 Pottery |
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Pottery is shaped from clay then fired in high temperature kilns. They are usually fired once on 800-900℃heat, glazed with enamel, then fired again on a higher temperature of 1,300-1,500℃ It is unique in that it produces a clear sound when tapped, and has a clear sheen.
The first documented use of clay on the Korean peninsula was during the Neolithic era. By the Age of the Three Kingdoms (B.C.57-A.D.676), earthenware use in everyday life was common on the peninsula. During the Unified Silla Kingdom (676-935), the shape of earthenware diversified and began to carry decorative patterns.
With the arrival of the Goryeo era (918-1392), earthenware culture evolved into ceramic ware culture. Created by glazing and re-firing once baked earthenware, ceramic ware was superior in its durability, ease of use, and impermeability against water. With the creation of the 'cheongja', a type of clear, pale green hued ceramic, the Goryeo era cemented its place in history as the golden era of Korean ceramics culture. Of the 'cheongja' ceramics, those made using the 'sanggam' method (intricate designs were carved into the vase, and other materials added to the forms) are especially prized for their artistry and beauty- the pinnacle of ceramic making.
Afterwards in the Joseon era (1392-1910), white ceramics called 'cheongja' and 'buncheongsagi' made an appearance. Joseon era ceramics were simpler in design than its Goryeo era counterparts, and it was during this time that ceramic making techniques were transferred to Japan.
In modern times, the ceramic making tradition is continued in Icheon, Yeoju, Gwangju, Danyang, Mungyeong, Hadong, Gangjin, and Buan's ceramic villages ('dochon'). Of these, the Icheon Ceramics Village is the largest, occupied by the factories of over 80 companies. Visitors
can tour the factories and make direct purchases. Every two years, the World Ceramics Biennale is held as well. For those wishing to stay within Seoul, the Insadong street also has a diverse collection of ceramics on hand at any given time, from crude earthenware to the refined 'baekja'. |
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During a 1999 visit, Queen Elizabeth of England expressed her delight at the artistry of Korea's ceramics that she saw in Insadong.
Types of Ceramic Ware
Cheongja
The term 'cheongja' points to ceramic ware with a transparent pale green surface hue. The color was produced by adding iron to the glaze, and was an expression of jade (considered precious at the time) in ceramic form. This type of ceramic is a poetic embodiment of aristocratic culture at the time and is characterized by a pale green tint (sometimes called 'bisaek'), detailed designs, and simplicity in form. A longing for the eternal is expressed in the creation of the works, with designs incorporating cranes, clouds, ponds, and trees.
Baekja
'Baekja' is made by painting clear glaze over ceramic made from white clay. 'Baekja' was first created during the early Goryeo era along with 'cheongja', but only came into its own during the Joseon era. 'Baekja' most often has a pure white color, but sometimes green or milk color is added to the clay to give it a pale color. If the Goryeo 'cheongja' can be seen as the embodiment of the era's aristocratic culture and luxuries, then the 'baekja' is the embodiment of Joseon era's aristocratic scholars, who prized a noble mind and humility above all. Designs often incorporate dragons, pines, cranes, and peonies.
Buncheongsagi
'Buncheongsagi' has a grayish green body with painted designs or designs that were carved in after the body was covered with white earth. It lacks the refined sense of beauty of the Goryeo era 'cheongja', but is friendly and comfortable in mood. The designs usually consists of flowers and fish.
Onggi
Onggi is a large pot made from clay that has been fired at temperatures of 1,100-1,200℃ after glazing. Also called 'dok', it has long been used as a way to store fermented food items such as kimchi, red pepper paste, and bean paste.
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| Traditional Music |
Traditional Korean Music carries the rhythms and melodic scale of traditional Korea. It is also known as Korean Classical Music.
History
During the Age of the Three Kingdoms (57 B.C.-A.D. 676) there were significant musical advances on the Korean peninsula, including the Goguryeo nation's invention of the 'geomungo' and the Gaya nation's invention of the 'gayageum'. There was also an influx of music culture from China and its bordering countries as a part of the cultural exchange taking place at the time. During the Goryeo era, 'aak' and 'hyangak' gained influence- 'aak' being ceremonial court music played during the Jongmyo Shrine's Jerye Ceremony with Chinese roots, and 'hyangak' being the music of Goguryeo, Baekje, and Silla passed down directly to Goryeo. In the early/mid Joseon era (1392-1910) court music was in the spotlight, while in later years the focus was on folk music. 'Aak', being court music, was usually played during court ceremonies, and contained lyrics in praise of the king. In the 15th century, the music text 'Akhakgwebeom' was published, detailed music theory, history, and instruments. In the late Joseon era with the rapid evolution of commerce and industry and the increase in agricultural production levels, common culture began to develop, and music was directly influenced by such changes. In other words, there was an increase in members of society that began to enjoy music, broadening the types of musical genres available. Common culture saw the rise of the 'pansori' opera and folk music. Folk music was an honest, frank portrayal of the commoners' feelings and thoughts at the time, and many folk songs were a satire against the inequalities of society. This type of folk music later developed into 'samulnori' (music played on 4 different percussion instruments) and gained wide popularity with the general populace.
Instruments
There are over 100 different instruments used in traditional Korean music. These instruments are divided into three different categories depending on how the sound is produced from the instruments, and are divided as such:
'Hyeonakgi' (Stringed Instruments) : Gayageum, geomungo, yanggeum, haegeum, ajaeng, and more
'Gwanakgi' (Wind Instruments) : Daegeum, sogeum, piri, danso, saenghwang, nabal, nagak, tungso, and more
'Taakgi' (Percussion Instruments) : Bak, pyeonjong, pyeongyeong, janggu, kkwaenggari, buk, and more.
