The Enchanting Journey to Korean Civilization

CURRENT

By Kwon Hyeeun, Associate Curator of the Exhibition Division,National Museum of Korea

Exhibition Info. The National Museum in Riyadh December 19, 2018 - March 7, 2019

The National Museum in Riyadh

December 19, 2018 - March 7, 2019

In 2017, the National Museum of Korea, in cooperation with the Saudi Commission for Tourism and National Heritage (SCTH), opened a special exhibition entitled Roads of Arabia, the Archaeological Treasures of Saudi Arabia. Now, the National Museum in Riyadh has reciprocated by holding The Enchanting Journey to Korean Civilization, the first event of its kind in Saudi Arabia. On display are 557 artifacts, comprising 260 exhibits that include numerous archaeological finds as well as other historical relics and various artworks.

The National Museum in Riyadh was opened in 1999 and today is led by Prince Sultan bin Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud, who is the President of the Saudi Commission for Tourism and National Heritage. This prestigious institution showcases the authority and majesty of Saudi Arabia’s ruling royal family.

Roads of Arabia, the Archaeological Treasures of Saudi Arabia has been on international tour, and Prince Al Saud said the exhibition in Seoul was one of the most successful. Members of Design Team at the NMK also traveled to Riyadh to assist with the design and presentation of the special exhibition, The Enchanting Journey to Korean Civilization, adding some important finishing touches. The NMK also began offering a new education program in conjunction with this Korean cultural heritage presentation outside Korea, and visitors to the exhibition showed much interest and a positive response.

The special exhibition is divided into five sections, ranging from prehistory to the Joseon Dynasty. The pieces on display were carefully selected to illustrate the history and culture of their respective time periods. Part 1 is entitled “The First Cultures on the Korean Peninsula.” Here a Paleolithic hand axe found during an excavation in Jeongokeup, Yeoncheon in Gyeonggi-do, Neolithic comb-pattern pottery unearthed at a site in Amsa-dong, Gangdong-gu in Seoul, and relics for making such Stone Age tools and utensils are on display, offering a glimpse at how the earliest societies were formed on the Korean Peninsula Fig.2.

Fig.2 Comb-pattern Pottery

Neolithic Period / Earthenware / H. 36.9 cm D. 36.3 cm (mouth)

Hand axes on display in Part 1 of the special exhibition

The theme of Part 2 is “Rising of the First State in Korea,” and this part introduces Gojoseon, the first Korean state, which took shape during the Bronze and Iron Ages. Korea-style stone daggers, bronze daggers, a bronze mirror with multiple loops and detailed geometrical patterns, and other bronze implements illustrate how production capabilities advanced and spread as society moved closer to the Iron Age. It also shows how various states emerged on the periphery of the Korean Peninsula.

Part 3 is titled “The MajesticKingdoms,” covering the establishment onthe Korean Peninsula of Goguryeo, Baekje,Silla, Gaya Confederacy, and Unified SillaKingdoms. Each of these kingdoms formedits own culture while borrowing elementsfrom neighboring regions and contributingto the East Asian cultural landscape Fig.3. Importantly, the Gold Crown fromSeobongchong Tomb in Gyeongju, the Sillacapital, exemplify the elegant culture of thisso-called “golden kingdom”

Fig.3 Chestlace

Silla Kingdom, 5th–6th century / Gold and jade / L. 43.5 cm D. 4.2 cm

Gold Waist Belt from Seobongchong Tomb

Silla Kingdom, 5th–6th century / W. 120.0 cm

Part 4 is dedicated to “Goryeo Dynasty:Era of Grace and Dignity.” Here elaborate and refined artworks are on display from the Goryeo Dynasty, which is best known for its celadon ware and metal works. It also introduces visitors to the Buddhist culture that thrived during this era through a variety of reliquaries and other religious objects, Buddhist statues excluded Fig.5.

Fig.5 Buddhist Bell

Goryeo Dynasty, 1185 or 1245 / Bronze / H. 62.2 cm D. 44.0 cm

Final Part is “Joseon Dynasty: 500Years of Splendor,” covering the illustrious Joseon Dynasty. The exhibit is designed to show the Confucian culture, which permeated the affairs of the Joseon royal family, the government system, and the people’s everyday lives. Of special note is the in-depth display on hangeul, combining actual relics with a digital program. Thus, the public in Saudi Arabia, home to the Arabic language, are provided with an opportunity to experience the indigenous Korean alphabet and Korean language in an engaging manner Fig.6.

Fig.6 Movable Type in Hangul

Joseon Dynasty, 17th–18th century / Metal / W. 52.4 cm L. 32.0 cm H. 6.8 cm

The opening ceremony was held at the National Museum in Riyadh on December 18, and more than four hundred VIPs were in attendance, including Prince Al Saud, National Museum of Korea Director General Bae Kidong, and Korean Ambassador to Saudi Arabia Jo Byungwook. The guests showed special interest in artifacts from Seobongchong Tomb featuring the epitome of the glorious Silla goldwork tradition, Goryeo celadon works with their mysterious hues, and the elegant attire worn by members of the Joseon royal family.

The Roads of Arabia, the Archaeological Treasures of Saudi Arabia held in Seoul in 2017 provided an opportunity to learn more about Saudi history and culture. Now the citizens of Saudi Arabia as well as people from neighboring Middle Eastern countries visiting the National Museum in Riyadh have the chance to experience the elegance of Korean culture first-hand. This special exhibition has also brought the two museums closer together and hopefully will serve to spur other forms of high-level exchanges between the two countries.

Exhibition area where large screens have been installed showing the Korean four seasons and cultural heritage