By Honorary Reporter Farah Lim from England
Photos = Farah Lim 

I recently saw in the U.K. Korean sculptor and installation artist Suh Do-ho's hanging installation work inspired by the legendary Korean Buddhist temple of Sacheonwangsa.

First, I was surprised to see such an exhibition in London. Usually when I hear of events related to Korea, they are hosted by the Korean Culture Center or the Korea Tourism Organization. This event, however, was thanks to Bloomberg Space, so I was excited to attend, though slightly disappointed that I was apparently the only person there interested in Korea. 

Though Korea is growingly popular due to Hallyu, much of the country's cultural heritage remains undiscovered. Since my main interest in Korea is such heritage, I hope that others will learn more about this aspect of Korean culture. 

Born in 1962, Suh brings his experiences to life through his art. A graduate of Seoul National University, he has displayed Korean culture and his ideas around the world.

The Roman temple Mithraeum is home to this work due to the correlation between Sacheonwangsa and the Roman temple of Mithras, the ruins of which are under the Mithraeum. In other words, Suh built his work here because of the atmosphere of Mithras. 

Sacheonwangsa was also said to be made of silk, though its exact design remains unknown. Suh incorporated this idea into his design in a unique and quaint manner.

Ruins of the Roman temple of Mithras

What I found unique about the experience was not just a video on the history of the Korean temple, but also an activity allowing visitors to make an art piece using the traditional Korean paper Hanji. My Korean husband and I had a lovely time at the event, and we both learned something new about Korean culture. See our artworks below and try to guess who made which piece (clue: his is definitely better than mine). 

Can you guess who did each of the two works displayed here?

This exhibition runs through Jan. 22, and I highly encourage all enthusiasts of things Korean to check it out. 

kalhong@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.