Awareness about Women during Joseon dynasty through their Accessories.

Accessories for Women in Joseon Dynasty Era

People want to have a better look and show off their charms by wearing new clothes and trying a new hairstyle. Well, there is nothing like accessories to complete the ‘better’ look. Every decorative itemsitem, such as hats and mufflers, can be called accessories.

Today, we will go through the favorite accessories of Korean women in the Joseon Dynasty era. Hair ornaments, bracelets, rings and necklaces. They wore different ornaments by season, occasion and age. In addition, each accessory has its own story. For example, when family gets separated, they share each ring from a pair of rings, garakji. When husband died early, wife buried a ring of the pair with him and she kept the other to commemorate him. For that reason, garakji used to be made as a pair and actually bigger than present one.
Let’s take a look at the accessories of women in the Joseon Dynasty era.

Earring: The Symbol of Class

Rings were the first ornament in history. In certain countries of Asia, people considered it like a charm and kept it very carefully. They were also called eesik, eedang or eehwan. Many gold crowns and delicately made-ornaments were excavated from many graves of the Three Kingdoms period. We can guess the metalwork technique of the era was very sophisticated and detailed. There are three types of earrings; simple, dangling and showy. The earrings of old times were made of gold, silver and bronze, but unfortunately the number of the earrings from Goryeo dynasty are very few.

<The first accessories of human history: Earrings>

Did you know that men used to put on earrings in the past? The typical example is Hwarang in the Silla kingdom. They used to wear earrings as a symbol of youth and ability. According to the Annals of the Joseon dynasty, prince Yangpyeong put on big earrings when he was nine (in 1513) and it was common for prince to put on earrings back then. However, the earrings became unpopular since the Confucianism pervaded the whole country in the Joseon Dynasty era. Even the King Seonjo officially announced that it is the most undutiful thing to put on earrings because piercing is hurting the ancestrally inherited body. According to some recent studies on the era, scholars insist that the regulation was resulted from the economic crisis caused by importing too much gold and silver for earrings from China. 
Eventually, the men’s earrings were disappeared after King Seonjo era and women only put on earrings in wedding ceremony. For this reasons, the design of the earrings in Joseon dynasty became very simple.

Garakji: A Pair of Rings of Engagement

Garakji means a pair of big rings. It was also called “Jihwan”. Garakji appeared from the Joseon Dynasty era. It was only for married women. If a woman put on only one ring in her finger, it means she was a single. Only married women could put on a pair of rings, which means harmony with her husband. The idea came from the Confucianism

<The charming Garakji (Source: istyle24)>

The history of exchanging rings went back 4800 years ago. In 16th century, the Tudor dynasty believed that the blood vessel of the 4th finger of left hand is connected to heart, and they put on wedding ring on 4th finger. Since then, it became customary in most countries. 
Garakji was mainly made of gold and silver but other materials were also used, such as lacquer, jade, quartz, green jadeite, amber, pearl, and copper. 
In Joseon dynasty, noblewomen and royal family put on different materials of rings by season and occasion. Gold rings from Oct. to Jan., silver lacquer rings from Feb. to Apr., jade or quartz rings were for Dano festival and regular lacquer rings were from dog days, boknal, to Sep. All of them were for having a natural and harmonious look, which are influenced by the formality of clothing and four seasons.

Garakji was not only a love token but loyalty to the country as well. During Japanese invasion of 1592, a gisaeng, cultured women entertainers in the Joseon Dynasty era, called Nongae, hugged Japanese general and jumped down to the river, wearing 10 rings. Jinjoo local government designated Aug. 8th as the “Nongae Day” and has hosted many special events and donated hundreds of silver rings engraved "euiam", which is the name of the rock she stepped on before jumping into the river, to supporting center.

Norigae: Accessory for Every Class

<The great arts and crafts, Norigae>

Norigae is a perfect accessory for women’s Hanbok. It is widely loved by all classes, from royal family to common people. Norigae was the most popular ornament during the Joseon Dynasty era, while the other accessories like necklaces and earrings became unpopular. 
There is no historical record on norigae. For your information, the Hanbok during the Silla kingdom and the Goryeo dynasty era doesn’t look like the one in these days. Instead of norigae, it was customary to hang pocket filled with gold bell or scent in the belt. Later in Joseon, they were replaced into the new born accessory, norigae. During the era, norigae was hung in the breast-tie of Hanbok. People wore more gorgeous norigae for royal functions and big festivities. Noblewomen used to inherit it to generation after generation.

