{"id":1894,"date":"2012-02-29T06:36:01","date_gmt":"2012-02-29T06:36:01","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/blogs.transparent.com\/korean\/?p=1894"},"modified":"2017-12-20T08:50:47","modified_gmt":"2017-12-20T13:50:47","slug":"korean-calligraphy-a-modern-perspective-on-a-traditional-art-form","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/blogs.transparent.com\/korean\/korean-calligraphy-a-modern-perspective-on-a-traditional-art-form\/","title":{"rendered":"Korean Calligraphy\u2014A Modern Perspective on a Traditional Art Form"},"content":{"rendered":"

If you are studying the Korean language, known as Hangul (\ud55c\uae00<\/strong>), you may appreciate its simplicity. \ud55c\uae00 is a relatively new writing system with a scientific background; its 24 characters represent the features of the mouth when pronouncing each shape, letter. It was invented by King Sejong during the Joseon Dynasty in 1446, but was not fully recognized until Korea\u2019s independence from Japan in 1945. Therefore, \ud55c\uae00 is closely tied to Koreans’ national pride. To further show an appreciation for \ud55c\uae00, \u201c\ud55c\uae00 Day\u201d is celebrated on October 9th<\/sup>.<\/p>\n

What better way to showcase \ud55c\uae00 and “\ud55c\uae00 pride” than through calligraphy? The Korean word for calligraphy is \u201c\uc11c\uc608<\/strong>\u201d; \u00a0transliteration: “seoyeh”. \uc11c\uc608 is considered a high art form in Korea, and it is taught as an elective at most Korean universities and cultural centers.<\/p>\n

\ud55c\uae00 \uc11c\uc608<\/strong> is unique, subtle, and elegant. Often written and read from top to bottom, it differs from Chinese and Japanese calligraphy because its lines are written differently. \ud55c\uae00 has a geometric-like \u201cpersonality\u201d with its scientific background, and the circular \u201cO\u201d stroke is exclusive to \ud55c\uae00 \uc11c\uc608.<\/p>\n

A few weeks ago, I met a modern day Korean-American Calligrapher named Myong-Won Kwong; his calligraphic “pen name” is Mook Jae. He exudes a deep appreciation for \ud55c\uae00 and \uc11c\uc608. His artwork can be found at the Library of Congress and the Smithsonian Institute in Washington, D.C.\u2014to name a few. He has had numerous solo exhibitions in the U.S. and South Korea; you can read more about him via his website:\u00a0http:\/\/mookjae.com<\/a> . I also discovered a fascinating calligraphic performance by Mr. Kwon\u2014a 150 foot scrolled message of \u201cLet us pray for world peace and well-being<\/em>.\u201d\u2014 on YouTube: http:\/\/youtu.be\/liaauEpSFuQ<\/a>.<\/p>\n

Mr. Kwon states that, \u201cCalligraphy mirrors one\u2019s mind [and soul]. The words I write reflect my personal thoughts and emotions. Through their meaning, shapes, images, and illusions of color, I hope to be able to write with a clean and clear mind, which I can share with those around me<\/em>.\u201d<\/p>\n

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\ud55c\uae00 \uc11c\uc608 celebrates the beautiful simplicity of \ud55c\uae00, and Mr. Kwon\u2019s messages are beautifully written. I appreciate the \ud55c\uae00 \uc11c\uc608 painting he made for me, which says, \u201cLuck on top of luck\u201d.\u00a0 My wish for everyone learning Korean, \u201cLuck on top of luck<\/strong>\u201c!<\/dt>\n
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Have you taken a class in \ud55c\uae00 \uc11c\uc608? Care to share your experience by posting a comment?<\/dt>\n<\/dl>\n

Or, are you interested in learning the art of \ud55c\uae00 \uc11c\uc608? Contact your country\u2019s Korean Cultural Center, or check out this link: http:\/\/bit.ly\/yCpo0p<\/a>\u00a0 for a list of books regarding in-depth study of the history and philosophies behind this traditional, yet strikingly modern art form.<\/p>\n

In summary, here is a short vocabulary review:
\n<\/strong><\/p>\n

Words<\/strong>:
\nHangul <\/strong>(\ud55c\uae00<\/strong>) + calligraphy<\/strong> (\uc11c\uc608<\/strong>) = \ud55c\uae00 \uc11c\uc608 <\/strong>;
\n(transliteration: hangul seoyeh<\/strong>)<\/p>\n

A simple sentence<\/strong>:
\n“I like Hangul calligraphy<\/strong>.” = “\ub098\ub294\u00a0\ud55c\uae00 \uc11c\uc608 \uc88b\uc544\ud558\ub2e4<\/strong>.” ;
\n(transliteration<\/strong>: \u201cNaneun hangul seoyeh joh-ahada<\/strong>.\u201d)<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"\"\"

If you are studying the Korean language, known as Hangul (\ud55c\uae00), you may appreciate its simplicity. \ud55c\uae00 is a relatively new writing system with a scientific background; its 24 characters represent the features of the mouth when pronouncing each shape, letter. It was invented by King Sejong during the Joseon Dynasty in 1446, but was…<\/p>\n

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