergovernmental Committee for the Safeguarding habit that began in ancient times in the belief that it would of the Intangible Heritage in Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates, set another milestone in ward off skin boils during the year. The breakfast table Korea’s enduring efforts to preserve its traditional performing arts and rites. The session invariably had rice made of five grains ogokbap( ) and sev- in October this year placed five Korean nominees on the UNESCO Representative List of eral kinds of seasoned vegetables (namul). Also, a glass of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity. They are Ganggangsullae, a women’s circle clear rice wine was a favored drink to clear one’s ears to dance and song; Namsadang Nori, a variety show of itinerant male entertainers; Yeongsan- hear good news. jae, a temple ritual celebrating the Buddha’s sermon on Vulture Peak; Jeju Chilmeoridang As the full moon rose over the hills and fields, it was the Yeongdeunggut, a shamanic rite of Jeju Island to pray for calm seas and abundant harvest; time for everyone to come out and greet the moon, make and Cheoyongmu, a masked dance appeasing the gods of five directions. Korea now has bonfires and say one’s prayers. Farmers prayed for a rich crop, young men for success in eight items on the UNESCO list. The three treasures designated earlier were the royal an- public service examinations, and bachelors and spinsters for luck in finding a good spouse. cestral rites at Jongmyo, pansori epic chants and the Dano festival of Gangneung. A bright moon was believed to predict bountiful harvests and a faint moon was suppos- Korea also earned the category II status for its proposal to establish the Intangible Cultural edly an omen of poor harvests. Nobody was supposed to sleep on this night of the year’s Heritage Center for Asia and the Pacific (ICHCAP) at the 35th general conference of biggest moon; when anyone in the family fell into sleep, someone put white flour on his/ UNESCO, held in Paris in October. Hence the nation has achieved significant momentum her eyebrows. Hence the old saying, “Sleep on the night of Great Full Moon and you will in realizing our long cherished aspiration to contribute to the preservation of intangible get white eyebrows.” cultural legacies in Asia and the Pacific region. We will do our utmost to carry out di- The sleepless night would offer a lot of exciting activities, such as treading on the earth verse useful projects and to provide technical and administrative assistance to our regional god (jisin bapgi), treading on bridges (dari bapgi, or dapgyo), spinning fireworks (jwibul neighbors. nori), tug-of-war (jul darigi), see-saw jumping (neol ttwigi), shuttlecock kicking (jegi cha- gi) and kite flying (yeon nalligi).

Yi, Kun Moo Administrator Cultural Heritage Administration Republic of Korea 5 | 6

Autumn 2009 Vol. 2 No. 4

CONTENTS

07 World Heritage in Korea 25 Photo Gallery

Gyeongju Historic Areas Accessories of Korean Women

13 Natural Heritage 33 Foreigner’s View

Domestic Animals as Natural Monument Korean Cuisine with a Twist

17 Guardians of Cultural Heritage 37 National Treasure

Chun Hyung-pil: A Patriotic Art Collector Ceramics: Beauty Created from Clay

21 Scientific Heritage 43 Intangible Heritage

Ancient Ice Storages: Technology of Wind and Stone Taekkyeon: A Martial Art with Scholarly Dignity World Heritage in Korea 7 | 8

Gyeongju Historic Areas

Text and photos from World Heritage in Korea

Gyeongju is a marvelous city, the cradle of cal stability and economic strength. With its 1. Anapji, the Pond of Geese and Ducks, represents the precious vestiges that embody the history and doors widely open to the outside world, Silla royal gardening style of the culture of the Silla Kingdom (57 B.C. - A.D. actively interacted with China and Japan and Silla Dynasty. 935), the golden age of ancient Korean civili- the Islamic world in West Asia. Gyeongju be- zation. Now a modest city with a population came an international city a millennium ago. of 280,000, the old capital of Silla sustains the At its peak in the eight century, Gyeongju vibrant spirit and aura of the millennium-long had as many as 178,936 households (some dynasty which attained a brilliant cultural 900,000 residents), suggesting that it was as flowering through the reigns of 56 kings. prosperous as Constantinople (present-day Is- Silla began as a small tribal state named Sa- tanbul) of the Byzantine (East Rome) Empire, roguk at the southeastern edge of the Korean Baghdad (present-day Iraq) of the Islam Em- pire, or Changan (Xian), the old capital of the peninsula. Yet, it overwhelmed its two stron- Tang Dynasty in China. ger rival states, Goguryeo (37 B.C. - A.D. 668) and Baekje (18 B.C. - A.D. 660), to assemble Though its glorious era has long past, Gyeong- a unified kingdom. Science, culture and the ju has not completely lost its old style and ap- arts blossomed on a foundation of politi- pearance. In spite of the sudden changes in its

4 3 2 5

1 Gyeongju

1. Mt. Nam Area 4. Hwangnyongsa Temple Area 2. Moon Fortress Area 5. Mountain Fortress Area 1 3. Great Tumuli Park Area World Heritage in Korea 9 | 10

2. A three-story stone pago- three-story stone pagoda on the ruins of Yong- soot. The roofs of temples were said to have da on the site of Yongjangsa temple on Mt. Nam. The jangsa temple stands on a natural rock instead “glittered against the sky like the Milky Way” 4.5-meter-tall pagoda has of a manmade foundation. and the lotus-crowned pagodas “stood in un- only the upper tier of the ending lines like flights of wild geese.” The pedestal and stands on a Important historic sites are found around the natural rock. city had 35 “golden mansions” of aristocrats. 3. Rock-carved Buddhist foot of Mt. Nam. They include Najeong, or Given these affluent cityscapes, the royal pal- images at Chilburam, or the “Ivy Well,” famed as the birthplace of the Hermitage of Seven Bud- aces must have been even more luxurious. dhas, in Mt. Nam founding monarch of Silla; and the site of Poseokjeong, or “Abalone Stone Pavilion,” Gyeongju has two famous palace sites — where an “abalone-shaped” water channel for Wolseong (Moon Fortress) which is also floating wine cups remains as a reminder of called Banwolseong (Half Moon Fortress), the kingdom’s tragic demise. and the Palace of Crown Prince and the ad- Moon Fortress Area: Memories of Glory jacent royal resort, Anapji (Pond of Geese over Millennium and Ducks). Large-scale building sites have recently been discovered north of Gyerim 2 3 Throughout history, only a few dynasties have (Cock Grove) and around Seongdong-dong. lasted a thousand years. Silla ruled for a mil- These impressive underground remains with urban environment due to road construction locations had a drawback: a considerable lennium from one capital, Gyeongju, which cloisters and hallways are believed to be ad- and housing development during post-war number of valuable historic sites and arti- was ideally located and carefully planned. ditional Silla palace sites. modernization, Gyeongju has preserved its facts were omitted from inscription. Among The old Gyeongju was meticulously laid out historic heritage and ambience. outstanding omissions were the three-story Great Tumuli Park Area: Enigma Beyond in square blocks that were divided by 15-me- stone pagodas on Gameunsa temple site and Description Many ancient burial mounds scattered around ter-wide lanes, equivalent to today’s four-lane the priceless artifacts housed at the Gyeongju the city center form Gyeongju’s unique cul- streets, for horse-drawn vehicles and pedestri- The numerous earthen mounds found all National Museum. tural topography. There are some 150 tombs ans. Drainage ditches ran parallel. Houses had around Gyeongju, forming the city’s unique of the Silla period in the central district of Mt. Nam Area: The World of Buddhas tile roofs and were heated with charcoal. The landscape and emanating mysterious feelings, Gyeongju, some as high as 23 meters, oth- atmosphere was clean and pleasant around the are the tombs of Silla kings, queens and other Mt. Nam, or Namsan, meaning “South Moun- ers flattened so much they can hardly be dis- city as charcoal produced no smoky smell or members of the dynasty’s nobility. Some of tain,” lies south of Gyeongju. Spanning some cerned. 10 kilometers, Mt. Nam actually has two 4. A night view of Anapji pond, a royal resort of the In recognition of the city’s value as a cultural prominent peaks, Gowibong (494 meters) and Silla Dynasty asset worthy of humanity’s common effort Geumobong (468 meters). Though it’s not for preservation, the UNESCO World Heri- towering, the mountain looks impressive with tage Committee inscribed “Gyeongju Historic deep valleys and clear ridges that suggest vari- Areas” on the World Heritage List in 2000. ous shapes when viewed from different direc- The areas are grouped in accordance with the tions. nature of their historic remains — Mt. Nam, The mountain embraces hundreds of ancient Moon Fortress, Great Tumuli Park, Hwangn- cultural treasures, including temple sites with yongsa Temple and Mountain Fortress. Cul- Buddhist images, stone pagodas, lanterns tural properties within the five locales amount and lotus thrones, hence it is often called an to 52 items. “outdoor museum.” Considered individually, Gyeongju has so many historic sites and cul- most of the sites do not stand out, but they tural relics that their individual inscription seamlessly harmonize with their natural en- was considered unrealistic and ineffective. vironment. For example, images of buddhas However, grouping according to geographic and bodhisattvas are carved into rock and the 4 World Heritage in Korea 11 | 12