Norigae is consisted of ttidon, string, but also paemul(jewel), knot and sool(tassel). Ttidon is a tie to connect jewels and it is supposed to be hung in the breast-tie. Gold, silver, white jade, green jadeite and coral were used to make norigae. There are square, rectangular, round, flower and butterfly shaped ttidon. According to the number of jewels of it, it was called oijul-norigae or danjak-norigae(single jewel) and samjak-norigae(three jewel). 
Red, blue, yellow, pink, green, light purple and deep purple colors were used to make sool(tassels). Besides, some of norigaes were embroidered with a rhino horn, lotus flower, and herb that was belived to bring an eternal youth. Norigae represented not only the social status but also the wishes of women and ideologies for abundance, longevity and good luck.

Binyeo: A Traditional Hairpin for fixing ladies’ chignons

Binyeo is an ornamental hairpin used to hold a hair bun in place. We can still see old ladies wearing binyeo in countryside. Binyeo is classified into two kinds; a Jam and a Chae. Jam is a normal stick-shaped binyeo and Chae is a tong-shaped binyeo with decorations. Binyeo was allowed only for married women. The jewels, woods, animal horns and bones were used to make binyeos.

<A participant had her hair pinned with binyeo in traditional coming-of-age celebration (Source: YonhapNews)>

According to the historical record, Binyeo was firstly used in the Three Kingdoms era. But it also became very detailed since King Yeongjo of the Joseon Dynasty era.
The question is why he forced women to put on binyeo. In fact, in mid-Joseon Dynasty era, married women used to put on gachae (a wig) around hair. The higher the wig is, the higher their social status is. The most expensive wig cost almost same as a fine house. It caused a social problem. In addition, because of heavy wig, some women were suffering from neck sickness. Besides, they even decorated the wig with various accessories. For the reason, the wig was replaced into binyeo. 

<Binyeo has both beauty and practicability>

There are also different types of binyeo for different seasons, occasions, and ages. Binyeo made of a plum tree and a bamboo or jade binyeo with a peony-shaped decoration was used in April, August, and September. Okbong binyeo, Wonang binyeo,Isaryeon binyeo were used to giled dangui, a type of upper garment for women in hanbok. In spring and autumn, women used to wear Moran or Maejuk binyeo with delicately decorated small hairpins called isaddeoljam on it., According to the character of occasions, they choose different materials of binyeo.

 The Ornaments have been with us throughout the history and represented women's life. From now on, even small earrings will remind you the history.

South Korea’s village of Hahoe, home to the Hahoe Mask dance

The historic village of Hahoe is home to the famous Hahoe mask dance and attracts curious visitors from all over the world. The village is located about 268 kilometers to the southeast of Seoul in South Korea and is a well-preserved home of the country’s traditional culture. It comes as no surprise, then, that this is the place where the iconic Hahoe masks originated and it is also a fantastic place to see them still being used in dances.

Hahoe Village Andong

Tourists who decide to visit this village, after spending hours of deliberation back at home while they wish they were playing Partypoker will know that it is well worth it once they arrive. They will be greeted by golden paddy fields and gorgeous scenery, already providing many photo opportunities and this is even before they get into the heart of the village. There is an auditorium where the mask dance drama can be viewed and where cheering and pounding drum sounds radiate from.

The mask dance drama began during the Koryo Dynasty as a way of appeasing the spirits. It rapidly evolved into a way for commoners to protest against the lifestyles of the local elites and religious figures. They created satirical characters and mocked them under the guise of entertainment and performance. This provided a much-needed outlet for the oppressed to voice their frustrations and resentment regarding rigid social class barriers. They were able to mock the shortcomings of the noble class and express themselves.

One example of the events that were acted out is that of an old widow lamenting her poor life. She danced and begged for the audience’s help while she carried around a small gourd. This was supposed to represent the suffering and grief that women were experiencing during their life in a society that was dominated by males. This satire has serious meanings and also serves as a great way of entertaining locals and tourists alike. Many people find it easy to tell what it going on, even if they are just visitors to the area.

Source: http://www.thekoreaguide.com

History of Korea through Korean Dolls

This is an attempt to not only simplify Korean History but also make it interesting using Korean Dolls as props. The idea is to educate the kids about the history of Korea, who might otherwise find this subject boring. We have also made an attempt to highlight the social class structure that existed in Korea during the Chosun Dynasty. Understanding the Social Class structure should give an understanding about the people of Korea and why Korean Society focuses a lot on higher education.

