Reimagining Centuries' Worth of Korean Culture Through This Immersive Philippine Exhibit

The exhibit Endless Landscape: Digitally Reimagined Korean Art operates in the intersection between tradition and modernity. And the Korean Cultural Center of the Philippines (KCC) likes it that way. Done in collaboration with the National Commission for Culture and the Arts, the organization brought this immersive showcase to life recently. With it, Filipinos get an open invitation to engage with centuries' worth of Korean tradition right here in Metro Manila.

“The National Museum of Korea is promoting a variety of programs to support overseas Korean galleries and exhibitions to enhance global understanding of Korean culture," Yoon Sung Yong, the Director General of the National Museum of Korea, says.

Despite the lack of Korean galleries or museums housing Korean cultural heritage, Korean presence in Filipino popular culture is as relevant as it has ever been. It's not a stretch to say that Filipinos love to consume Korean products. Likewise, Koreans remain some of the Philippines' most frequent visitors. Call it an informal exchange of ideas. Maybe call it parallel "stan"-ing.

Look no further than the fascination of Filipinos toward K-pop, K-dramas, and K-idols, whether it's local endorsements or concerts and the like. This exhibit, however, offers a deeper appreciation of Korea through elaborate video productions akin to the Van Gogh and upcoming Monet immersive exhibits in Bonifacio Global City.

The Bayanihan Dance Company performing at the Opening Ceremony of the exhibition last January 18. Gayageum Artist Ju Bora performed, as well.

Photo by KOREAN CULTURAL CENTER IN THE PHILIPPINES.

In a sense, this digital platform was conceptualized to honor the same medium that popularized the same distinct Korean imagery and flavor most Filipinos know of. By presenting video works through the latest technology, South Korea hopes to replicate that same effect, albeit on a much smaller scale.

It also happens to be the first outcome in the Philippines of the National Museum of Korea’s Overseas Korean Galleries Support Program. The initiative is part of the National Museum of Korea's efforts to promote its local artistic character and practices to a wider audience. This exhibit, likewise, coincides with the 75th anniversary of the Philippines and South Korea's bilateral relations.

"I hope that this exhibition focusing on digital content, which goes beyond conventional artifact-centered exhibitions, will serve as a unique opportunity to introduce Korean culture to the Filipino public," the director general adds.

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Centuries' Worth of Korean Tradition in Digital Form

The exhibition offers visitors a look into the traditional and contemporary contexts that have shaped and continue to reshape South Korean culture today. Apart from facilitating stronger exchanges between the two countries, Endless Landscape, in a way, substantiates not only the richness of Korean heritage but also its dominance as a digital innovator in Asia.

Guests are treated to an expansive panorama upon entering the exhibition space. A confluence of light, sound, and color provides each visitor with a warm introduction to the vibrance of Korean traditional painting. There are four video works on display at the showcase, each more compelling than the last.

All productions reference different epochs, symbols, and objects associated with early Korean art. Among the most notable here include "Endless Mountains and Rivers: A Prosperous World Unfolds in Nature," which is based on the iconic painting "Endless Mountains and Rivers" by Yi Inmun, a royal counter during the Joseon Dynasty.

"Royal Processions with the People"

Photo by KOREAN CULTURAL CENTER IN THE PHILIPPINES.

The painting depicts the greater relationship of man with nature. Scenes of mountains ablaze with autumn reds and rocky cliffs unfolding seemingly and the sight of people navigating boats and transporting goods offer a vision of utopia that once echoed through the last period of the dynasty.

Meanwhile, in “Royal Processions with the People," Uigwe shines as a grand chronicler of Korean life. A UNESCO Memory of the World, the collection records more than 500 years of important royal ceremonies during the Joseon Dynasty through text and illustrations.

This production synthesizes the books as digital content. It focuses on two major events: the 1795 procession of King Jeongjo (r. 1752-1800), the 22nd King of the Joseon Dynasty, to Hwaseong Fortress; and a banquet held in 1796 to celebrate the completion of the famed structure. Both are recreated, from the dancing and music to military drills, in glorious fashion.

"Peonies in Bloom"

Photo by KOREAN CULTURAL CENTER IN THE PHILIPPINES.

A personal favorite, “Peonies in Bloom” commemorates the bloom of Korea's "king of flowers." Peonies make sense as an emblem of a bygone regal order. This production takes from a two-panel peony painting from the National Museum of Korea that once hung at a Joseon Dynasty palace. Visitors are transported into a sumptuous garden of peonies, speaking to a particular splendor most often associated with royalty.

"Pillars of Divinity, Chongseok Rocks," on the other hand, pays homage to the vistas of the Geumgangsan Mountain area. With hexagonal rock pillars on the coast, its topography seems to be carved in the name of divinity.

This formation in Tongcheon, Gangwondo Province was immortalized by the painter and calligrapher Kim Gyujin, whose painting of the rocks adorned the Heejeongdang Hall. The artist was commissioned by Emperor Sunjong of the Korean Empire (1897-1910) way back when. It has since become a venerable subject among Korean artists and writers—now, it's been rendered in video format.

"Endless Mountains and Rivers: A Prosperous World Unfolds in Nature"

Photo by KOREAN CULTURAL CENTER IN THE PHILIPPINES.

The exhibition is the first in a planned series that celebrates the diplomatic anniversary of the two cultures, which is said to include a Korea Festival and K-drama OST Concert. Apart from this, the KCC will continue to support local Filipino artists by featuring them in monthly house concerts.

Endless Landscape: Digitally Reimagined Korean Art runs until June 29, 2024, on the 5th floor, Multipurpose Hall, of the Korean Cultural Center in the Philippines in Bonifacio Global City.