an 80-meter-tall nine-story wooden pagoda Mountain Fortress Area: Capital’s Defense stood on the temple grounds, rising as high as Strongholds today’s 20-story buildings. Legend also has it that the temple had a 5-meter-tall golden stat- A basin surrounded by mountains, Gyeong- ue of the Buddha and two attendant bodhisatt- ju had military fortifications built along its vas, which were cast with 55,000 geun of iron natural defense line. Myeonghwal Mountain and 30,000 pun of gold sent by King Asoka Fortress (Myeonghwal Sanseong) is the only of India. The Indian king is said to have sent mountain fortress of Silla included in the the material and scale models for the images World Heritage areas. Built with undressed after repeated unsuccessful attempts in his stone during the early years of Silla, this for- country. A 1.82-meter-tall decorative tile for tress on Mt. Myeonghwal east of Gyeongju a roof ridge end attests to the temple’s legend- ary scale and grand architectural style. The greatly contributed to the defense of the capi- nine-story wooden pagoda, which could be tal along with fortresses on Mt. Nam and Mt. seen from anywhere in Gyeongju, is said to Seondo. King Jabi temporarily resided in have been erected to show off Silla’s growing Myeonghwal in 475, which suggests the for- power to its nine neighbors. tress was of considerable scale.

Some 40,000 relics have been unearthed from Gyeongju has an unusual history as the capital the ruins of Hwangnyongsa since 1976. It of a dynasty that lasted over a thousand years. took 93 years, through three reigns (553-645) 5 It is a historic city with rare records from the of Silla, to build the temple. Though a hefty 5. Daeneungwon, the the burial sites are as large as hills and some The Heavenly Horse Tomb (Cheonmachong) project, debate on reconstruction of this tem- ancient to medieval and modern ages. The Great Tumuli Park, stands for the unique are small and flat. Since ancient times, lo- is the only Silla burial mound which has been ple has persisted in recent years. history of Gyeongju spanning two millennia landscape of Gyeong- cal people have called these mounds “bong- excavated and opened to the public. The orig- has inimitable historical and cultural value ju, which has hundreds of hwangdae,” meaning “phoenix platform.” inal interior, consisting of a wooden burial Another state temple of Silla, Bunhwangsa stood ancient burial mounds. as the birthplace of Korean culture. This is chamber covered with piles of stone, has been next to Hwangnyongsa. Wonhyo (617-686) Particularly, the huge mounds in the present the reason why we admire Gyeongju and are restored. Besides the large tumuli groups there and Jajang (590-658), both renowned monks downtown area were built during the fifth- obliged to develop it into a city of global re- are numerous other burial mounds of various widely revered in Silla, resided at Bunhwangsa, sixth centuries, when Silla’s royal power nown where antiquity and modernity are hap- sizes, some forming smaller groups and some which is now a small temple with a few build- was swelling. These tombs are clustered in a in dispersed states, around the city. ings and remains of a famous brick pagoda. pily harmonized. few prominent groups, including the Tumuli 6. Cornerstones revealed through excavations attest to the impressive Group of Hwangnam-dong, which has been Hwangnyongsa Temple Area: Symbol of Na- scale of Hwangnyongsa, a state temple of Silla. Some 40,000 artifacts made into Great Tumuli Park, the Tumuli tional Strength have been unearthed since 1976. Group of Nodong-ri, and the Tumuli Group 7. The stone pagoda of Bunhwangsa, one of Silla’s state temples. It Hwangnyongsa (Temple of Imperial Dragon), was built with stones cut like bricks but based on an earlier wooden of Noseo-ri. They represent the ancient tombs pagoda style. a leading state temple of Silla, was burned of Silla in terms of the scale of burial grounds down when Mongols invaded in 1238, leaving and the quality of excavated relics. only the foundation stones of buildings and A small number of these tombs have been statues. Historical records say that the temple, excavated and their interiors surveyed. Gold which stood on an area covering 25,000 pyeong crowns and other gold accessories, glass cups, (approximately 82,500 square meters), stoneware and paintings of flying horses on housed a giant bell four times taller than the tree barks unearthed from the tombs provide Divine Bell of King Seongdeok (3.75 meters glimpses into lifestyles at the time. They are tall), which is one of the largest and most housed at the Gyeongju National Museum. beautiful bells in the world. More famously, 6 7 Natural Heritage 13 | 14

preservation efforts. Many other breeds are 2. A pair of black chickens also experiencing steady population decline so extinction warnings have been issued for Domestic Animals as Natural Monument them as well. Korea has registered 58 breeds of 13 home- bred animals with the FAO’s Domestic Ani- mal Diversity Information Service (DAD-IS). Of these, nine breeds of six kinds are native. 2 Text by Lee Heung-sik | Professor Emeritus at Seoul National University They are striped cattle (chikso), brown cattle (hwangso), black cattle (heukwoo), Jeju black Photos by courtesy of the Cultural Heritage Administration livestock agencies through crossbreeding cattle (Jeju heukwoo), native goat (jaerae are also called native chickens in many sanyang), native chicken (jaerae dak), Yeon- cases. In other words, the Livestock Tech- san black chicken (Yeonsan ogye), native pig nology Research Institute of the Rural (jaerae dwaeji) and Jeju horse (Jeju ma). Development Administration keeps foun- The 2003 report by the National Institute of The cute shaggy poodle wagging its tail and According to the 2000 report by the Food dation stocks for reproduction, which are Animal Science of the Rural Development whining at the sound of its master’s foot- and Agriculture Organization of the United 100 percent Korean native chickens. The Administration warns that four out of these steps approaching the twig gate, the robust Nations, some 40 kinds of mammals and hybrids between these chickens and im- nine Korean native breeds are in danger of brown ox wearing a yoke and silently plow- birds out of about 50,000 species of verte- ported foreign ones are called improved becoming extinct. They are striped cattle, ing the field, the rooster crowing to herald brates identified around the world have been native chickens, which are 50 percent black cattle, Jeju black cattle and native pig. the dawning of a new day, and the pony gal- domesticated. However, no less than 800 purebred. The offspring from these two- loping across plains — these are all familiar domesticated breeds have disappeared over Native Breeds Jeopardized by Genetic Im- way crossbreeds are commercial native animals raised by Korean households. They the past 100 years and some 30 percent of provement chickens, which are 25 percent purebred. have been named Natural Monuments in rec- domestic animals currently face danger These chickens have undergone genetic Korean native animals maintained their ognition of their outstanding cultural value of extinction. They are expected to vanish improvement to grow faster and produce pure bloodlines until the early 1960s, as well as biological and economic worth. within the next 20 years due to insufficient more eggs. They are not the genuine native when reckless imports of so-called im- 1. Shaggy dogs named sap- chickens raised by Koreans since ancient salgae proved foreign breeds began in pursuit of times. the commercially valuable varieties that eat less and grow faster to produce more The livestock policy under the Japanese milk or lay more eggs. Indigenous Korean colonial rule was responsible for the dis- breeds disappeared gradually under the appearance of native Korean domestic ani- influence of state programs for livestock mals to a considerable extent. For example, improvement. As a result, most native live- Korean native cattle came in several colors, stock breeds found these days differ some- including black, brown, red, grey, striped what from those of 50 or 60 years ago. A and dotted. But the Japanese implemented good example are so-called native chick- a policy to make the hide of all Korean na- ens, which actually have varying degrees tive cattle yellowish-red. The policy was of genetic purity, such as 100 percent, 75 inherited by the Korean government after percent, or 25 percent purebred. The rea- national liberation. During World War II son is simple. Some breeders maintain the the Japanese also killed numerous dogs pure lineages of those judged to be native around the country to supply dog skin and breeds through selective breeding but the furs for winter military uniforms, taking a 1 commercial breeds supplied by public heavy toll on native Korean dogs. Natural Heritage 15 | 16

