Online Special Exhibition Appreciating Traditional Crafts: 'Ok, Captivated by Light'

Jongno-gu Operates Various Online Programs and Exhibitions to Quench Residents' Thirst for Culture and Arts

[Asia Economy Reporter Park Jong-il] Jongno-gu (Mayor Kim Young-jong) is conducting a variety of online programs to comfort residents exhausted by the prolonged COVID-19 pandemic and to quench their thirst for culture and the arts.

First, in celebration of the 2020 Cultural Diversity Week, the district provided an opportunity to recognize the value of cultural diversity through art and to respect differences and diversity among people.

They posted an engaging video titled “Stories of Cultural Diversity in Films” on the Jongno Cultural Foundation’s YouTube channel.

The videos are thoughtfully organized, starting with a step-by-step understanding of what cultural diversity means, followed by a selection of the top 20 cultural diversity films recommended by a film programmer, and a deeper exploration of three specially selected films with special guests such as critics and journalists.

While there is no single correct way to watch films, this is a precious opportunity to view works from a new perspective in commemoration of Cultural Diversity Week, so the Jongno Cultural Foundation highly recommends enjoying these ambitiously prepared videos.

Next, to prevent the spread of COVID-19, a planned exhibition titled “Korea’s Beauty” is being held on the Jongno Cultural Foundation’s blog and YouTube, allowing people to appreciate the beauty and excellence of traditional crafts from home.

The exhibition, named “Jade, Falling in Love with Light,” introduces precious jade craftworks by Eom Ik-pyeong, holder of Seoul City Intangible Cultural Property No. 37, including white jade seals, hairpins, jade binyeo (ornamental hairpins), and hyanggap norigae (jade pendants).

Visitors can see meticulously recreated works such as King Yeongjo’s jade seal stand from over 300 years ago during the Joseon Dynasty, the jade seal stand of Prince Yeongchin from over 100 years ago, jade seals crafted by artisans inspired by the royal seal, and Dae-sumeori, a collaborative work by various artisans.

Moreover, master jade craftsman Eom Ik-pyeong personally shares stories related to the works, adding a special touch.

With Mugyewon, a traditional cultural space in Buam-dong, strictly following quarantine guidelines and reopening, the planned exhibition “Jade, Falling in Love with Light” is available for offline viewing until July 26 at Mugyewon (2, Changuimun-ro 5ga-gil).

Viewing hours are from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., Tuesday through Sunday, with Mondays closed. Admission is free. The number of visitors inside the exhibition hall is limited to 15 to maintain social distancing, and entry is allowed only after a temperature check confirming normal body temperature.

There is also a time to enjoy a free sewing craft program at home using a smartphone or computer. This is the non-face-to-face craft program “Home Workshop” by Changsin Communication Workshop. It is highly anticipated as it allows participants to create impressive sewing craft results using minimal materials easily found nearby. Installation of the Zoom video conferencing program is mandatory, and the class is conducted with interactive communication between the instructor and participants.

The program includes practicing traditional Korean sewing, a feedback session with the instructor and participants about the sewing done, explanations of basic patterns for skirts and garments, and hands-on work on a basic skirt pattern.

To overcome COVID blues, lifestyle culture clubs affiliated with Jongno-rang also participate. For those experiencing lethargy due to COVID-19, they produced a video titled “Jongno Life One Stitch Challenge” to share small daily joys and help overcome difficult times together. The video covers unboxing of a patchwork sewing experience kit, the easy-to-follow kit-making process, and the completed results.

Jongno-rang is a club operated to promote lifestyle culture through voluntary participation of ordinary citizens rather than professional artists. Upon joining Jongno-rang, members can interact with other local clubs, create festivals through enjoyable gatherings, and participate in various educational programs aimed at strengthening networks and enhancing capabilities.

For related inquiries, contact the Cultural Planning Team of the Jongno Cultural Foundation.

Mayor Kim Young-jong said, “With the prolonged COVID-19 pandemic compounded by the rainy season and heatwave, I hope residents who are very exhausted can find comfort in their tiring daily lives by enjoying online exhibitions and other non-face-to-face programs. Although these are difficult times for everyone, we will maintain steady interest and prepare various programs so that residents do not miss out on a ‘life with culture.’”

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.