The Ancient age

Kojoseon – 10th century B.C to 108 B.C
Puyo – around the 5th century B.C to 494
Chinguk – from before the 6th century B.C. to 9 A.D.

Evidence of inhabitants in Korea from as early as 4000 BC exists in Korea. Legend has that the Tangun, father of the Korean nation, founded the first ancient state, Kojoseon in 2333 BC. Almost no centralized communities existed from then until three kingdoms emerged in the 1st century BC.

The middle age
The slave-owning society that lasted over a stretch of several hundreds years gave way to the feudal society around the period before and after the Christian era. There appeared many feudal forces in the land of Kojoseon(Gojoseon), Puyo and Chinguk. The biggest ones of all those forces were Koguryo, Paekje and Silla. The three kingdoms existed from the period before and after the Christian era to the 7th century. In Korean history this period is called the period of Three Kingdoms. The Three Kingdoms of Koguryo, Paekje and Silla had similar ethnic and linguistic backgrounds.

Goguryeo (Koguryo) – 277 B.C. to 668
Paekje – 18 B.C. to 660
Silla – 57 B.C. to 935

Koguryo occupied the northern part of the peninsula from the Chinese border to the Han River, while Silla and Baekche dominated the southern regions. All three kingdoms were heavily influenced by China, and Buddhism was introduced to Koguryo in 372. Various alliances were formed either with or against the Chinese until 660 when Silla allied with China to overthrow Baekje. Goguryeo fell shortly afterwards in 668.

The Silla Kingdom period marked the start of Korea’s cultural development. Buddhism expanded and furled the construction of numerous temples and art works. However, despite Chinese influences, Silla remained largely tribal in culture. Society divided into distinct classes with a large semi-slave population supporting an aristocratic minority. Warlords began amassing power bases to the north and eventually took over Silla and founded a new kingdom- Goryeo.

Koryo – 918 to 1392
Korea got its English name during the Koryo period. During this time Buddhism flourished and spread throughout the peninsula. Koryo was subject to external threats, most notably from the Mongols who had taken over China. In 1231 the Mongols invaded Korea, forcing the royal family to flee to Kanghwa Island near Seoul. After 25 years of struggle, the royal family finally surrendered. The following 150 years saw continued Goryeo rule, but under the control of the Mongols. As the Mongols declined in power, so did Goryeo.

Choseon Dynasty (Li dynasty) – 1392 to 1910
In 1392 a Korean general, Yi, Song-gye, was sent to China to campaign against the Ming rulers. Instead, he allied himself with the Chinese, returned to overthrow the Korean king, and setup his own dynasty. The ruler of the Yi Dynasty (also known as the Joseon Dynasty) moved the capital to Hanyang-gun (today’s Seoul) in 1394 and adopted Confucianism as the country’s official religion. As a result, Buddhists lost much of their wealth and power. It was during this period that the Korean alphabet, Hangeul, was invented by King Sejong the Great. This period also had its share of external problems, suffering invasions by the Japanese (1592-1598) and the Manchus (1627-1636). With the arrival of Japanese and Western traders in the 19th century, the Korean rulers tried to prevent the opening of the country to foreign trade by closing the borders, earning Korea its nickname of the Hermit Kingdom. Beginning in 1876, the Japanese forced a series of Western-style trade agreements on Korea, leading to Japan’s eventual annexation of the country in 1910. Due to growing anti-Japanese sentiment, in 1897 King Kojong declared himself to be emperor of the Taehan Empire, an independent Korea. However, during the Russo-Japanese War (1904-1905), Japanese forces moved onto the peninsula, despite Korean declarations of neutrality. The signing of the Japan-Korea Protection Treaty in 1905 gave Japan virtual control over Korea, and in 1910 a Korean royal proclamation announced the annexation by Japan.

Traditional Social Structure in Korea during the Choson Dynasty
In Choson Dynasty Korea, four rather distinct social strata developed:

Yangban, the scholars, assigned to a government post.

• Chungin, the middle people, technicians and administrators subordinate to the yangban.
• Sangmin, the commoners, a large group composed of farmers, craftsmen and merchants.
• Cheonmin, the despised people at the bottom of society.

The Yangban title was conferred to those individuals who passed state-sponsored civil service exams called gwageo (과거) and their immediate family members. Upon passing such exams several times, which tested one’s knowledge of the Confucian classics and history, a person was usually assigned to a government post. The yangban family that did not succeed to produce a government official for more than three generations could lose its yangban status and become a commoner.

