“Art is a bridge that connects the past to the present,” Chun In-keon, director of the Kansong Art Museum said during a talk event for the museum’s new exhibition, “Immersive K: When the Clouds Clear, the Moon Shines, the Wind Blows, and the Stars Shine.”
This “immersive” experience, running from Aug. 15, 2024 to April 30, 2025 at Dongdaemun Design Plaza (DDP), transforms 99 iconic works from the museum’s collection into a mesmerizing sensation.
Spanning 1,462 square meters, the exhibition features eight large galleries and two intermission spaces, each designed to evoke different aspects of Korean culture. Visitors are immediately drawn into a cosmic display symbolizing the birth of Hangul, Korea’s unique script, before encountering digital painting of Korea’s four seasons, and serene depictions of Buddha.
The museum has incorporated many ways to make the artworks come to life. In each exhibit, interactive features were added to complement the visual experience, such as the colorful yet mysterious veils surrounding Shin Yun-bok’s “Portrait of a Beauty” or the smell of fresh hanji (traditional Korean paper) and muk (ink) in Kim Jeong-hui’s calligraphy gallery.
The juxtaposition of centuries-old masterpieces with state-of-the-art technology serves as a powerful reminder that tradition can coexist with modernity. As Chun noted, “The media art IP [intellectual property] has been leaning toward the Western world, but we thought, ‘Why not Korean art?’ Our culture boasts excellent IP and we have the technology for it, which is how we came to launch this project.”
While some may argue that digital interpretations dilute the authenticity of traditional art, “Immersive K” challenges this notion by making these national treasures accessible to broader audiences. By engaging younger generations through immersive experiences, Kansong hopes to spark renewed interest in Korea’s rich artistic legacy.
Director Chun’s vision for “Immersive K” extends beyond mere exhibition; it is a mission to globalize Korea’s cultural heritage through innovative media presentations. This inaugural event for Kansong’s new media brand signals a significant shift in how cultural institutions can engage with contemporary audiences.