Cultural Value of Native Domestic Animals anthropological value in consideration of revived under a decision by the Cultural rarity, particularity, individuality and dis- Heritage Committee’s Subcommittee for Native domestic animals have high value tribution. In other words, the estimated Natural Monuments in March last year. as cultural assets. Native domestic animals value of domesticated animals as cultural refer to pure breeds, which have developed As of 2007, Korea had four native domestic heritage is not simply based on their bio- inherent traits by adapting to the climate animals designated Natural Monuments, logical rarity but their worth as cherished and natural environment of a specific re- which are the dog of Jin Island, black companions of people over many thousand gion over a long time without undergo- chicken of Yeonsan, horse of Jeju Island, years. ing hybridization with foreign breeds. and the shaggy dog of Gyeongsan. They Pure breeds are generally characterized Domestic animals began to be awarded account for 1 percent of all Korean desig- by small body sizes and low reproduction the title of Natural Monument ahead of nated natural monuments totaling 357, and rates but have other merits such as good other animals in Korea. In May 1936, the 5 percent of the 77 animals named natural 4 adaptability to hostile environments, high Jin Island dog was named Natural Monu- monuments. black pig of Jeju Island, the Jeju dog and 4. Horse of Jeju Island feed efficiency and strong resistance to dis- ment, the first such designation in history, Japan’s Wagyu cattle, which cost some chicken, native cattle of North Chung- in accordance with the Japanese colonial ease. This is the reason nations around the 100 million won per head, have become cheong Province, the red dog of Yeongju, government’s “Decree on the Preserva- world are tying to take advantage of their famous recently. Wagyu steaks at New the tailless dog of Gyeongju, the long- tion of Joseon (Korean) Treasures, His- native domestic animals as vital resources York steakhouses, in particular, made big tailed fowl of Goyang, and the native dog for biotechnology industry. toric and Scenic Sites and Natural Monu- news as they captivated American gour- breeds of Geoje Island, Pungsan, Osu and ments.” Another dog, from Pungsan, also The Korean Cultural Heritage Protection mets in spite of their hefty price, which Haenam. Numerous records about these was designated afterwards but that was Law simply notes that domestic animals is four times more than ordinary steaks. It animals are found in ancient history books canceled eventually under the proclama- “of indigenous native origins” shall be should be noted that the Wagyu, famous such as The Annals of the Joseon Dynasty tion of the Cultural Heritage Protection designated Natural Monuments. The cri- for its tender and juicy meat quality, de- (Joseon Wangjo Sillok), History of the Three Law in January 1962, because Pungsan teria for designating non-domestic animals scended from the Mishima cattle, a native Kingdoms (Samguk Sagi) and Memorabilia was in North Korea. The black chicken are based on species, habitats and win- breed in Mishima Island, Yamaguchi Pre- of the Three Kingdoms (Samguk Yusa) as with white plumage of Daena-ri, Gijang- tering grounds while species is the only fecture, which is a Natural Monument des- well as folk paintings, myths and legend- myeon, Dongnae County, South Gyeong- ignated by the Japanese government. This criterion for domesticated animals. Each ary tales. Particularly, the colored murals sang Province was removed from the is a good case where a native domestic ani- animal species should, however, be ex- in Anak Tomb No. 3 of the Goguryeo list of natural monuments in September mal with outstanding historical and socio- amined from broad viewpoints, including Kingdom (37 B.C. - A.D. 668) were found 1981, after disease exterminated the entire cultural value has generated immeasurable to contain pictures of cattle with brown, physiology, evolution and genealogy, to 3. Dog of Jin Island, or the breed. Instead, another breed with black economic value. black and striped hides when scholars Jindogae determine its historical, cultural and socio- plumage of Hwaak-ri, Yeonsan-myeon, from South and North Korea in 2006 con- It is our duty to preserve and protect the na- South Chungcheong Province, was named ducted a joint study sponsored by the Cul- tive Korean domestic animals designated Natural Monument in April 1980. The na- tural Heritage Administration. as Natural Monuments and pass on these tive horse of Jeju Island was appointed valuable natural assets to future genera- Familiar companions in our daily lives, Natural Monument in February 1986, and tions. Efforts are also needed to save other the native domestic animals are valuable the shaggy dog of Gyeongsan, popularly domestic animals of native Korean origins natural and cultural assets of our nation. known as sapsalgae, was named Natural from increasing danger of extinction by But they may disappear for good some day Monument in March 1992. designating them as Natural Monuments when we do not make sufficient efforts to During the colonial period, the Japanese so they can be better protected under state protect them. Once they have disappeared changed the name of native Korean black policies. Among those domestic animals in there is no way to bring them back as ar- chicken to ogolgye, meaning “black-boned need of urgent protection are the Korean tificial gene restoration can only produce chicken,” from ogye, meaning “black native brown cattle, black cattle, striped similar strains not the indigenous native 3 chicken.” The original Korean name was cattle, the black cattle of Jeju Island, the breeds.5 Guardians of Cultural Heritage 17 | 18

At 25, Already a Billionaire properties scattered across the country; he was also able to improve his knowledge Chun Hyung-pil (or Jeon Hyeong-pil, 1906- and insight on ancient paintings and books 1962) was the youngest of the two sons and through exchange with Oh Se-chang as well four daughters of Chun Yeong-gi, a member as Go Hui-dong, his teacher and a pioneer of the Privy Council and a wealthy merchant. Western oil painter. His family was famous for its enormous wealth and power in Jongno, then the main Guardian of National Cultural Heritage business district in Seoul. Chun graduated Chun initially purchased paintings and books, from Hwimoon High School in Seoul and then expanded his collection to ceramics of the Law Department of Waseda University the Joseon period (1392-1910) and Buddhist in Tokyo. He inherited the family fortune, sculptures. He was not a dilettante collecting amounting to 100,000 seok of rice a year, ancient artifacts as a hobby. His mission was upon returning home after finishing his stud- broad protection of the nation’s cultural heritage. ies. A billionaire at 25, Chun began agoniz- ing over how to spend his fortune. Most Koreans at the time were so ignorant that they used paintings by such masters as “What would be a national task that is wor- Kim Hong-do or Jang Seun-eop for wallpa- thy of spending this huge fortune?” Chun per and blue and white porcelain jars for cat wondered. About this time he met a man bowls. Cultural properties were damaged and who would exert great influence on his life: destroyed beyond description. Worse still, Oh Se-chang, one of the 33 national leaders politicians presented antique objects to Japa- in the March First Independence Movement, nese as bribes and collectors smuggled out who was also a journalist, calligrapher and relics in batches for huge profits. Chun found art collector. it impossible to just sit and watch Korean Oh said, “Culture is what most clearly dis- cultural assets flowing out of the country Chun Hyung-pil: A Patriotic Art Collector tinguishes man from beasts. In this sense, a under these unthinkable circumstances. He nation’s cultural assets are a kind of common took over an antique bookshop named Han-

heritage of the people who share them, em- 1. Chun as a college student Text from Love for Cultural Heritage (Munhwajae Sarang) bodying their identity and spiritual value. In in 1928 Photos by courtesy of the Kansong Art Museum other words, our cultural properties are our national legacies containing the spirit of our nation. The task of keeping cultural assets cannot be done without a strong will to de- The recent controversy over French Christie’s rea was able to keep numerous cultural treasures vote your whole life to it. No, your ability is auction of Chinese antique objects from Yu- from being taken away by the Japanese during as important as your will. I mean you need anmingyuan, the Imperial Summer Palace in the colonial period, owing to the struggle of a the power to confront Japanese collectors Beijing, illustrates the difficulties in recovering man who believed he could safeguard the Ko- who are buying up all Korean cultural prop- looted cultural properties. The possibility of re- rean spirit and eventually help regain indepen- erties they can get their hands on.” patriating cultural properties forcibly taken to dence by keeping the nation’s cultural assets. By foreign countries remains extremely low. This is the time he died his vast fortune had disappeared Accepting Oh’s advice, Chun began collect- the reason many people believe cultural proper- but the nation’s invaluable cultural treasures re- ing cultural relics in earnest. He had enough 1 ties should remain in their places of origin. Ko- main with us today. financial resources to buy Korean cultural Guardians of Cultural Heritage 19 | 20

