Admiral Yi Sun-sin, known posthumously as Chungmugong, is celebrated as a national hero who saved Korea from the brink of collapse during the Japanese invasions of the Imjin War. This conflict was an international war in which Joseon and Ming China allied to repel Japan’s invasions. Beginning in the 25th year of King Seonjo’s reign (1592), Japan launched two major invasions of Joseon, the first breaking out in the year of Imjin, hence the name Imjin War . Admiral Yi personally commanded every battle he fought, achieving an unprecedented record of consecutive victories unmatched in world naval history. His strategies are so renowned that they continue to be studied in naval academies in the United States, Britain, Japan, and beyond. So closely linked are Admiral Yi and the turtle ship ( geobukseon ) that one is often invoked in reference to the other. Even today, a turtle ship is displayed near the statue of Admiral Yi at Gwanghwamun in Seoul. Japanese soldiers once called it mekura bu...

This folktale depicts the story of two old men with lumps and their encounter with goblins. In one scene, the kind old man sings to the goblins, “Shine, shine, bright moon, the same moon that Li Taibai once played under,” delighting them with his song. Moved by his gentle nature, the goblins remove the lump from his face. Later, however, the greedy and ill-tempered old man attempts to imitate him, hoping for the same reward. Instead, angered by his behavior, the goblins punish him by attaching yet another lump to his face. This tale contrasts kindness and greed, teaching the timeless lesson that good-heartedness is rewarded, while selfishness leads to misfortune.

During the Joseon Dynasty, under the influence of Confucian values, boys and girls were not allowed to sit together once they reached the age of seven. For this reason, it was extremely difficult for men and women to meet openly in public. As a result, couples would often arrange secret rendezvous in secluded places or meet at night. Inspired by Shin Yun-bok’s Lovers Under the Moonlight , the lantern artwork Secret Rendezvous by Moonlight is held in the collection of the Kansong Art and Cultural Foundation and has been designated National Treasure No. 135. The painting is executed in ink and color on paper. In modern society, however, rising violent crimes have made women more cautious when walking at night. Parents of daughters naturally feel a heightened sense of worry, leading many to discourage late-night outings or clandestine meetings with lovers. The Lovers Under the Moonlight lantern is seen as a symbolic substitute, allowing couples to “spend time together” without the risk...

Munmu is a type of Ilmu (line dance) performed during Confucian ancestral rites at the Munmyo shrine and the royal ancestral rituals at Jongmyo. It is danced to honor the civil virtues of the deceased, corresponding to Mumu , which praises martial achievements. At Jongmyo, Munmu is performed during the Yeongsin (welcoming of spirits), Jeonpye (presentation of offerings), and Chohon (first libation) stages of the rite. As part of the Jongmyo Daeje (Great Ritual at Jongmyo), this dance employs ritual objects: in the left hand, dancers hold an yak (a bamboo flute with three holes made of yellow bamboo), and in the right hand, a jeok (a wooden staff decorated with pheasant feathers). The choreography begins with the dancers lifting their right foot and raising both arms as if carrying something on their shoulders, followed by bowing forward while lowering their arms. These movements are performed first facing north, then west, east, and back north again, repeating the same sequence ...

Baekje was a kingdom founded in 18 BCE by King Onjo. Building its foundation on the fertile natural environment of the Han River basin, the kingdom grew and flourished, reaching its peak under King Geunchogo. Baekje cultivated a refined and elegant culture, but it fell in 660 CE to the allied forces of Silla and Tang. According to legend, Onjo, the son of Jumong, moved south and established the capital at Wiryeseong in the Han River region, first naming the state Sipje . After the death of his brother Biryu, Onjo united the people under his rule, and the name was changed to Baekje , meaning “a hundred joys,” symbolizing the people’s contentment in following him. Baekje’s governmental system developed into the office of the Sangjwa-pyeong (chief minister), the Six Jwapyeong, a 16-rank hierarchy, 22 Dammno (local administrative districts), Bangnyeong, and 22 central ministries. As depicted in Goguryeo murals, attire consisted of jackets reaching down to the waist paired with trousers, a...

