(Source: National Museum of Korea)

 In 2024, during the year of the blue dragon’s energy, the National Museum of Korea is holding a special exhibition called ‘Finding a Blue Dragon.’ The dragon has always been special to Korean history from the past to the present. In the past, a dragon which was printed on the king's clothes meant ‘power.’ As it says “a rags to riches story.” it symbolized hope and achievement to the people. In addition, during the Japanese Invasion of Korea in 1592, the Turtle Ship which played a big role at beating Japanese raiders, had a head that looked like a dragon’s head. Therefore the dragon is symbolic when we look at Korean history. Pharos visited the special exhibition that the National Museum of Korea is holding to look at the meaning of our cultural heritage with dragons. Furthermore, Pharos would like to pray together for happiness, achievement, and peace in 2024 together. 

 1. Ojoryong(Five-clawed Dragon), symbol of the king 

(Portrait of King Taejo of Joseon-reproduction) 

Time: Joseon, 1872

Information: The powerful dragon symbolized the king. Therefore, the king’s face is called “Yong An.” ‘Yong’ stands for dragon and ‘An’ stands for face. Besides, the clothes and the chair which the king used were also decorated with the dragon. On the Portrait of King Taejo of Joseon the dragon that symbolized the king can be found. First of all, there was the dragon with five claws(Ojoryong) which is embroidered in gold thread on the chest and shoulder of the blue royal robe. The middle part of the belt which the king wore is decorated with the dragon. The edge of the top of the red royal seat on which the king sat was decorated with three dragon heads from side to side. As you can see, the dragon that is associated with the king conveys the enormous dignity and spirit of 2024, the year of the blue dragon. 

Location: Permanent Exhibition Hall, first floor

 2. Royal Seal for Imperial Edict that represents the authority of the Emperor Daehan Jeguk

Time: Korean Empire, 1897 

Information: The dragon crouches down its body on the top of the square-shaped seal. Originally the great seal of Joseon’s handle was the turtle but after the Emperor Kojong of Daehan Jeguk proclaimed the imperial state he changed the handle to a dragon. The dragon contains the will of independence and establishes the status of the imperial state. The work of art that contains the strong will of Daehan Jeguk encourages viewers to strengthen their own will for the new year. 

Location: Permanent Exhibition Hall, first floor 

 3. A Dragon Soaring into the Sky

Time: Joseon dynasty, mid-18th century 

Information: The dragon from the ocean is flying up into the sky. Only using ink, the artist drew the overall shape of the dragon from head to tail. In the Joseon Dynasty period, the dragon was believed to rule the rain cloud so the dragon picture was used in a rain-calling ceremony. Also, the dragon, which symbolizes yang, is passing through the cloud full of yin energy and flying up into the sky, and this meant rising in the world and gaining fame, such as passing the past examination. Therefore, looking at the dragon picture, which gave peace and luck to the ancient people, can make viewers feel like it is praying for healthy and peaceful new year life and consoling those in need.

Location: Permanent Exhibition Hall, second floor

 The National Museum of Korea exhibition ‘Finding Dragons at the Museum in Celebration of the Year of the Blue Dragon’ is a very special exhibition. Anyone who has an interest in history should visit and check out the various forms of Korea's cultural heritage and its meanings. In addition to Joseon and Daehan Jeguk cultural heritage, viewers can also experience the Buyeo, Goguryeo, Baekje, and Goryeo heritage, so why don't you visit this special exhibition to celebrate the Year of the Blue Dragon in 2024? 

-Special Exhibition Location: 137, Seobinggo-ro, Yongsan-gu, Seoul 

-Exhibition Period: Until 2024. 04. 07.

-Price: Permanent exhibition: Free(For all visitors)/Special exhibition: Charged

※‘Finding Dragons at the Museum in Celebration of the Year of the Blue Dragon’ exhibition is a permanent exhibition.

79th Reporter • NAM HYE SEUNG • namhyeseung50@gmail.com