SEOUL, Jan. 9 (Korea Bizwire) – In the early 20th century, American traveler and photographer Burton Holmes (1870-1958) visited Korea, later describing it as an “interesting place.” His travelogue vividly depicted the daily life of Koreans at that time, from porters weaving through crowded streets to people riding trams.
Today, the National Folk Museum of Korea has unveiled its newly revamped Gallery 1, under the theme “The Beginning of K-Culture.” Reflecting significant changes since its 2018 redesign, which focused on “A Day in the Life of Koreans,” this exhibition delves into the evolution of ‘K-Culture’ from a distinctly Korean viewpoint. It showcases over 280 items, including everyday objects and late fashion designer André Kim’s clothing and sketches.
The exhibition is categorized into three sections: Being Useful, Being Natural, and Being Together. Each segment provides insights into contemporary Korean life. The ‘Being Useful’ section highlights traditional items like the jige, onggi, homi, and hanji, illustrating their enduring significance in Korean culture.
The display also includes National Geographic magazines that have featured Korea and Koreans, signaling the international fascination with Korean culture. It spotlights items like the homi, a gardening tool recently popular in online markets, as well as traditional Korean art and furniture, reflecting the nation’s historical connection to nature.
Visitors can explore a variety of traditional Korean headgear, evoking the image of Korea as the ‘land of hats.’ The exhibition space has been enhanced with videos and interactive areas, including immersive presentations of K-Pop and gaming, as well as an archive space that offers a global perspective on Korea and Koreans.
A highlight of the exhibition is the work of Jung Da-hye, who was in 2022 the first Korean recipient of the Loewe Craft Prize, showcasing a contemporary reinterpretation of traditional elements. A museum spokesperson emphasized the exhibition’s broader significance: “What may seem ordinary to our eyes in our daily life becomes a new aspect of ‘K-Culture’ in the eyes of the world. We hope that visitors will reflect on our everyday life defined by ‘K’.”
Image credit: The National Folk Museum of Korea / photonews@koreabizwire.com
