July 31, 2013 / Issue No. 591 60 Years of Armistice National Museum of Korean Contemporary History special exhibit examines history of inter-Korean relations The National Museum of Korean Contemporary History is holding a special exhibit to mark the 60th anniversary of the Korean War armistice agreement. The exhibit, which intends to focus on the development of inter-Korean relations—a cycle of confrontation and peace—and the future of said relations, is divided into four sections. The first section, “Records of Pain,” looks at the North Korean invasion, the UN intervention and all the major historical points up to the signing of the armistice; it will also look at life in wartime Korea. The second section, “Confrontation Amidst the Armistice,” focuses on the relations of tension between the two Koreans even after the signing of the armistice. “Efforts for Peaceful Reunification,” meanwhile, introduces the realities of Korea’s national division and efforts for reunification. Finally, “Armistice and 60 Years” breaks down the realities of South and North Korea in terms of statistics and looks at the inter-Korean relationship from a variety of viewpoints. The special exhibits hopes to reinforce the value of freedom and peace by showing the scars of war and allows visitors to think about the future of inter-Korean relations. The exhibit will be accompanied by academic seminars, associated educational programs and cultural events. PERIOD: Thru Sept 1 VENUE: National Museum of Korean Contemporary History ADMISSION: Free MORE INFO: http://www.much.go.kr GETTING THERE: Exit 2, Gwanghwamun Station, Line 5 LTI Korea’s 2013 Korean Literature English Essay Contest Help promote Korean literature… and perhaps win a tablet PC in the process The Literature Translation Institute of Korea is hosting its 3rd Korean Literature English Essay Contest. The annual Korean Literature English Essay Contest was launched in 2011 as part of celebrations to mark the 10th anniversary of LTI Korea. This contest, which began with the aim of promoting English translations of Korean literature, is open to foreign residents (students and general public) in Korea. The three texts selected for this year’s contest are Knife Marks by Kim Ae-ran, The Glass Shield by Kim Junghyuk, and Unfinished Words by Yoon Sung-hee. Participants are required to choose one of the aforementioned set texts and submit an essay written in English. An application form and the three designated texts in the form of PDF files are available (click the link below to download). Submissions will be accepted from September 1 (Sun) to September 30 (Mon), and the winners will be announced on October 31 (Thurs). The Awarding Ceremony will be held in November 2013. The winner of the Grand Prize as well as three recipients of the Award of Excellence will be presented with their certificates and prizes. Grand Prize: Tablet PC; Award of Excellence: E-Book Device. MORE INFO: See this link to download the an application form and pdf copies of the selected works. Around the Web A miscellany of high-quality hyperlinks from the week, courtesy of SEOUL editor-in-chief Robert Koehler. – K-Pop goes to the Holy Land. – An exhibit in Germany explores Korean industrial design. – Is Korean lit still lost in translation? – Some ancient Korean artwork finds its way home. – Korea’s boutique hotels provide a unique experience. – A very foggy Seomgang River in Gangwon-do. – A very wet and fun Gwanghwamun Plaza. – Acres and acres of sunflowers in Gochang. – What to do around Hyehwa Station. – Yours Truly went to Pocheon last weekend. Events Starlight, Moonlight Concert A series of traditional concerts and performances will take place August 7–11 at the Starlight, Moonlight Concert at the outdoor stage of the Seoul Namsan Traditional Theater. The program will showcase two different genres. A musical production based on Korean folktales will be staged on August 7, 8, and 11, while the nights of August 9 and 10 will be devoted to Korean traditional music presented by the Seoul Metropolitan Traditional Orchestra. In an effort to enliven the atmosphere, organizers will provide Korean rice wine (makgeolli) for visitors to taste. PERIOD: Aug 7–11 VENUE: Seoul Namsan Traditional Theater ADMISSION: KRW 10,000 MORE INFO: www.sejongpac.or.kr GETTING THERE: Chungmuro Station 충무로역 (Line 4), Exit 4 [Map 4, D4] Jisan World Rock Festival Iconic rapper Nas and punk pop band Weezer are playing the Jisan World Rock Festival, which will be held Aug 2–4 in Icheon, southeast of Seoul. Catch them with other headliners like the Dandy Warhols, Switchfoot, Deerhoof, and Placebo. Funk masters Jamiroquai, led by frontman Jay Kay, will be a highlight on the list of performers that includes Korean rock acts like Crying Nut, No Brain, and Lowdown30. Heating up the event are DJs of global acclaim, including DJ Shut Da Mouth, DJ Conan, Bagagee Viphex 13, and Big Ear Crew. PERIOD: Aug 2–4 VENUE: Jisan Forest Resort, Icheon, Gyeonggi-do ADMISSION: 3-day pass: KRW 250,000, 2-day pass: KRW 180,000, 1-day pass: KRW 125,000 —Tickets: http://ticket.interpark.com/global MORE INFO: T. 02-644-1200, www.jisanworldrockfestival.com GETTING THERE: Take a bus from Dong Seoul Bus Terminal to Icheon. Transfer to bus no. 12 and get off at Jisan Mart. Incheon Pentaport Rock Festival The month of rock in Korea would not be complete without the Incheon Pentaport Rock Festival, which is looking much more impressive than previous years’ nu-metal-heavy lineups. Slated for Aug 2–4, the 2013 edition will feature Fall Out Boy, Testament, Steelheart, Skid Row, and four British rock bands: Suede, Mamas Gun, Glasvegas, and The Big Pink. This year, the venue has moved to Songdo International City, which can be accessed conveniently via Seoul’s metropolitan subway system and intercity bus routes. PERIOD: Aug 2–4 VENUE: Int’l Business District, Songdo, Incheon ADMISSION: 3-day pass: KRW 165,000, 2-day pass: KRW 143,000, 1-day pass: KRW 99,000 —Tickets: http://ticket.interpark.com/global MORE INFO: T. 02-3775-1588, http://pentaportrock.com GETTING THERE: Int’l Business District Station 국제업무지구역 (Incheon Line), Exit 1 Cuban Culture and Arts Festival The Korean Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade and the Korea Foundation present the 2013 Cuban Culture and Arts Festival. Under the theme “The Passion of Caribe, Enjoy Cuba!,” the festival serves as a precious opportunity to appreciate the cultural richness of Cuba. Performers include Buena Fe, Habana Compas Dance, and Cesar Lopez & Habana Ensemble. VENUE: Yongsan At Hall and Hankuk University of Foreign Studies PERIOD: Aug 2—5 MORE INFO: www.cubafestival.kr Everyday Koreans Sanjeong Lake, Pocheon   Mist, mountains, water and rocks at Sanjeong Lake, Pocheon. Photo by Robert Koehler. *Click the photo to see a full-size version at our website. NOTE: If you have a photo you would like to see in our Everyday Koreans section, please sent it to story@seoulselection.com. Photos should be AT LEAST 950px wide. Send a one-line bio, too. Notifications Tell Us About ‘Your Korea’: If you’re a longtime resident of Korea and would like to share your story in KOCIS’s KOREA Magazine, shoot an email with your story idea to book@seoulselection.com. Looking for Translators – Seoul Selection is looking for a few good translators (Korean to English) for general translation work. Those interested should send a resume and cover letter to Kyehyun at trans@seoulselection.com. Experienced translators only. Seoul Selection eBooks – You can purchase some Seoul Selection titles in ebook format via Amazon.com (for Kindle) and Apple’s iBookstore. Titles include Ask a Korean Dude, Moon Tides, Doing Business in Korea, Once Around the Sun, and seven volumes of our Korean Film Directors series: BONG Joon-ho, IM Kwon-taek, KIM Jee-woon, LEE Chang-dong, LEE Man-hee, PARK Chan-wook, and SHIN Sang-ok. Send Your Event Info – If you would like to advertise any upcoming events you are organizing, please send us the press release material at book@seoulselection.com by the preceding Friday in order for it to appear in the following Tuesday’s issue.

