By Honorary Reporter Alexia Hurtado from Mexico
Photos = Alexia Hurtado

The Metropolitan Museum of Arts in New York has displayed over 5,000 years of art from around the world since its inception in 1860. 

The Arts of Korea Gallery is a permanent exhibition at the Met with works acquired from the collection of the National Museum of Korea in Seoul. Impressed by the event's scale, I visited the gallery on Nov. 12.

The gallery reflects the history of Korea from prehistoric times to the present and shows innovation achieved on the Korean Peninsula and the effects of external influences. Buddhism, Taoism and Confucianism show Korea's openness to foreign traditions and ideas, and the gallery displays significant developments in the history of Korean art through outstanding works.

The gallery is within the Met's Asian section on the right side of the second floor. In the colorful room dedicated to Korean culture, the first thing seen are ceramic ritual vessels from the Joseon Dynasty (1392-1910). 

The use of porcelain vessels began in the Joseon era, with those displayed at the gallery including bottles of varying necks, plates and wine bottles. The foundation and operations of the gallery are thanks to the Korea Foundation and the late Samsung Group Chairman Lee Kun-hee, and remodeling was done by the Korean Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism.

Furthermore, the exhibition "Jegi: Korean Ritual Objects" will run at the Met through Oct. 15 next year.

I was surprised over the knowledge I gained through the exhibition and considered my visit a great opportunity to understand a culture I am greatly interested in. As an Honorary Reporter, I was happy to see a plaque saying the ministry was part of this incredible exhibition.

kalhong617@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.