The Tiger, the Sun, and the Moon: A Tale in Lanterns

This lantern installation draws inspiration from a traditional Korean folktale in which a tiger, seeking to eat a young child, pursues them up into the sky—where they are transformed into the sun and the moon. This ancient story has been passed down through generations across the Korean peninsula, embedding itself into the nation’s collective imagination.

In this reinterpretation, the sun and moon are represented alongside the tiger, with the entire composition suspended by a separate wire system, raising the installation to a height of 30 meters. At first glance, the unusual composition and form of the lanterns may seem mysterious, as though they carry layered meanings beneath their vivid shapes. Much like the works of Cubist painters, these lanterns attempt to reimagine familiar forms in pursuit of new beauty, merging narrative with abstraction.

In traditional Korean culture, the tiger (ho, 호) was seen as both a sacred guardian and a fearsome threat. The phrase “호환” (literally “tiger disaster”) reflects a cultural memory of fear and awe toward this powerful creature. In times of hardship, even children dreamed of escaping to the heavens—an ideal realm free from danger. In this light, the tale of the children ascending to become celestial bodies can be read as a reflection of societal longing: a yearning for safety, transcendence, and peace.

So then—what does the tiger symbolize in this moment? Is it simply a predator, or does it embody something deeper? Perhaps it is fear itself, transformed through story into light—casting both shadow and meaning across the sky.

Traditional Hanji Lantern Inspired by a Korean Folktale - Granny Red Bean Porridge and the Tiger

This Hanji lantern, created by Geurimtory Hanji Workshop , is inspired by a beloved traditional Korean folktale. The story chosen for this piece is “The Red Bean Porridge Granny and the Tiger” —a favorite among children. Long ago, deep in the mountains,there live d an old woman who cultivated a red bean field. She was so skilled at making delicious red bean porridge that people called her Red Bean Porridge Granny . One peaceful day, a massive tiger appeared and threatened to eat her. The granny calmly pleaded, “It’s okay if you eat me, but if I die, who will make this delicious porridge for you?” She managed to persuade the tiger to return in the winter, when the first snow falls, so he could enjoy the porridge before eating her. With no one to turn to, the granny wept in despair. But to her surprise, the objects around her— a wooden frame for carrying loads, a straw mat, an awl, some dung, an egg, and even a soft-shelled turtle —came to life, listened to her story, and...

Sungnyemun

Sungnyemun, also known as Namdaemun, was the main gate of the fortress wall that surrounded Seoul during the Joseon Dynasty. Construction began in the 4th year of King Taejo’s reign (1395) and was completed in 1398, the 7th year of his reign. Designated as National Treasure No. 1, it was the oldest wooden building remaining in Seoul. However, it was destroyed by fire in 2008 and was later restored on July 3, 2013. In 2009, it was recreated as a Hanji lantern and exhibited at the Seoul Lantern Festival . It is unlikely that Sungnyemun ever existed as a real architectural structure. Although many ancient documents reference Sungnyemun, the architecture of the lantern version of Sungnyemun defies construction logic. The structure is built with massive stones, each seemingly carved and stacked with ruler-like precision, leaving no room for even a sesame leaf between the joints. Such precision surpasses even today’s scientific capabilities. Because of this, some speculate that Sungnyemun w...

Traditional Hanji Lantern Inspired by a Korean Folktale - Granny Red Bean Porridge and the Tiger

This year’s lantern is a traditional Hanji lantern inspired by one of the most beloved Korean folktales among children: Granny Red Bean Porridge and the Tiger . Once upon a time, deep in the mountains, there lived an old woman who cultivated red beans. She was so skilled at making red bean porridge that people called her “Granny Red Bean Porridge.” One peaceful day, a tiger the size of a house suddenly appeared and threatened to eat her. Granny pleaded, “I don’t mind dying, but if I do, who will make this delicious porridge? Come back in the snowy winter. You can enjoy the porridge then—and eat me if you still want to.” She barely managed to persuade the tiger to leave. Left with no one to turn to, the old woman wept alone. Just then, the items in her home—her carrying frame, a straw mat, an awl, some dung, an egg, and even a softshell turtle—gathered around and told her not to worry. When winter came and the tiger returned on the day of the winter solstice, Granny and her loyal “fri...

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