nam Bookstore in Insa-dong, which became Andong, Gyeongsang Province, was keep- the base for his antique collecting. Dealers ing a copy of the original edition of Hunmin brought their goods to the bookstore, where Jeongeum (Proper Sounds for Instructing Chun appraised them and negotiated prices. the People), published in 1446 when King He made precise appraisals with a well- Sejong promulgated the Korean script he in- trained eye. vented. They were asking for 1,000 won for the book, so the dealer was going to borrow With his eye for antiques increasingly re- money from someone. fined, Chun outwitted greedy Japanese collectors and dealers. He also tried by all It was stunning news. The original wood- means to repurchase Korean antiques bought block edition of Hunmin Jeongeum was by the Japanese. In a word, he was battling thought to be nonexistent. If the news about it against the Japanese colonial regime through leaked out, the Japanese government-general 4 5 cultural properties. would certainly try to obtain it by all means. Chun handed the dealer 11,000 won, asking roofs at the time. Thus he bought 10 pieces for storage, conservation and restoration of 4. Chun and his friends on Proper Prices for Cultural Relics the second anniversary of him to deliver 10,000 won to the owner of of Goryeo celadon. Two of these were later traditional Korean cultural objects as well as the opening of Bohwagak, Chun was known as a generous buyer. Some- the book and to keep the rest for himself as named National Treasures and two others their academic studies toward the preserva- the Pavilion of Brilliant Trea- 2. Blue and white porcelain sures, in 1938 times he voluntarily offered to pay many a commission. That was how Chun came to Treasures. tion of national culture and further the en- bottle with underglaze iron 5. The Kansong Art Mu- and copper design of chry- times more than the price asked. When he possess the invaluable edition. He took great hancement of national pride. seum which was previously santhemums, designated Pride in National Culture encountered a good and rare object he paid care to keep it a secret from the Japanese. called Bohwagak National Treasure, in the Chun died of kidney disease on January 26, collection of the Kansong what he thought was the proper amount It is unknown exactly how many cultural Art Museum. The bottle When the Korean War broke out in 1950, 1962. A man of resolute determination who without asking its price. objects Chun collected during his lifetime. shows ingenious skill in poured his entire fortune into his endeavor applying iron, copper and Chun left Seoul carrying only Hunmin Jeong- As for antique books that first led him to the cobalt pigments together One day in late summer of 1942, Chun hap- eum in a bag. That was not all. He carried it path as a collector, the total number amounts to protect Korean cultural heritage, he met under the glaze. pened to notice through the window of his around with him during the day and put it to some 20,000. Given that his collection death at a lamentably early age of 57. 3. Chun (in a white coat) bookstore a well-known antique book dealer under his pillow when he went to sleep. Due poses before a stone stupa also comprised many other areas, including Bohwagak was renamed the Kansong Art at Oesa-ri, Goesan County, passing by in haste. Thinking it was strange, to such effort exerted by Chun, the priceless paintings and pottery, Buddhist sculpture and North Chungcheong Prov- Museum in 1965 after the pen name of its Chun called the man and said hello. He book survived the chaos of war. It was later ince, after purchasing the ritual equipment, roof tiles and bricks, the to- founder. Since 1971 the museum has held stupa for a huge price on the asked the book dealer why he was in such designated National Treasure. verge of being smuggled tal number of items should be innumerable. two regular exhibitions in spring and autumn out to Japan. a hurry. The man said he heard a family in In February 1937, Chun flew to Tokyo by Each and every object found its way into the every year. a chartered plane when he heard that Brit- collection amid Chun’s deep love and care. Few would doubt that “Kansong is not all ish collector John Gadsby wanted to sell His judgment and devotion resulted in the in- about Korean art history but without him Ko- Goryeo celadon pieces in his collection. To disputable standard of his collection, which rean art history would not have been what it raise money in haste he had to sell a farm in includes 21 National Treasures and Trea- is.” Chun’s love for Korean art was as fierce Gongju, South Chungcheong Province. The sures. as patriotism of any independence fighter. farm was worth 200 seok of rice, but he had In the summer of 1936, Chun built Bo- The son of a wealthy man, he didn’t choose to dispose of it for a bargain price. His moth- hwagak, or the “Pavilion of Brilliant Trea- a comfortable life he was born to enjoy. In- er, who had remained silent about his antique sures,” the first private museum in Korea, stead of pursuing his personal happiness, he buying sprees, expressed her concern — for which is now the Kansong Art Museum. struggled to contribute to the history and cul- the first and last time. Bohwagak was not a simple repository of ture of his fatherland. His noble spirit should Chun didn’t hesitate to pay 500,000 yen, art objects or a place for their display. Chun be a guiding light for all those who are en- 2 3 which was worth 50 decent houses with tile intended it to develop into a research center deavoring to protect cultural properties. Scientific Heritage 21 | 22

Birth of Natural Freezer

The ancient Chinese text The Book of Odes (Shijing, or Sigyeong in Korean) has the word lingyin (neung-eum in Korean), meaning “ice Ancient Ice Storages cellars.” The Korean equivalent, seokbinggo (“stone ice storages”), were underground Technology of Wind and Stone chambers that received large blocks of ice dur- ing winter and kept them nearly frozen until the following autumn. In Korea ice cellars are be- lieved to have appeared during the Three King- Text and Photos from KTX magazine doms period (57 B.C. - A.D. 676). The early versions were built with wood, but ice melted 2 quickly in the wooden chambers and repairs were needed every year. Consequently, two meaning “ice workers,” to work at the storages 1. The ice storage, or seok- Ancient ice storage facilities in Seoul and Gyeongsang provinces show how our ances- binggo, in Cheongdo, North major ice cellars in Seoul, Eastern Ice Storage and allocated land to meet the necessary cost. Gyeongsang Province, the tors made and used ice before the advent of the modern freezer. They suggest the wis- (Dongbinggo) and Western Ice Storage (Se- Fifty workers were assigned to each of the two oldest ice storage in Korea. dom of ancient engineers, who learned from nature and put their knowledge into prac- The interior is built of four obinggo), were rebuilt with stone in 1420, the ice storages south of the capital. Additional ex- tical use for everyday life. They applied the same principle that keeps ice frozen in the stone arches. The ceiling second year of King Sejong of the Joseon Dy- has collapsed. middle of summer in some mountain valleys and thus devised an environment-friendly penditures were allotted for occasional repairs. nasty. That was how ancient ice cellars came to Storage and shipment of ice was strictly con- 2. A wind catcher channels way to store ice by mostly taking advantage of wind and stone. cold winter wind to the be perceived as stone chambers. Many stone ice trolled by the government. When ice melted bottom of the ice chamber, cellars were built around the country, including lowering the temperature in away those responsible were punished or even the storage. those along the Han River in the capital area, fired. In addition, rites were held to pray to during the 18th century, when commerce flour- heavens so the rivers would freeze when the ished under the reigns of Yeongjo and Jeong- winter was too warm. Ice thus stored was used jo. All six of the stone storages that remain in preparing food for rites at the royal palace, or in Gyeongsang provinces today were either distributed to aristocrats and old or sick people. newly built or repaired at this time. They are in Gyeongju, Andong, Changnyeong, Cheongdo, The fact that the two state-run ice storages in Hyeonpung and Yeongsan. Seoul were closed in 1898, the 34th year of King Gojong, when electricity began to be produced The cellars were built near rivers that yielded in Korea, may have significant implications. It ice in the winter. The size of the storage sites may suggest that the ice storages had performed varied, depending on local demand for ice. A big city like Gyeongju needed a large stor- a role comparable to an environment-friendly age area. Its floor space exceeded 100 square energy source before electric power was put to meters, while smaller storages were some 30 practical use. square meters in floor space. Most of the exist- Ice was stored in the stone cellars in two stages. ing storages are around 4-6 meters wide and 2-4 In the first stage the cellar was cooled through meters long. Ice was stored in blocks that were the winter before putting ice in it. The second more than 12 centimeters thick at the least. stage involved keeping the storage cold enough A lot of manpower and money was needed for seven to eight months to keep ice needed 1 to operate the ice cellars. Joseon had bingbu, during the other seasons. Scientific Heritage 23 | 24