A carpenter who builds houses or makes household items from wood is generally called a moksu . Among these, the Daemokjang refers to the master carpenter responsible for the construction of palaces, temples, and grand residences. Recognizing the cultural value of traditional wooden architecture, the Korean government designated the Daemokjang as Important Intangible Cultural Heritage No. 74 in 1982 to preserve and pass down this tradition. Today, renowned Daemokjang masters include Jeon Heung-su, Shin Eung-su, and Choi Ki-young. The Daemokjang is often praised as an artisan who elevates wood into beautiful works of art. The development of wooden architecture in Korea owes much to the building of temples. With the introduction of Buddhism in the 4th century, temple construction marked the beginning of Korea’s flourishing wooden architecture. Surviving structures such as the Muryangsujeon Hall of Buseoksa and the Geungnakjeon Hall of Bongjeongsa attest to the world-class craftsmansh...

The Uigwe of the Joseon Dynasty were detailed records that documented major state ceremonies almost as if they were photographs. For royal events such as weddings, funerals, sixtieth birthday banquets, or receptions for foreign envoys, the Joseon court always produced a booklet combining written accounts with illustrations. These records were called Uigwe . The purpose of creating the Uigwe was to serve as a reference for future generations when conducting similar ceremonies. Thus, each volume included various official documents prepared for the event, organizational charts of duties, lists of responsible officials, the number of people mobilized, the materials and goods used, the expenses incurred, and a step-by-step written record of the entire process. Court painters from the Bureau of Painting ( Dohwaseo ) were assigned to illustrate the proceedings. In simple terms, the role of the Uigwe was not unlike that of today’s event management companies: planning, documenting, and rep...

Shin Yun-bok’s Boat Trip is a landscape painting that portrays yangban, the noble class, indulging in leisurely pleasures. A woman dips her hand into the flowing water as a young noble gazes at her, while another scholar, smoking a pipe, embraces a woman. An elderly scholar stands with his hands clasped behind his back, seemingly deep in thought—or perhaps watching the woman playing an instrument at the bow of the boat. To enliven the mood, a young bachelor plays the daegeum (bamboo flute), while the boatman struggles with his labor. Known also as Juyucheonggang (“Boating on a Clear River”), this work is among Shin Yun-bok’s representative pieces within his album of paintings. Though primarily celebrated for his genre paintings ( pungsokhwa ), this work shows his skill in landscape as well. The refined treatment of mountains and trees demonstrates his sophisticated brushwork ( suji-beop ) and reflects traces of influence from Kim Hong-do.

The Lion Dance is a traditional performance in which actors wear lion masks and display a variety of acrobatic and theatrical skills. Among the mask plays that still exist today, the lion dance can be seen in Bukcheong Saja Noreum , Bongsan Talchum , Gangnyeong Talchum , Eunyul Talchum , Suyeong Yaryu , Tongyeong Ogwangdae , Hahoe Byeolsingut Talnori , and others. The Lion Dance serves the role of purifying the performance ground. Records of lion masks first appear in literature, specifically in Samguk Sagi and in Sanye , one of Choe Chiwon’s Hyangak Japyeong O-su poems published in a miscellany. Sanye refers to a lion dance performed while wearing a lion mask. This poem reveals that the lion dance was introduced through Yusa, that is, via the Gobi Desert, thereby clarifying its origins. It explicitly states that the lion dance has roots in Western regions. Among the various lion mask performances, the Bongsan Talchum has been particularly recreated.

This fairy tale follows the story of a girl named Dorothy, who is swept away by a tornado and finds herself in the magical land of Oz. There, she meets a Scarecrow, a Tin Man, a Lion, and the Good Witch. When they finally reach the Emerald City, each of their dreams comes true: the Scarecrow receives wisdom, the Tin Man gains the gift of love, and the Lion finds courage. With the help of Glinda the Good Witch, Dorothy ultimately returns to Kansas, where Uncle Henry and Aunt Em are waiting for her.

Alice’s Adventures in Wonderland is the famous fairy tale written by Lewis Carroll. Since its first publication, the story has been beloved across generations and has frequently appeared in countless forms—films, musicals, plays, comics, and more. Among these many adaptations, Disney’s Alice in Wonderland remains one of the most iconic and representative works, continuing to capture the imagination of audiences worldwide.