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[button link=”The URL of the button” variation=”black”]National Museum of Korean Contemporary History[/button] 대한민국역사박물관

The National Museum of Korean Contemporary History is stepping up its effort to fulfill its mission of teaching the public about modern Korean history through a series of public-oriented special programs.
The museum is set to provide a 6-month lecture program on Korea’s modern history that targets international students learning the Korean language as well as members of multicultural families. Limited to some 20 people, the class will launch in July and continue through December. More information on the curriculum and application process is to be offered on the museum’s website.
The museum will host the special exhibit “Special Exhibit Commemorating the 60th Anniversary of the Korean War Armistice” from Jul 23 to Aug 31. The exhibit has been prepared to re-illuminate the transformation of South and North Korea and and developmental history of the Republic of Korea, taking as an opportunity the 60th anniversary of the armistice and the Korea—US alliance. The exhibit will put on display a variety of photo and film materials pertaining to the transformation of South and North Korea since the Korean War. Related academic seminars, educational programs and cultural events have also been prepared.
By sharing the scar of the war that has never ceased in a public arena, the exhibition seeks to gather a national consensus on the peace and prosperity that the two Koreas should achieve together.

EAT>
An in-house cafeteria is located on the third floor.

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Its museum shop, on the third floor, carries a wide selection of souvenirs and memorabilia relating to the theme of the museum.

FYI>
T. 02-3703-9200. www.much.go.kr
(서울시 종로구 세종로 82-1 | 82-1 Sejong-ro, Jongno-gu, Seoul)

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National Museum of Korean Contemporary History | 대한민국역사박물관

This latest addition to Korea’s national museum system pays tribute to the country’s modern history, spanning from the opening of Korea in 1876 to the present day. To be sure, it’s a dramatic history that includes the country’s colonization and independence struggle, the foundation of the Republic of Korea, the Korean War, and the country’s amazing post-war economic and political development. The museum itself is housed in the greatly remodeled old headquarters of the Ministry of Culture in Gwanghwamun, just a stone’s throw away from historic Gyeongbokgung Palace.