First Stage: Freeze the Stones “freezing” stone. Actually, the cellars were for freezing remain frozen for the next seven to eight months, through chaff or saw dust was packed tightly in cracks between stone not water. the summer when the mercury would top 30°C, the storage walls and ceiling stones. Grass covered the mound encas- The Ice Storage in Gyeongju, the old capital of the Silla had to have a few essential devices. Kingdom (57 B.C. - A.D. 935), is the northern rampart High quality granite found throughout Korea was used to ing the chamber to deflect heat radiation and to protect the within Wolseong (Moon Fortress) surrounding the old pal- build ice storages after being carefully dressed. Each stone The arched interior structure played a crucial role. The rect- mound from erosion due to rain. ace grounds. Many important historic monuments from block weighed about 500 kilograms, which could be car- angular chamber was built with five stone arches that were Rediscovery of Ancient Knowledge the Silla period are clustered near the palace site, including ried by a few people. Although the large stone blocks had connected with stone blocks and panels, naturally forming Cheomseongdae (Star Gazing Observatory), Anapji (Pond better insulating effect, the temperature inside the semi- indentions. These recessions between arches functioned as The stone ice storages employ the modern scientific theo- of Geese and Ducks), Gyerim (Cock Grove) and Cheon- subterranean ice chamber could not reach below 10°C, air pockets, keeping the hot air that moved up from the bot- ries of convection, insulation and radiation. The simple stor- machong (Heavenly Horse Tomb). Because the cellar is which was not cold enough to keep ice frozen. tom for a while. Therefore, the arched structure had both ages probably attained their structure and function through within the fortress, it is widely presumed to have been con- practical and aesthetic effects. The answer was a wind catcher installed on the outside. many trials and errors in technological evolution over a structed during the Silla period. However, the present struc- It rapidly channeled the cold, northwesterly winter wind Next, the roof-top ventilation devices contributed to the long time. This is why all of the six remaining ancient ice ture was rebuilt in the early 18th century during the reign of toward the bottom of the chamber. This simple device for convective heat transfer inside and outside the storage. De- King Yeonjo of Joseon. storages in the country have been designated Treasures or natural ventilation helped further pull down the tempera- pending on the size of the chamber, two or three ventila- Historic Sites. Except for the one in Gyeongju, however, all The semi-subterranean stone chamber is accessed down ture inside the storage, so its size and position was carefully tion devices were installed on the roof top. On hot summer the storages are closed, their rural setting scarcely attracting stone stairs that descend right inside the gate. The air inside decided. In addition, the stone enclosure was covered with days, the heated atmosphere around these devices would visitors. always feels cool, with an average, year-round temperature a mound of lime and mud on the outside to extend the time rise and to fill its place the air gathered on the upper part of between -0.5°C and 2°C. needed for the hot atmosphere to seep in. The door was the chamber flowed out. Research and surveys on ancient ice cellars have been un- made as small as possible so a man had to bend down to The interior is an exquisite arched structure about 5 meters Another secret was hidden in the storage floor. Ice didn’t der way over the past decade. But the study of their value enter. It was a passageway for ice not for humans. tall without supporting columns. For a storage chamber the remain completely frozen; it melted very slowly. The run- for practical use in our times has been stalled. Our ances- stones were far too carefully shaped and piled. The struc- Second Stage: Control the Heat off water flowed down the floor, which was sloped toward tors used ice in summer without the help of any machinery ture contains the primary secret of the freezing technology. a drainage channel at the center or the edge of the chamber. With the chamber frozen through the winter, ice was gath- or electric devices. Perhaps, we are looking too far in our From there the water flowed out of the ice cellar. If the traditional Korean floor heating system depends on ered from the nearby river in mid-January when the tem- search for environment-friendly energies for the 21st cen- “roasting” stone, the technology for ice storages is about perature dipped down to the lowest level. For the ice to To insulate the chamber from the outside air, rice straw, tury.

4 5 6

3. The interior of an ancient ice storage built of granite arches

4. A drainage channel inside an ancient ice storage. The melted water from ice flowed out of the storage through the channel.

5. The door of an ancient ice storage. It was made as small as possible to reduce contact with the hot outside atmosphere.

6. A ventilation device on the roof top of an ice storage

7. The waterway outside an ice storage receives water from ice melted inside.

8. The ice storage is a specially designed facility to store ice in the winter 3 7 8 and use it in the summer. Photo Gallery

Accessories of Korean Women

Photos by Topic Photo Agency & National Palace Museum of Korea

Women of the Joseon period (1392-1910) used a variety of personal ornaments that went beautifully with their elegant dresses. Among the most frequently used accessories were various hairpins and ribbons, pendants, decorative knives, perfume pouches and needle cas- es. The material and design of these accessories differed according to the social class and economic condition of individuals. Luxurious ornaments for decorative effects aside, the accessories often showed the wearer’s social status as well as her aspirations to get along in society and to bring happiness to her family. Photo Gallery 27 | 28

Pendants (norigae)

The pendants, made of colorful frills and jewels, were put on the jacket ribbon or skirt straps, adding a decorative effect to Korean dresses, which were characterized by graceful but simple style. Photo Gallery 29 | 30

Fluttering hairpins (tteoljam) Women in the royal court, including queens and court ladies, used decorative hairpins on the front and sides when they put on formal coiffures or head- pieces with ceremonial garments. These hairpins were made of jade plates and adorned with pearl, coral or jadeite piec- es with tiny fluttering ornaments. The jade plates were often circular or shaped like a butterfly. Chrysanthemum-shaped pins were made of milky white jade and adorned with petals, stamens and pistils carved out of metal plates, with a red glass bead at the center.

Long hairpins (binyeo) A long hairpin was used to fix the tradition- al chignon-style hairdo of married women, called jjok, made at the back of the nape. Up- per-class women used long hairpins made of gold, silver, pearl, jade or coral, while com- moners mainly used hairpins made of wood, horn, nickel or brass. Photo Gallery 31 | 32

Pouches (jumeoni) Women wore small pouches because their dress lacked pockets. The pouches, initially intended to contain money or small person- al items, gradually evolved into accessories attached to luxurious pendants and often contained perfume or needles. Foreigner’s View 33 | 34

gave me a bewildered look and said, “Korean 2. Diverse kinds of parboiled and seasoned vegetables food? What is that?” (namul) Every culture has its own line-up of great Korean Cuisine with a Twist and not so great dishes. Some cultures have many years of written history, spanning the depth and breadth of life gone by, and those resources include the culture’s culinary his- Text by Dr. Samia Mounts | Long-time nutritionist and the Assistant Principal at Seoul American Elementary School tory. For example, Italy’s written history is voluminous, with enough cookbooks to fill Photos by Topic photo Agency & Graphickorea a library. Partly due to this, Italian cuisine is well-known around the world. The same can

