Unleash the Power of Dragons: Special Exhibition at the National Folk Museum

Special Exhibition at the National Folk Museum: Experience the Power of Dragons

The National Folk Museum is hosting a special exhibition called ‘龍, 날아오르다’ to celebrate the Year of the Dragon. This exhibition, which started on the 20th of last month, showcases a variety of folk paintings and crafts that symbolize the dragon. Visitors can immerse themselves in the rich cultural heritage of dragons through the displayed artwork and photographs.

Highlights of the Exhibition

One of the standout pieces in the exhibition is the ‘백자청화운룡무늬항아리,’ a porcelain jar adorned with a delicate blue dragon motif. The graceful curves of the porcelain jar, combined with the depiction of a soaring dragon in the media art behind it, create a captivating display that captures the awe-inspiring presence of dragons.

Visitors will also have the opportunity to appreciate traditional folk paintings that reflect the characteristics of dragons. The ‘운용도,’ ‘문자도,’ and ‘약리도’ paintings beautifully capture the essence of dragons in different artistic styles. Although these paintings may not feature the traditional blue color associated with dragons, the museum explains that ancient depictions often used shades of green similar to the current understanding of blue.

Exploring Dragon-related Place Names

The exhibition also sheds light on the prevalence of dragon-related place names in South Korea. According to statistics from the National Geographic Information Institute in 2021, out of approximately 100,000 place names, there are 4,109 animal-related place names, with 1,261 of them being dragon-related. Notable examples include ‘용두산’ and ‘용두암,’ which derive their names from the geographical features associated with dragons. The exhibition also delves into dragon-related proverbs and historical events, providing a comprehensive understanding of the cultural significance of dragons.

Modern Interpretations and Interactive Experiences

The exhibition offers a fascinating glimpse into the modern interpretations of the Blue Dragon. Visitors can experience the iconic ‘청룡열차’ (Blue Dragon Train) through immersive first-person perspective videos. Additionally, artifacts such as the ‘MBC 청룡 야구공’ (MBC Blue Dragon Baseball) and ‘한국 프로야구 원형 딱지’ (Korean Professional Baseball Circular Medal) provide insights into the origins of the ‘LG트윈스’ (LG Twins) baseball team, which was formerly known as ‘MBC Cheongryong.’

Embracing Traditional Customs: ‘용알뜨기’ Event

The exhibition also features the ‘용알뜨기’ event, a traditional custom believed to bring good luck and health. This custom involves drawing water from a well or spring on the first dragon day of the lunar year. The exhibition recreates this tradition by placing event gifts in a well within the exhibition space. The first visitor to discover the gift in the well will have the opportunity to take it home, symbolizing good fortune and longevity.

Wishing for a Successful Year of the Dragon

The National Folk Museum expressed its hopes that this special exhibition, which runs until March 3rd, 2022, will provide visitors with a deeper understanding of dragons and inspire them with the soaring spirit of dragons. As the year 2024 approaches, symbolizing the Year of the Blue Dragon, the museum wishes for all endeavors to be successful, drawing strength from the power and symbolism of dragons.