Experience the Stunning Scenery of Chilbosan, the "Little Geumgang," Digitally

Simultaneous Video Exhibitions of 'Walking Chilbosan' in Korea and the US
Silk Ink and Light Color Folding Screen Paintings, Digitally Presented
"Experience Made Possible with Cleveland Museum of Art Cooperation"

The scenic Chilbosan Mountain in Myeongcheon, Hamgyeongbuk-do, is being showcased at the National Palace Museum of Korea and the Cleveland Museum of Art in the United States.

On the 15th, the Cultural Heritage Administration and the Overseas Korean Cultural Heritage Foundation opened a digital video exhibition titled "Strolling through Chilbosan, the Little Geumgang" at both locations, featuring the "Chilbosan Folding Screen (七寶山圖屛風)." The Chilbosan Folding Screen is a ten-panel folding screen painting of Chilbosan Mountain rendered in ink and light colors on silk. It is part of the Cleveland Museum of Art’s collection.

Chilbosan is a famous scenic spot frequently depicted in Joseon Dynasty artworks. The starting point is the "Record of Traveling Chilbosan (Yuchilbosangi, 遊七寶山記)" written in March 1542 by Im Hyeongsu (1514?1547), the magistrate of Hoeryeongbu in Hamgyeong Province. It contains detailed descriptions and reflections on the motivation for the journey, the companions, and the travel route. It is regarded as the beginning of Chilbosan’s travel culture, as it assigned names to previously unnamed scenic spots.

The author of the Chilbosan Folding Screen is unknown but was influenced by this record. The screen was created in the 19th century as a large-scale linked-panel (yeonpok, 連幅) folding screen, which forms a single large horizontal canvas effect. Its dimensions are 460.0 cm in width and 185.2 cm in height. The entire Chilbosan landscape is depicted with delicate brushwork.

The inscription at the top of the first panel explains the origin of the name Chilbosan. Names written on various peaks and rocks identify famous spots such as Gaesimsa Temple (Gaesimsa, 開心寺), Hoisangdae Pavilion (Hoisangdae, 會象臺), and Geumgang Cave (Geumganggul, 金剛窟).

The exhibition opening date, March 15, is the same day Im Hyeongsu set out on his journey to Chilbosan, symbolizing that visitors also embark on a journey through Chilbosan.

Choi Eungcheon, head of the Cultural Heritage Administration, said, "Since ancient times, Chilbosan has been compared to the beauty of Geumgangsan and called the 'Little Geumgang.' Thanks to the cooperation of the Cleveland Museum of Art, we were able to provide an opportunity to experience it vividly through digital video." The Cleveland Museum of Art also donated eighteen pieces of white porcelain with blue designs from the Jeong Ikgong branch of the Hansan Yi clan in 2022.

The Overseas Korean Cultural Heritage Foundation added narration by actor Ryu Jun-yeol and music composed by Yang Bang-ean to the digital video of the Chilbosan Folding Screen. Additionally, a large three-sided video display, five meters high, simulates changes in time and weather to enhance visitor immersion.

A foundation official emphasized, "The actual folding screen will also be exhibited at the Cleveland Museum of Art. This is the first digital content production project targeting overseas cultural heritage and holds special significance as Korea and the United States share its value together."

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