be said for the cuisines of Russia, France, 2 and Great Britain. Korea has a long history as well, but the devastation of war, Japanese farmer’s trunk. Doraji looks like ginseng, but occupation, and lack of industrialization kept it’s very different. My friends told me it was it in a depressed state. Korea remained un- very bitter, which explains why most recipes known to many other countries until only a that use it load it down with red pepper flakes. few decades ago, when the economy began I could not accept the idea that the root’s bit- to grow rapidly. The 1988 Olympic Games terness could not be removed without using finally brought Korea into the global lime- such an overpowering flavor to mask it. I de- light. Today, Korea is a strong presence in cided to buy about 400 grams of the roots to the global community, thanks to its focus on conduct an experiment. I cleaned the roots, education and rapid technological develop- sliced them, and crushed two fresh tanger- ment. ines on them. Then, I rubbed one tablespoon of salt into the roots and boiled them for five It stands to reason that Korean food would minutes. I removed the roots from the wa- spread to other countries just as its cars, elec- ter, sautéed them in olive oil, and added two tronics, and films have. And indeed, Korean food has never before seen such popular- cups of sliced persimmons, salt and pepper. ity in other countries, including the US. To Finally, I garnished the dish with green on- 1 me, the flavor of Korean food is complex ions. I tasted it, and — voila! There was no and textured, with a variety of exciting fla- bitterness whatsoever. 1. Kimchi, a representative Years ago, I went to a church service in to teach me all about Korean culture, espe- vor combinations. I have been in Seoul for Korean staple food, made of I did a taste test with some of my Korean Omaha, Nebraska and met a lovely Korean cially the traditional cuisine. To introduce pickled cabbage and various many years now, and I’ve developed a deep friends, and, of course, there were mixed re- seasonings American lady who would eventually be- me to Korean food, Yon cooked an elaborate appreciation for the many fine dishes it has views. One woman insisted that her grand- come one of my best friends. Her name was dinner for me. I still remember how delicious to offer. But of course, this doesn’t stop me mother’s method of roasting the root would Yon Yu, and I liked her easygoing, quiet de- it was! I thought perhaps she had Western- from experimenting with Korean ingredients have been better; another said she liked the meanor. I was excited about our new friend- ized the recipes for me, but she denied that and traditional dishes to create new taste sen- bitterness; a third objected to the use of fruit ship because my family was getting ready to she had and said only that she’d used high- sations. Fusion cuisine, in addition to being in the recipe. I explained that I wasn’t experi- fun to develop, carries the added benefit of move to Seoul, Korea, for a two-year tour quality ingredients. At the time, I worked at menting for the Korean palate, and that it’s creating new ways to introduce foreigners to (which ended up becoming a four-year tour a middle school, and I was so excited about the foreign palate that needs time to acquire Korean food. which later resulted in a triumphant return this new world of culinary creations that I the taste for foods of other lands. Eventually, for another thirteen years — right up until tried to introduce the idea of serving Korean I went to Seorak Mountain a few weeks ago even the most stalwart traditionalists of the today). I asked her if she would take the time fare at a faculty meeting. The social director and bought doraji (bellflower root) from a bunch agreed that this was a great way to Foreigner’s View 35 | 36

3. Rice wrapped in leafy I’ve been to a few Korean restaurants that rean food an edge is its nutritional makeup. eat in any form. Since kimchi seems vegetables ( ) ssambap have gotten creative with their menus. In Koreans believe that sensible eating and to be an integral part of any some cases, the quality, taste, and presenta- nutritional balance maintain good health, Korean menu, it will always tion were unbelievable. Some would say that and they’re absolutely right. Koreans also sabotage the other more these gourmet fusion dishes were not true believe that food in the right combinations tasty dishes in the eyes of Korean food, because they don’t represent brings harmony to the body and soul. The Westerners. You can have the traditional style. I feel that this kind of concept of yin and yang is a Taoist principle the best kalbi, bulgogi, etc., thinking is flawed. These recipes, like my that is based on the idea of opposites set in on the peninsula, but what recipe for doraji, are not brand new cre- balance. will stick in people’s minds is ations, but rather variations of the traditional the unpleasant taste and eye appeal For example, in a dish made up of bok choy 5. Platter of nine delicacies dishes. They are developed to meet the needs of kimchi.” I happen to disagree with this (gujeolpan) and ginger, bok choy is the yin and ginger of foreigners who are not familiar with the statement, but it’s an opinion that many for- is the yang, offering harmony both in the taste of Korean food. eigners share. 3 body and at the table. Cooking methods are also classified into yin and yang. Steam- That being said, the way to gain an edge in introduce these nutritious roots to foreigners. Another way to present Korean food to for- ing, poaching, and boiling are yin, and fry- the foreign market is to be able to analyze It’s still Korean food, but with a twist. eigners is to blanch and season vegetables with garlic, soy sauce and a little sesame seed ing, stir-frying, pan-frying, and roasting are the foreign mind and develop strategies I had another wonderful experience walking oil. It is simple and easy on the palate and yang. To that end, when Koreans prepare a and networking capabilities to work with it around the parks in the Sambuk-dong area. I eyes. Or if you’ve ever tried freshly cooked traditional meal, the rule of the five flavors rather than against it. The ability to analyze came across three happy-looking people sit- rice with roasted gim (dried seaweed), you is followed. The five flavors are salty (like what flavors people like is an advantage. My ting in a shaded area eating tofu and kimchi know how simple and delicious that can be. soy sauce), sweet (like sweet potatoes), sour friend is one foreigner who does not like and drinking makgeolli (Korea rice wine). I It is all about upholding traditions while (like vinegar), hot (like chili peppers), and kimchi, but others love it — including my- said hello in Korean. They said hello back in maintaining flexibility and an adventurous bitter (like ginger). Food is also arranged in self. To have knowledge and experience of English, and they were kind enough to share attitude. After all, most people end up lik- the five traditional colors: red, green, yellow, the preferences of foreigners, along with the some of their lunch with me. It was so de- ing what they’ve been familiar with all their white, and black. Black is not easy to find ability to analyze foreigners’ reasons for lik- licious, partly because I’d been walking for lives — so it makes sense that if you try new in nature, so you’ll find a lot of black sesa- ing and disliking different flavors and dishes, is a critical factor in the internationalization over an hour and partly because tofu and kim- things several times, thereby making them me seeds and foods such as dried cloud-ear of Korean food. If we can put inflexible tradi- chi make a great combination, one being neu- familiar, you’ll end up liking them. mushrooms in Korean food. tral in flavor and the other very spicy. This is tionalist viewpoints aside and focus, instead, another great way to introduce Korean food to The complexity of internationalizing a coun- Well, you may be wondering, if Korean food on modifying Korean to appeal to people foreigners — keep it simple. try’s traditional cuisine is mindboggling at is so delicious and nutritious, why is it so from all nations, we can spread Korean cui- times. I called a friend of mine who works hard to internationalize it? Here is a possible 4. Grilled short rib meat pat- sine around the world. Remember, it’s still ties (tteok galbi) for CNN, and we talked for forty minutes explanation from an American I know who Korean food — with a twist! is married to a Korean woman. “That is a about how to internationalize Korean food. 6. Pan-fried delicacies (jeon We went back and forth on what it would good question with no easy answer. As many or jijimi) take to move Korean cuisine firmly into the years as I have lived here, as well as having international arena, eventually making it a Korean wife, I cannot think of a solution. I just as well-known and well-liked as Italian, prefer Chinese, Vietnamese, and Thai food French, or Chinese food. Although Korean to Korean. If I could put a finger on one dish traditions surrounding food are characterized that will always turn non-Koreans off, it is by an intricate social structure, an elaborate kimchi. I know it can be prepared in many system of etiquette and a unique cuisine, the different ways to make it range from spicy to challenge is to introduce it in a way that is bland, but the bottom line is that it is nothing not negatively received because of its bold, more than fermented cabbage. Not high on 4 6 hearty, and spicy flavors. What gives Ko- most peoples’ list of vegetables they like to National Treasure 37 | 38

