Dancheong: A Kaleidoscope of Korea's Cultural Heritage and Contemporary Inspiration [Photo Essay Contest]
Published: 08 Dec. 2023, 15:33
The Korea JoongAng Daily hosted its first photo essay contest for elementary, middle and high school students on the theme: “Promote the beauty of Korea to foreign countries." The contest ran from October to November. Photos containing scenes of traditional culture, family love, places to see and tasty treats in Korea were submitted for the contest.
Kyumin Kang from North London Collegiate School Jeju won the bronze prize in the high school category for this photo essay.
Understanding and remembering our countrys history and culture instills pride and offers valuable insight to our identity. Old history can be analysed through murals, written records, and items used by people at the time. Koreas long history and culture can be learned through Dancheong, a captivating Korean traditional art pattern. As a visual narrative to Koreas cultural past, Dancheong will invite us to explore its rich heritage and timeless significance.
Dancheong is made of various colours, and its beautiful patterns are used for architectural decoration purposes. It is unknown when exactly Dancheong was created. However, there are historical records that Dancheong was found on murals from the Goguryeo era, which was between 37 BC and 668 AD. Originally, Dancheong was an architectural technique designed to prevent wood from rusting. Yet, as many variations were created overtime, Dancheong also began to fulfill its role as a decoration containing the religion or culture of that era. It was especially used for religious or public buildings and royal architectures. For example, the Dancheong is used for Haeinsa temples Daejeokgwangjeon Hall, Gyeongbokgung Palace, and Changdeokgung Palace.
Dancheong continues to play a significant role in representing Korean culture in modern times. Many historical and cultural architectures in Korea, such as palaces, temples, and historical buildings, still contain Dancheong patterns. The preservation of these traditional arts helps maintain a connection to Koreas cultural heritage. Also, Dancheong patterns have transcended their traditional use. They are now incorporated into various forms of contemporary art and design. Recently, Black Pink, a globally famous K-pop group, claimed in a recent interview that they used many traditional Korean art patterns including Dancheong for their stage costumes. In this way, Dancheong serves as a source of inspiration for modern artists and designers from paintings and sculptures to fashion and home decor.
From its origins as a practical architectural technique to prevent wood corrosion, Dancheong has evolved into a captivating art form that encapsulates centuries of tradition and symbolism. Its presence in historical monuments preserves a strong connection between Koreas long history, while its adaptation into contemporary culture ensures its relevance in modern Korea. As a visual gateway of Koreas cultural and historical narratives, Dancheong not only instills pride, but also serves as a dynamic source of inspiration for artists, designers, and even global icons. The vibrant colours and meaningful patterns continue to resonate and foster a deep connection to the roots of Korean heritage and offer a compass for the present and beyond.
By Kyumin Kang, North London Collegiate School Jeju
with the Korea JoongAng Daily
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