EAT>
The Korean eateries of Insa-dong are just a short walk away. One of this writer’s favorite restaurants, however, is Gwanghwamunjip 광화문집 (T. 02-739-7737), located across the street behind the Sejong Center of the Performing Arts. It might not look like much, but it’s got some of the best kimchijjigae (kimchi stew, 김치찌개) in the city.

BUY>
Lots of Korean gift stores and antique shops are in nearby Insa-dong. You can also pick up some smartphones and tablets just down the street at KT’s Olleh Square.

SEE>
The old changing of the guard ceremony is reenacted in front of nearby Gyeongbokgung Palace six times a day on the hour, 10am to 3pm.

FYI>
T. 02-3703-9200, www.much.go.kr
Cost: Free
(82-1 Jejong-ro, Jongno-gu, Seoul | 서울시 종로구 세종로 82-1)

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Gwanghwamun Station 광화문역 (Line 5), Exit 2

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© Seoul Selection

Museums in Gwanghwamun

A crash course in Korean history

Written by Robert J. Fouser

Photographed by Robert Koehler

The Gwanghwamun area in the heart of Seoul has been in the news lately. Recently, a committee of scholars stirred a controversy by recommending that the name on the Gwanghwamun Gate be written in Chinese characters instead of hangeul, the indigenous writing system that Koreans are passionately proud of.

The debate highlights the symbolic importance of Gwanghwamun Gate to the Gyeongbokgung Palace that overlooks the plaza in front of it. The gate was fi rst built in 1395, but has been rebuilt and moved a number of times since. The current structure dates from 2010 and is a faithful reconstruction of the original 1395 gate. The view of the gate and Mt. Bugaksan behind it is one of the most picture-perfect in Korea.

But the Gwanghwamun area is more than just a prelude to Gyeongbokgung Palace. In recent years, the area has grown into the densest collection of museums in Korea. A thorough visit of all the museums and galleries in the area would take several days. A one-day tour of the museums and galleries along Gwanghwamun Plaza alone offers a fascinating look at the rise and fall of the Joseon Dynasty (1392–1910) and the spectacular rise of the Republic of Korea after the Japanese colonial period (1910–1945) and the Korean War (1950–1953).

© Seoul Selection

A good place to begin exploring Gwanghwamun is the Ilmin Museum of Art (Tue–Sun, 11am–7pm, www.ilmin.org) in the original Dong-A Ilbo Building near the entrance to Cheonggyecheon Stream. Founded in 1920, the Dong-A Ilbo is one of Korea’s largest and oldest newspapers. The current exhibition entitled Galapagos shows works by six noted contemporary artists and runs until February 17th.

After visiting the museum, walk toward Gwanghwamun Plaza, stopping by the Memorial Monument to Emperor Gojong on the way. King Gojong, who later declared himself emperor in 1897 in a belated attempt to strengthen the Joseon state, came to the throne in 1863, and the monument commemorates the 40th anniversary of his ascension. The plaza offers an interesting look at the varied forms of architecture from the 1960s to the present, which together tell the story of Korea’s stunning economic growth during that period.

© Seoul Selection

Underneath the middle section of the plaza are exhibitions on the life and work of two of the most important historical figures in Korean history: King Sejong and Admiral Yi Sunsin. The exhibition on King Sejong, the revered king who invented hangeul, offers an excellent opportunity to learn about the writing system and the life of this amazing king. The exhibitions are open Tuesday through Sunday, 10:30am–10:30pm (final admission at 10pm, http://m.sejongstory.or.kr/eng).

© Seoul Selection

Back on the surface, walk across the street and visit Hangeul Maruji Park, a small city park dedicated to hangeul next to the Sejong Center for the Performing Arts. The Sejong Center itself is architecturally interesting and, apart from its wide range of music and theater events, has several galleries and restaurants.

At this point, the cold of winter makes two important museums look inviting. The new National Museum of Korean Contemporary History (Tue– Sun, 9am–6pm, final admission at 5pm, www.much.go.kr/en/mainen.do) is located in one of two buildings built in the early 1960s (the other is the US Embassy), when Korea’s economic growth was just beginning. The museum focuses on the modern history of the Republic of Korea, from the formation of the provisional government in the dark years of Japanese colonial rule to the present.

After seeing the museum, walk to the north end of the plaza and take a closer look at Gwanghwamun Gate. To the left of the gate is the National Palace Museum of Korea (Tue–Fri, 9am–6pm; Sat–Sun, 9am–7pm [final admission one hour before closing], www.gogung.go.kr/fgn/jsp/en/html/ index.jsp), which focuses on the history of court life during the Joseon period and offers insight into the history that preceded the tumultuous 20th century.

All the museums have cafés that offer a nice place for lunch or a break and shops for gifts. Gogungddurak café in the National Palace Museum is noted for its innovative fusion offerings and traditional Korean tea, and its gift shop contains high quality Korean crafts.

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