Goryeo Celadon with Exquisite Inlaid Patterns The plum vase, or maebyeong in Korean (meiping in Chinese), was made to resemble Celadon plum vases during the 12th century in human characteristics, probably the shape of a Goryeo were often decorated with elegant inlaid young female body, with a plump shoulder and patterns displaying adroit craftsmanship. Ceramics: Beauty Created from Clay a concave belly forming a sensuous silhouette. The tall celadon vase was originally meant to hold a single branch of plum blossoms but was mostly used as a liquor container in Korea. The celadon plum vas- Text by the Cultural Heritage Administration es of Goryeo are typically Photos by Sakyejul Publishing Ltd. embellished with rhyth- mic patterns of clouds and cranes. The unique sense of rhythm ema- Ceramics are largely classified as earthenware, resent brilliant chapters in the history of Korean nates from the alternat- stoneware and porcelain depending on the kiln handicrafts. Yet, few would doubt that ceramics ing postures of cranes: temperature when they are produced. Earthen- epitomize Korean crafts. China was the birthplace the cranes inside cir- ware refers to clay vessels fired at temperatures of porcelain making but Korean potters, who in- cles fly upward while ranging between 700 and 1,000 degrees Cel- herited Chinese technology, left behind indelible those outside circles fly sius. The unglazed vessel wall tends to be po- footprints on the history of ceramics. downward. Then, how rous and absorb liquids. Stoneware is fired at does the potter express Celadon, white porcelain and buncheong ware con- higher temperatures between 1,000 and 1,100 these patterns? stitute the three main genres of traditional Korean degrees Celsius, also without applying glaze, ceramics. Celadon means porcelain decorated with The potter first shapes the but these wares are more dense and solid than a bluish green glaze, and white porcelain refers to vase by throwing clay on his earthenware, and impervious to liquids. In a porcelain coated with a pure white glaze. Mark- wheel and then carves the de- broad sense, these two types of ceramics are not ing the transition from celadon to white porcelain, sired patterns on its semi-dried clearly distinguishable from each other. But por- buncheong is a crude celadon type embellished surface. The recesses are filled in celain requires advanced manufacturing skills as with white slip under a transparent glaze. Celadon with white slip and red clay, and well as clay of better quality. Porcelain is fired is generally identified with Goryeo and white por- any excess slip or clay is wiped off twice — the first firing at a low temperature -be celain with Joseon. In fact, white porcelain wares before the entire surface is covered fore glazing and the second firing in a reducing were produced along with celadon during Goryeo with glaze. Then the vessel is fired atmosphere of high temperatures around 1,300 and celadon continued to be made during Joseon. and in the kiln flames the white clay degrees Celsius. Porcelain’s vitrified surface is What should be noted is that Goryeo potters devel- remains white but red clay turns black glassy and translucent. It is even tougher than oped indigenous skills for decorating their wares to attain delightful contrasting effects. stoneware. with delicate inlaid patterns, opening a new realm This decorative method called inlay, of ceramic art that is clearly distinguished from Evolution of Korean Ceramics or sanggam in Korean, was devised Chinese celadon. White porcelain, which also be- by potters of Goryeo, presumably Korea has remarkable handicraft traditions. The gan to be produced in China, attained humble but inspired by bronze vessels inlaid metal crafts of the Three Kingdoms period (57 1. Celadon plum vase elegant beauty in Joseon, a unique aesthetic trait with inlaid clouds and with silver wire. It is the basically B.C. - A.D. 676) and Unified Silla (676-935), the attributed to its Confucian culture highly regarding cranes same technique used for decorat- inlaid celadon and mother-of-pearl lacquerware simplicity and frugality. Korean potters of the Jo- ing wooden lacquerware with of Goryeo (918-1392), the woodcrafts and white seon period went to Japan and laid the foundation mother-of-pearl. Inlaid celadon is porcelain of Joseon (1392-1910) — all these rep- for the country’s new ceramic culture. a stellar achievement of Goryeo National Treasure 39 | 40

potters. private needs, while white porcelain produc- but was overflowing with self-confidence. century under the Joseon Dynasty. This type tion continued to increase. From the mid-16th No less enchanting is a bottle in the shape of of white ware is made with white clay and Buncheong Ware of Bold Imagination century buncheong production steeply de- a rice bale, decorated with underglaze iron fired at a low temperature. Then the surface The crude celadon wares called buncheong clined and white porcelain emerged as the painted pond, fish and bird. This bottle, used is decorated with iron oxide pigment, cov- sagi, made during the early Joseon period, mainstream ceramic industry of Joseon after for storing and carrying liquor, is a master- ered with a white glaze, and fired again. Iron are renowned for their stunningly free and the Japanese invasions of 1592-1598. piece with patterns delivering a magnani- oxide turns brown in varying shades. Among vigorous styles. Technically, they are porce- mous and humorous feeling. A bird is about famous pieces in this type are the jars with Buncheong ware, characterized by practical lain made of gray or darkish gray clay and to snatch a fish. But in fact the fish is much underglaze iron designs of plum and bam- vessel forms and lively and spontaneous pat- decorated with white slip under a translucent larger than the bird. Maybe, the potter was a boo, grapevines, or rope curtain. terns, radically differs from celadon or white celadon glaze. Buncheong ware began to be good-hearted man who loved humor. porcelain. The patterns expressed with col- Blue and white wares embellished with un- manufactured during the latter half of the orful techniques are boldly abbreviated or White Porcelain Resembling an Upright derglaze cobalt blue were highly cherished 14th century and made great progress in ves- transformed so they even look like modern Scholar but produced only in small quantities be- sel quality, patterns and decorative technique art pieces. cause Joseon had to import the entire amount under the reign of King Sejong (1418-1450), The white porcelain of Joseon contains the of cobalt from China through Arabian mer- when the newborn dynasty laid the founda- A famous buncheong bottle of the 16th cen- pure and upright mind of a scholar. White chants. Particularly, the production of blue tion for stable governance. Buncheong pro- tury has a fish holding a water plant in its porcelain production required more ad- and white porcelain remarkably slowed duction peaked at this time but, from the latter mouth, rendered in underglaze iron painting. vanced skill than celadon as the pure white down due to stalled imports of cobalt pig- half of the 15th century, it slowly declined as The fish looks handsome and dignified, and or milky glazes were more difficult to han- ment in the early 17th century after the two the Joseon government opened official kilns even reflective as if it was immersed in the dle. If the buncheong ware was a product major armed conflicts with Japan and Qing 2. Buncheong jar with a in Gwangju, south of the capital city, to pro- sgraffiato design of peony enigmatic world of no self and no thought. of transition from celadon to porcelain, the China. The blue and white porcelain re- scroll duce white porcelain for supplies to the royal Another renowned bottle made in the 15th white porcelain marked the climax of Jo- gained its popularity in the mid-17th century. 3. Buncheong rice bale- palace and government offices. Buncheong century has many thin lines randomly drawn seon ceramic industry. White porcelain was Jar with highly decorative patterns like plum shaped bottle with an production gradually shrank and the quality produced in diverse styles by using different and bamboo, or dragons and clouds were underglaze iron design of in different directions — some straight and pond, birds and fish of vessels degraded as they mainly met local some bent and circular. At first glance the decorative techniques and pigments. produced at this time. lines look disorderly, yet they form a non- Plain white porcelain with undecorated chalant but amusing geometric pattern. The surface was produced and used most con- 4. White porcelain jar, also potter probably worked in a whimsical mood called a “moon jar” sistently throughout the Joseon period. The pure white wares in simple round shapes were generally regarded to symbolize tol- erance, chastity and frugality, which were the foremost moral virtues pursued in Neo- Confucianism. The National Museum of Korea houses a very famous white porcelain jar covered with a milky white glaze, which looks generous and dignified with a smooth- ly swollen body, a low lip and a stable base. It is popularly known as the “moon jar,” as it resembles the round full moon.

Porcelain decorated with underglaze iron

3 oxide designs began to be produced during 4 2 the Goryeo period but peaked in the 17th National Treasure 41 | 42

9. Porcelain bowl

5. Porcelain flattened bottle

8. Porcelain jar with an under- 7. Porcelain bottle with an under- glaze iron painted design of plum glaze iron painted rope design and bamboo

10. Blue and white porcelain with clouds and dragons 6. Porcelain jar

Ceramic Styles Reflect the Era yearnings for boundless life that will come people of Joseon placed the greatest value on chid and chrysanthemum — were often ex- after the present life of suffering. Cranes, their happiness in the present world. pressed on porcelain wares. The prized glaze color of Goryeo celadon clouds and lotus petals frequently appearing symbolized the world of infinite dreams The learned nobility, or literati (sadaebu), of During the latter part of the Joseon period, on Goryeo celadon wares represent Buddhist pursued by people of the Goryeo Dynasty, the Joseon period highly favored white por- people from broader social strata partici- ideals. pated in cultural activities and their thoughts who believed in the endless cycle of reincar- celain. They believed the clean white ware and aspirations appeared on ceramics. The nations of their soul. Under the influence of Fish and peonies, standing for fertility and harmonized with thrifty, chastity and fidelity, popular motifs in folk painting, such as the Buddhist teaching, they dreamed about the prosperity, and wealth and noble status, which were among the highest virtues they ten symbols of longevity and mythical ani- world after death, which would abound with respectively, are among the decorative de- pursued under Neo-Confucianism. The four mals like the tiger and the magpie, came to clean and pure joys. The mysterious shades signs frequently found on buncheong ware. virtuous plants that symbolized their moral be used as decorative patterns on pottery for of Goryeo celadon glaze expressed their Through these patterns one can see that the and scholastic ideals — bamboo, plum, or- everyday use. Intangible Heritage 43 | 44

Taekkyeon A Martial Art with Scholarly Dignity Text by Shin Jong-geun | Graduate of the Education Course for Taekkyeon Photos by courtesy of the National Research Institute of Cultural Heritage

The fluid and curvy movements, wriggling 1. Taekkyeon is a natural and writhing slowly, would evoke laughter. and spontaneous martial art featuring circular move- Some may even wonder whether it is a dance ments or a martial art. But the inherent energy of the performer can explode with enormous flexibility and strength. Apparently static and dignified but fundamentally dynamic and even fatal, taekkyeon is an indigenous Korean martial art with a history stretching back thousands of years.