In Madagascar , Marty the zebra dreams of the wild jungle, and because of this, he and his three friends from New York’s Central Park Zoo end up aboard a ship bound for Africa. Their unexpected destination is the mysterious island of Madagascar. Stripped of their instincts for survival, the four zoo animals must now face the challenge of living in the wild. This story stands out with its unique twist—animals longing not for freedom, but for the comfort and safety of human care.

The Little Prince is filled with profound messages that resonate just as deeply with adults as with children. Often hailed as one of the most beautiful stories in the world, Antoine de Saint-Exupéry’s masterpiece shines not merely through its narrative but through its poetic wisdom. “What makes the desert beautiful is that somewhere it hides a well.” “If you come at four o’clock, then from three o’clock I shall begin to be happy.” Each line in The Little Prince is crafted with the elegance and precision of poetry, making the work timeless and universally cherished.

Little Red Riding Hood is sent by her parents on an errand to deliver delicious cookies to her ailing grandmother. Upon arriving at her grandmother’s house, she finds herself face-to-face with a wolf disguised as her grandmother. Just as she is about to be devoured, a passing hunter comes to her rescue, saving both her life and her grandmother’s. This timeless tale warns of danger while celebrating courage and protection.

The tale of Beauty and the Beast tells of a prince who, cursed by a witch, is transformed into a fearsome beast and becomes an object of terror, living in a dark and frightening castle. Unless he discovers true love before his 21st birthday, he will remain trapped under the spell forever. As time passes, a beautiful young woman named Belle moves into the village, and through her heartfelt confession of love, the curse is broken. The prince returns to his human form, and he and Belle share a joyous dance, living happily ever after.

Puss in Boots tells the tale of a miller’s son who inherits nothing but a single cat. With only a bag and a pair of boots, the clever cat devises a plan to elevate his master’s fortunes. Through wit and cunning, Puss secures fine clothes, wins the grand castle of the Marquis of Carabas, and even arranges for his master to marry a princess. Thanks to the cat’s resourcefulness, they live happily ever after.

One Christmas, a young girl named Marie receives a nutcracker doll as a gift from her godfather, Herr Drosselmeyer. However, her brother Fritz accidentally breaks the doll, and Marie tenderly cares for it with great devotion. From that moment on, the story unfolds with the breaking of the Mouse Queen’s curse, leading the Nutcracker—revealed to be a prince from the Land of Dolls—back to his true form. Through Marie’s sincere love, the tale concludes with the two living happily ever after.

Cheoyongmu, a royal court dance, was inscribed on UNESCO’s Representative List of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity in 2009. According to legend, Cheoyong, the son of a dragon king, returned home late at night only to find four feet in his room—two belonging to his wife and two to a spirit of plague. Instead of reacting with anger, Cheoyong sang a song and performed a dance. Moved by his generosity and noble character, the spirit was astonished and vowed never to return. This tale of Cheoyong is recorded in the Samguk Yusa (Memorabilia of the Three Kingdoms).

In prehistoric times, as communities first began to form, large shell mounds—the remnants of their staple food—were discovered in abundance. Alongside these, comb-pattern pottery, stone tools, and net sinkers were unearthed, sparking our imagination about the lives of those early people. From pit houses to charred acorns and fish remains, few symbols seem as fitting as fish when it comes to recreating the imagery of the prehistoric era.

Pinocchio was carved from wood by the kind carpenter Geppetto, who gave him his name. With the help of a fairy, Pinocchio is able to speak and act like a human. During a cold winter, Geppetto even sells his own clothes to send him to school, yet Pinocchio is lured away by a circus and swept into all kinds of adventures. After a reckless life, he even ends up inside the belly of a giant whale, but through Geppetto’s devoted love he is rescued and eventually becomes a real boy. This moral tale, where lying makes Pinocchio’s nose grow long, has been parodied in countless ways, often bringing laughter while reminding us of its timeless lesson.

