By Honorary Reporter Volga Serin Suleymanoglu from Turkiye (Turkey)
Photos = Korean Cultural Center in Ankara

The Korean Cultural Center (KCC) in Ankara, Turkiye (Turkey), from June 1 to Oct. 30 held the content competition 2024 Year of the Blue Dragon, highlighting a creature revered in Korean mythology. The announcement of the winners on Nov. 13 featured talent in three categories: video animation, illustration and character design, and writing poetry in Hangeul.  

This is a poster promoting the competition produced by the Korean Cultural Center in Ankara.

Upon hearing about the contest, I felt excited and immediately began outlining my ideas. First, I researched the color blue and the year of the dragon in the Asian zodiac, focusing on the beast's role in Korean mythology and portrayal in art and Korea's cultural and scientific goals next year.

In Korean mythology, the dragon is associated with water, depicting rain and abundance. This symbolism reflects the life-giving properties of water and the dragon's control over nature.

My entry in the contest 2024 Year of the Blue Dragon

My digital drawing depicted a blue dragon dressed as a traditional guard of a Korean palace. Symbolizing protection in 2024, the half-human, half-dragon character was traditionally seen as a guardian against misfortune. I used a backdrop of space-themed elements to reflect Korea's aspirations in space exploration and aviation and blend traditional culture with a futuristic vision.

I included a blue mugunghwa (rose of Sharon), Korea's national flower as it carries the meaning of determination and resilience. 

These are the winning works of the contest. (KCC in Turkey)

Though my entry did not win an award, I would like to share the winning drawings to show the diverse and imaginative interpretations of the blue dragon theme.

msjeon22@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.