Martial Art for Win-Win Communication

Taekkyeon is a rare martial art in that it teach- es consideration for the opponent to the very moment one gains control. It teaches more skills for defense than offense. A skilled taekkyeon practitioner can rapidly dominate the opponent with a smooth wavy motion, but a true master knows how to make the op- ponent withdraw without incurring damage. These are unthinkable concepts in a combat sport. But taekkyeon makes all these pos- sible.

Taekkyeon is a marvelous sport teaching how to consider the opponent more than oneself, and the group instead of individuals. The motions are gentle and circular rather than straight and rigid, but they have the power to entice the performer slowly but intensively. The graceful movements of a well-trained 1 taekkyeon performer resemble those of a Intangible Heritage 45 | 46

During the succeeding Goryeo period (918- period, he met his taekkyeon teacher, Shin 1392), taekkyeon continued to contribute to Han-seung. His teacher taught his skills but stability and defense of the country. In Jo- didn’t want his student to take it up as his seon (1392-1910), it was practiced among a lifelong profession. Nevertheless, instead of broader public, including people at the grass- becoming an Army cadet, Jeong inherited roots. his teacher’s task to establish a taekkyeon education center and popularize the martial Like many other cultural traditions of the na- art among the general public. The education tion, taekkyeon barely survived Japan’s cul- center opened in 1997, ten years after his tural assimilation policy during the colonial teacher’s death, in Chungju, North Chung- period (1910-1945), owing to the efforts of cheong Province. As director of the center, a few devoted practitioners. After national Jeong is now devoted to training profession- liberation, the famous master Im Ho, based al coaches who can teach the martial art in in Jongno in central Seoul, headed the main the correct style so as to spread it not only lineage. Song Deok-gi (1893-1987), the first within the country but around the world. “human cultural treasure” in taekkyeon, began modern education with government What is Taekkyeon? support. During the time of Shin Han-seung Each martial art has a unique training meth- (1928-1987), one of Song’s students, tae- 2 od and system. The first phase in taekkyeon kkyeon became the only traditional martial training is focused on self-practice, which 2. Taekkyeon as featured in crane, but the elastic offensive skills can be art to earn the status of Important Intangible a tomb mural of the Gogu- means repeatedly practicing skills learned as speedy and powerful as those of a hawk. Cultural Heritage. ryeo Dynasty (37 B.C. - A.D. from the teacher. The second phase is com- 668), a warrior state which ruled the northern Korean Jeong Gyeong-hwa, a designated taekkyeon Taekkyeon was designated Important In- parison (maju megi), which is conducted by peninsula and part of to- master, says that a martial art of gentle and tangible Cultural Heritage on June 1, 1983. two performers demonstrating and compar- day’s northeastern China curvy motions can have a longer appeal than Song Deok-gi and Shin Han-seung were ing their skills under a mutual agreement on one of straight and stiff movements. Indeed, named the first-generation masters holding the scope of skills to be compared. The third

the former type can be performed by people the government title. Thanks to these devel- and last phase is competition (gyeonjugi), 3. Important hand and foot of all age groups and genders and thus can be opments, taekkyeon seemed to secure the which means pitting two performers against techniques of taekkyeon enjoyed over a longer period. The silent and educational base. Particularly, Shin who had each other in the fighting mode. Competition thoughtful motions for offense and defense trained under his great-grandfather Shin Jae- is divided into two types: knocking down the can lead to mutual consideration and win- yeong and later under other masters such as opponent simply by joint locks or grappling win communication. Song Deok-gi, Lee Gyeong-cheon and Kim (daegeori), and combining the grappling and Hong-sik during the 1970s, made selfless ef- kicking techniques to overpower the oppo- Transmission Lineage forts to establish the modern education sys- nent (matseogi). tem for the traditional martial art. Despite all Taekkyeon is believed to have been practiced The basic techniques include a stepping se- his endeavors, however, the number of taek- since before the Three Kingdoms period (57 quence in a triangular motion (pum bapgi), kyeon performers continued to decline. B.C. - A.D. 676). In Goguryeo (37 B.C. - waving both arms to confuse the opponent or A.D. 668), one of the three ancient Korean Jeong Gyeong-hwa, the second-generation preempt an attack (hwalgaetjit), and various kingdoms, warriors were trained in tae- title holder as “human cultural treasure,” foot techniques (baljil). Most other martial kkyeon to increase their physical and mental had dreamed of entering the Korea Military arts basically concentrate on offensive and combat abilities. Taekkyeon was also prac- Academy. But he had to give up school after defensive skills, but taekkyeon characteris- ticed in the neighboring Silla Kingdom (57 contracting tuberculosis. He recovered his tically emphasizes the stepping sequence in B.C. - A.D. 935), which overwhelmed the health as a result of intense self-discipline triple time as the primary technique and then two rival states and built a unified kingdom. in the mountains and during this critical waving both arms in a circular motion. Foot Intangible Heritage 47 | 48

techniques as comprehensive skills for of- It was an epochal event in the history of 5. 택견전수관 fense come last. Korean martial arts that taekkyeon was des- ignated Important Intangible Cultural Heri- Taekkyeon has a few distinctive characteris- tage. But the designation has both bright and tics. First, it is an outwardly gentle but in- dark sides: It means that the fate of taek- wardly tough martial art featuring circular kyeon, which once enjoyed a great popular- motions. Second, it is a natural and spon- ity among the common people of the Joseon taneous martial art stressing elegance and period, has so much declined as to subsist on dignity. Third, it is a practical and compre- state support. Looking inside out, the title of hensive martial art harmonizing offense and Important Intangible Cultural Heritage is a defense through various locking and kicking diagnosis of critical illness requiring emer- techniques. In spite of its gentle impression, gency aid from the government. In other taekkyeon is an effective martial art high- words, taekkyeon has become too weak to lighting a broad variety of offensive and de- survive on its own. fensive skills employing all available fight- ing methods. The origin of all traditional However, such a pessimistic interpretation Korean martial arts, taekkyeon represents does not pale the meaning of the title en- confluence and totality, the two outstanding dowed on taekkyeon in view of its historical, characteristics of Korean culture. academic and artistic value. What is impor- tant is that the designation should not lead to The basic spirit of taekkyeon is “truth.” The complacency but instead be a stimulant for martial art inherits the thought of Joseon increased efforts to find ways to develop a scholars who considered upholding integrity popular living sport based on this valuable and obeying the rules of nature was the ut- legacy from the past and develop an efficient most virtue. education program. As tai chi chuan has Measures for Development become a popular sport of the Chinese, tae-

4. Taekkyeon Education Center in Chungju, North Chungcheong Province 5

kkyeon has to grow into an attractive mental gible Cultural Heritage of Humanity so this 5. “Portrait of Valor” (Dae- kwaedo), a genre painting at- and physical exercise that can be easily prac- great martial art of Koreans can be appreciat- tributed to Yu Suk (1827-1873), ticed by many Koreans in their daily lives. ed and practiced by people around the world. features taekkyeon as well as ssireum, the traditional Korean No less important is that taekkyeon should Taekwondo is no longer a Korean cultural wrestling no longer remain a domestic art but rise up as asset but a global sport shared by people a cultural legacy of the world. In light of the throughout the world. It is now the time for growing interest of the international com- taekkyeon to be distributed across the global munity in making joint efforts to preserve community to contribute to the internal and the intangible cultural assets of individual external fitness of people of all nations. nations, taekkyeon has to be placed on the UNESCO Representative List of the Intan-

4 Quarterly Magazine of the Cultural Heritage Administration

Cultural Heritage Administration, Republic of Korea Tel | 82-42-481-4731 Fax | 82-42-481-4759 http://english.cha.go.kr

Published | November 25, 2009

Published by | Cultural Heritage Administration Republic of Korea

Publication | Kim Hong-dong management Director of International Affairs Division

Content | Yeo Sung-hee, Moon Sun-kyong, Park Jung-eun coordination

Translation | Lee Kyong-hee

Proofreading | Ted Chan

Design ∙ Editing | Lee Hong-taeg, Yang Hyun-jung, Yun Jin-hee

Printed by | Graphic Korea Co., Ltd

Cultural Heritage Administration, 2009

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