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| Traditional Dances |
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Traditional dance has its roots in prehistoric religious rites. Tribes would make religious ceremonies in honor of the gods and enjoyed singing and dancing during the ceremonies. Traditional dance is no more than a natural evolution of this type of reveling throughout the times, which eventually began to take organized form in the age of the Three Kingdoms (57B.C.-A.D.676), there were wall paintings made which depicted people dancing. In the Goryeo era(918-1392), dances were performed at major national events such as the 'Yeondeunghoe' (national Buddhist event) and 'Palgwanhoe' (praying to god for the well being of the nation). In the early/mid Joseon era (1392-1910) court dances saw development, while in the later Joseon years it was folk dances that took the focus. Court dances developed with the installation of royal culture, and were danced at national banquets and celebrations as well as for foreign dignitaries. Most court dances are in praise of the solemnity and |
importance of the royal family, and are characterized by the beautiful costumes and strong artistic blend. 'Geommu', 'hakmu' and 'cheoyongmu' are the main court dances. Folk dances, on the other hand, developed along with increase in commerce and industry. It expressed the lives and emotions of the common people and often criticized society at the time. 'Talchum', 'musokchum', 'kkokdugaksi nori', 'taepyeongmu', 'hannyangmu', and 'salpurichum' are some of the most well known folk dances. Of these, the 'talchum' mask dances and 'sandaenori' mask dances were especially known to be critical of the wrongdoings carried out by aristocrats and monks. Dances such as the 'jangguchum and 'buchaechum' fan dance, which are thought to be traditional dances, are relatively new inventions made during the 1930-1960s. Other dances include ceremonial dances performed at Buddhist ceremonies such as 'barachum', 'cheopgochum', 'nabichum', and dances performed at religious ceremonies (including the Jongmyo Jerye) such as the 'ilmu'.
Representative Traditional Dances
Geommu:
Four dancers face one another and dance with long swords. The movements are quick and powerful.
Talchum:
Performed with various masks, there is the 'bongsan' talchum, 'ogwangdae' talchum, 'saja' talchum, and others.
Seungmu:
With a strong Buddhist aspect, this dance is performed wearing a indigo skirt, white top, and white pointed hat.
Taepyeongmu:
A dance performed in hopes of the well being of the nation. The accompanying music is very complicated, and the movements are difficult as well- especially the movement of the feet.
Hannyangmu:
A satirical dance about 'hannyang' and monk who are both trying to seduce the same woman. A 'hannyang' is an aristocrat who has failed to gain public office.
Salpurichum:
A shaman's dance from the southern Gyeonggido region, it is a dance to ward off bad luck. The dancer dresses in all white, holding a white fabric. The dance is pure and beautiful.
Jangguchum:
A dance performed with the 'janggu' instrument on the shoulders. It can be performed solo or in a group, and the movement of the feet is quick and joyous.
Buchaechum:
This dance is performed by dancers wearing 'hanbok' and carrying ornate, feathered fans in both hands. The fans come together to create waves, flowers, and other forms for a fantastic display.
Barachum:
A Buddhist dance performed with the 'bara' (a round percussion instrument made of metal, sound is produced by clapping two together) instrument in both hands. It signifies refusing all evil spirits and purifying the mind.
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| Traditional Houses |
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Introduction
'Hanok' is a word used to describe houses constructed using the traditional Korean style of architecture. Korean architecture lends consideration to the positioning of the house in relation to its surroundings, with thought given to the land and seasons. The interior structure of the house is also planned accordingly. This principle is also called 'Baesanimsu', meaning the ideal house is built with a mountain in the back and a river in the front, with the 'ondol' heated rock syhouses are l stem for heating during cold winters and a wide 'daecheong' front porch for keeping the house cool during hot summers. Houses differ according to region. In the cold northern parts of Korea, houses are built in a closed square form to retain heat better. In the central regions, houses are 'L' shaped. Houses in the southernmost regions of Korea are built in an open 'I' form. Houses can also be classified according to who it was built for, high class, middle class, or lower class.
Upper Class Residences
These houses are the cream of the crop of traditional Korean architecture, built with both form and function in mind. Influenced by Confucian ideas, the house is planned with the residents＇ gender, age, and standing in mind. Male adults slept and ate in the ＇sarangchae', while women and children dwelled in the 'anchae', which was sometimes used for married couples as well. The servant's quarters were the 'haengnang', and the ancestors were honored in the 'sadang'. The wide porch was called the 'daecheong'. Care was taken to place the 'anchae' in the inner regions of the house to restrict women from going in and out freely. In the case of male children, they lived in the 'anchae' until reaching the age of 7, after which they were moved to the 'sarangchae'. Female children remained in the 'anchae'. Upper classes residences had tiled roofs, and were often referred to as 'giwajib' because of it.
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Middle Class and Lower Class Residences
Middle and lower class residences have a simple structure of the room, porch, and kitchen. Usually, straw was used to thatch the roof, and depending on region oak bark or pieces of pine were used instead. On the windy island of Jeju, rocks were hung from roofs to keep them in place.
Hanok Experience Accommodations
A hanok style guest house, where visitors can experience life in a traditional hanok. Old hanok that are intact are used, or the houses have been recreated specifically for use as overnight accommodations for travelers.
Rakgojae Yangsanjae Jeonju Hanok Living Experience Center
Where Hanok and Culture Converge
Insadong is a street of traditional culture, and many of the structures on its streets are actual traditional houses that have been preserved, or traditional hanok that have been modified. There are many teahouses and restaurants offering delicious fare in a stylishly traditional atmosphere.
The Korea House is a restaurant housed in a traditional Korean hanok which offers not only traditional food but dance as well.
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