Upon entering the museum’s outdoor exhibition, visitors encounter a tableau of traditional Korean symbols: stone towers, cone-shaped structures believed to ward off misfortune; jangseung, totem poles carved with human faces, serving as village guardians; and sotdae, poles topped with bird sculptures, meant to protect against evil spirits.
A path flanked by jangseung leads to the hyojagak, a pavilion dedicated to individuals exemplifying filial piety.
The building, adorned with intricate carvings of lotus buds, dragons, and phoenixes, and painted with the vibrant dancheong style, underscores the importance of filial duty in Korean tradition.
Nearby, muninseok, stone scholars with clasped hands, stand as guardians, placed before tombs to protect the deceased and their offerings, another manifestation of Confucian ideals from the Joseon era.
At the heart of the outdoor exhibition stands ochondaek, a relocated middle-class home from the late Joseon period.
Built in 1848 in what is now North Gyeongsang Province, the tile-roofed residence offers a window into ancestral lifestyles, with displays of traditional spring festival practices. The house’s wooden floor provides a moment of respite, evoking a sense of stability.
Other outdoor exhibits include traditional millstones and sculptures of the 12 zodiac animals.
Inside, the museum features “Streets of Memories,” a recreation of Seoul’s neighborhood alleys in the 1970s and 80s. The area, with its nostalgic shops – stationery stores, comic book shops, and small grocery stores – resonates particularly with Korean adults, evoking childhood memories. The conversations overheard in the traditional tea house seem to convey a shared sense of nostalgia.
The museum’s proximity to Gyeongbok Palace and the abundance of nearby hanbok rental shops contribute to a picturesque scene, with visitors touring the grounds in traditional Korean attire, blending seamlessly with the museum’s focus on folk traditions.
For those visiting Seoul, the National Folk Museum of Korea offers a memorable journey into the nation’s past.
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