찬란했던 고려의 귀환...건국 1100주년 기념 "대고려전 918•2018"
The National Museum of Korea is holding a special exhibition to celebrate 11-hundred years since the founding of the Goryeo Dynasty.
The museum hoped to display the Statue of Wang Geon, which belongs to North Korea, but it is still waiting for Pyeongyang to lend the statue to Seoul.
Yoon Jung-min provides a glimpse of what to expect.
2018 marks 11-hundred years since the medieval Korean kingdom of Goryeo was founded. To commemorate the anniversary, the National Museum of Korea is hosting a special exhibition "Goryeo: The Glory of Korea" from December 4th until March 3rd next year.
The exhibition introduces masterpieces and items used in the royal palace as well as pieces of Buddhist art.
Founded in 918, Goryeo prospered on the Korean peninsula until 1392.
The dynasty traded with foreign countries and was so well known to foreigners that the roots of the word "Korea" come from the word "Goryeo."
"Amid the rapidly changing situation in East Asia, Goryeo lasted as a kingdom for 475 years. To celebrate 11-hundred years since its foundation, 450 relics from museums and institutions around the world have been brought all the way to Seoul for this exhibition."
The exhibition shows the empire's artistic accomplishments through paintings, pottery and sculptures which were made from the delicate touch of the craftsmen of the time.
As Buddhism prospered, Goryeo left many pieces of religious art, such as the painting of the Amitabha Buddha.
"It was impressive to witness the technology and culture of Goryeo. I was proud. It's good that I saw what I'd learned in textbooks right before my eyes."
An empty glass case sits right next to the statue of Master Huirang,... who was a spiritual mentor of Wang Geon, the founder of Goryeo.
The national museum originally planned to display the Statue of Wang Geon which belongs to North Korea,... but the statue is still in Pyeongyang right now.
During the first inter-Korean summit, South Korean President Moon Jae-in asked his North Korean counterpart Kim Jong-un to send cultural relics for the exhibition from the North, including the statue.
Chairman Kim agreed to cooperate then, but Pyeongyang has not sent the relics yet.
The museum left the space empty in the hope that the relics can be added some time during the exhibition.
Yoon Jung-min, Arirang News.