Located on the slopes of Maebongsan in Mapo-gu, Seoul, the Oil Tank Culture Park was created by transforming the former Mapo Oil Depot, an abandoned industrial facility, into a cultural park that preserves its historical significance while serving as a hub for civic cultural activities. Covering an area the size of 22 soccer fields, the site’s six massive tanks have been fully repurposed into performance halls, lecture rooms, and exhibition spaces that document both past and future stories. Now firmly established as one of Seoul’s landmark urban regeneration projects, why not take a moment this autumn to experience the unique atmosphere of the Oil Tank Culture Park?

The wave of Hallyu, the Korean Wave, grows stronger with each passing year across the globe. Today, Hallyu has become another defining icon that symbolizes Korea itself. Through the luminous Hallyu performance at Cheonggyecheon, we envision a future where new culture blossoms in the heart of Seoul, the capital of Korea, and where the hearts of people around the world come together as one.

The dragon may not exist in reality, yet it is one of the most familiar legendary creatures to us. It has long stood close to our daily lives as a powerful spiritual being, a symbol of authority, and a mystical guardian of the nation. For our ancestors, the dragon was regarded as a symbol of hope and achievement, so much so that the gateway to success and high office was called the Dragon Gate ( Deung-yong-mun ). May you, too, walk alongside this mighty creature and receive the auspicious energy it bestows.

Standing proudly atop Namsan Mountain, N Seoul Tower serves both as a broadcasting tower and a popular tourist attraction offering panoramic views of the city. For Seoul residents, it is a cherished place of memories shared with family, friends, and loved ones. For visitors, it is a must-see landmark that captures the beauty of Seoul in a single glance. As you gaze upon the glowing Namsan Tower that holds our memories, may it bring back the passion of days gone by.

Korean traditional patterns reflect the country’s deep cultural beauty and are often categorized by their materials and meanings. These patterns are not merely decorative—they embody wishes and intentions, expressed through motifs of animals, plants, characters, geometric shapes, or human figures from nature. As you admire the elegant lines and dimensional beauty of these designs, may all your heartfelt wishes come true.

Korea’s temple bells are renowned for their deep, majestic sound that resonates far and wide. In the past, these bells were used to mark time or summon people at temples. Even today, Seoul’s Bosingak Bell plays an important role in ringing in the New Year. We invite you to feel the powerful resonance of the Bitchorong Grand Bell with your heart.

Hanji Lighting Researcher and Artistic Director Lim Young Taek Oversaw the production of the Seoul Lantern Festival in 2018 and 2019 Hopes to create local festivals centered on lanterns Every November, the “Seoul Lantern Festival” lights up the Cheonggyecheon stream area in downtown Seoul. The 2019 festival, held from November 1 to 17, featured the theme of fairy tales. When visiting the site on November 12, the area was bustling with visitors despite it being a weekday. About 280 lanterns lit up the 1.2 km stretch from Cheonggye Plaza to Supyogyo Bridge. True to its fairy tale theme, familiar characters drew the attention of visitors—ranging from Korean folktales such as The Cowherd and the Weaver Girl and Kongjwi and Patjwi , to global classics like Cinderella and Aladdin . Hidden lanterns, such as cats and dogs under bridges or pigeons peeking through gaps, added an element of discovery. We sat down with Lim Young Taek (50), the artistic director responsible for producing the ...

Festival Director · Spatial Lighting Designer · Hanji Lighting Researcher "Painting dreams and hope for people with brush and paint on the beautiful hanji lent to us by nature." "Too often, we simplify festivals. Even when time is short, budgets are tight, or event organizers propose unreasonable ideas—if we focus only on the joy of attendees, we must dig deeper in our thinking. A festival site isn’t a place that sells happiness—it’s where residents purchase it. What if we shift our perspective from tourists to residents?" Q1. “Hello, Director Im. Happy New Year—Im In Year (壬寅年). Could you share your New Year greetings for 2022 with our readers?” A1. Hello, EventGuide subscribers! I’m Lim Young-taek, the Artistic Director at Gleamtory – A Fun Story of Lanterns . Wishing everyone a healthy and prosperous new year in this Im In Year of the Black Tiger. I especially hope that those working in festivals will advance this year more firmly, proudly, and calmly than ...