I am a lover of art. Although I’m not the most adept at understanding it, I do have a great appreciation for it. Art can affect a person’s mood. It can inspire creativity. Art can explore history, or communicate a message even when a language is not understood. All over Korea, on nearly every corner, a form of art appears. Some of it is modern, and some of it dates back thousands of years. Some of the art has a purpose, like providing directions to those of us who cannot read the language, or sometimes it is simply to entertain.
In Seoul, our main method of transportation was the subway. On every train, videos of cute characters informing us of COVID protocols played on the screens. Even though these videos were in Korean, they were simple enough to understand thanks to the wonderfully crafted cartoons. Sure, a message could have been communicated over a speaker, or with a poster, but time and time again I have seen this country not only value art, but utilize its beauty to enhance a message.
Recently we took a traditional Korean dance class here at Chuncheon National University of Education (CNUE). The dance we learned told a story of planting grain and expressed the hard work of a farmer. Each movement was carefully crafted and steeped in Korean history. I loved seeing the fusion of dance and history come together so gracefully. It entertained and celebrated history at the same time.
I recently read an online article from Art in Context that said, “Korean art is connected to the concept of naturalism, and characterized by its non-complex and harmonious compositions, displaying a deep connection with the artist’s natural surroundings.” I have especially seen this to be true since we’ve been in Chuncheon. The natural surroundings of this mountainous area have been infused with works of art. Often stone is laid in an artful way, or gardens are filled with symmetry and pattern. A large statue of a jumping fish can be found in the river nearby, and bridges are built with beauty as well as function in mind. Our visit to Nami Island was charmed with sculptures and water features. Even a simple walking path was littered with artwork. I have found that the allure of this country has not only been found in the kindness of the people, but visually in every lake, mountain, sidewalk, and subway station.
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