By Korea.net Honorary Reporter Diana Trifonova from Bulgaria
Photos = Diana Trifonova

Did you know that one of the top five museums with major Asian and Korean art collections is located in Europe? It is the Victoria and Albert Museum in London, one of the largest museums of decorative art and design. As an internationally renowned institution, V&A proudly displays a significant collection of Korean ceramics, embroideries, lacquerware, inlaid metalwork, fashion, product design and digital art.

You will be surprised how much you can learn about the Land of the Morning Calm by browsing the artifacts, documentary videos and historical descriptions. A major stop for many tourists in London, V&A is a great start for your exploration of the Korea “hidden” in the British capital. As Korea.net has reported in the past, Korea is well represented in this multi-cultural city.



What are some of the highlights at V&A you shouldn’t miss?

Once you enter the exhibition area, don’t miss the chance to actually touch a real royal vase. The object was used in court ceremonies in Korea around 1800, during the Joseon dynasty. It has a beautiful drawing of two identical dragons chasing each other around the body of the vase. Unlike the rest of the objects in the exhibition this one is displayed without a protective glass wall to allow visually impaired visitors to see it with their hands.

You will also get to see how the incredible najeon chilgi or Korean inlaid lacquer and ottchil or Korean lacquer are made. What I found most stunning about them is that even today the traditional techniques are preserved and used by contemporary artists, like in the colorful work of Chung Hae-cho that is on display at the museum.





Personal items that bring us back to the day-to-day lifestyle of the Korean nobility are another element of the exhibition that I found particularly stunning. What you would normally only see worn by actors in sageuk or historic period dramas can be observed in the museum from up-close. At the exhibition I learned that the pendants traditionally worn by women with their intricate knots and jade are inspired by nature, symbolizing longevity, fertility and good fortune. Similar knots that were also used by men to make the male attire more attractive can also be seen on display at the exhibition.

A traditional ornament that goes with Hanbok is on display at the Victoria and Albert Museum. Do you want to learn and see more? Just visit the Victoria and Albert Museum. Similarly at all galleries and museums in London, the entrance is free!

wisdom117@korea.kr

* This article is written by a Korea.net Honorary Reporter. Our group of Honorary Reporters are from all around the world, and they share with Korea.net their love and passion for all things Korean.