Chungin Couple

The Chungin were lower than the yangban aristocracy but above commoners (sangmin) in social status. Their roles were minor technical and administrative officials who supported the structure of the government (e.g. interpreters, physicians, jurists, astronomers, accountants, calligraphers, and musicians). Although inferior to the aristocracy in social standing, the chungin enjoyed far more privileges and influence than commoners. Like the yangban, they were allowed to live in the central part of the city, hence the name “middle people”.

Farmer Couple

Fisherman Couple

Night Watchman

The Sangmin were the common people of Chosun Dynasty. About 75% of all Koreans at that time were sangmin. The sangmin consisted of farmers, laborers, fishermen, some craftsmen and merchants. The sangmin were considered “clean workers” but had little social status. Generally they were poor. They paid most of Korea’s taxes and were subject to the military draft. Their lives were hard, but they were the foundation of the Chosun Dynasty, just like the Chungin were the backbone of the government. Some of the sangmin owned land, which they farmed. Others rented land from the yangban as tenant farmers. Those that did not farm had the lowest status. The yangban and chungin controlled and ruled over them. Throughout the dynasty, the sangmin rebelled many times because of the yangbans’ oppression and corruption.

Rural Village Couple

Sogo Couple

Cheonmin Couple

Cheonmin were the lowest caste of commoners in dynastical Korea. They abounded during the Goryeo and Chosun periods of Korea’s agrarian bureaucracy. This social class was largely hereditary and based on certain professions considered “unclean” by the upper classes. This list of unclean professions included slaves, butchers, shamans, shoemakers, metalworkers, prostitutes, magicians, sorcerers, jailkeepers. The cheonmin were barred from most forms of social advancement, including entry into government service or taking the gwageo civil service examinations.

In 1894 a program of social reforms, known as the Kabo Reforms, was initiated by pro-Japanese Korean officials. Yangban and commoners were made equal before the law, the old Confucian civil service examinations were abolished, and slavery and ch’ommin status was ended. Modern forms of government and administration, largely borrowed from Japan, were adopted.

Source
http://www.lifeinkorea.com/information/history1.cfm
http://countrystudies.us/south-korea/35.htm & Wikipedia

http://www.thekoreaguide.com
Image source: Amazon

Dokdo Islets to See First Sunrise of 2012

The first sunrise of 2012 will break over the horizon at 7:26 a.m. behind Korea's Dokdo islets, the Korea Astronomy and Space Science Institute said on Tuesday. 

Five minutes later, dawn will break in Ganjeolgot Cape and Bangeojin in Ulsan, followed shortly afterward by inland areas.

The first sunrise of the New Year will be visible at 7:47 a.m. from Seoul's Mt. Nam, while at Taejongdae Cliff and Haeundae Beach in Busan it will appear at 7:32 a.m. 

At Jeongdongjin Beach in Gangneung, which is emerging as a new hot spot for catching the event, the day will begin at 7:39 a.m., and on Seongsan Sunrise Peak in Jeju, the sky will alight at 7:36 a.m. 

The reason the sunrise occurs earlier on Seongsan Sunrise Peak than in Gangneung, despite the former spot being located further west, is because in winter the sun rises from the southeast. 

For more information about when the sun will rise and set on this day auguring in the New Year, visit the KASI website at http://astro.kasi.re.kr.

Source: englishnews@chosun.com 

СОЁЛЫН СОЛИЛЦООНЫ ХӨТӨЛБӨРТ ГАРЫН ҮСЭГ ЗУРЛАА

2011 оны 11 дүгээр сарын 23-нд Монгол-Солонгосын Соёлын хорооны хамтарсан 3 дугаар хуралдааныг зохион байгуулж " МОНГОЛ УЛС, БҮГД НАЙРАМДАХ СОЛОНГОС УЛСЫН ЗАСГИЙН ГАЗАР ХООРОНД 2011-2014 ОНД ХАМТРАН АЖИЛЛАХ СОЁЛЫН СОЛИЛЦООНЫ ХӨТӨЛБӨР"-т БСШУЯ-ны төрийн нарийн бичгийн дарга Д.Далайжаргал гарын үсэг зурлаа.

Энэхүү баримт бичиг нь хоёр орны хоорондын найрсаг харилцааг гүнзгийрүүлэн бэхжүүлж, хоёр улсын соёл, урлаг, спорт, аялал жуулчлал, хэвлэл мэдээлэлийн салбарын хамтын ажиллагааг соёлын солилцооны хөтөлбөрийн хүрээнд хөхүүлэн дэмжиж, өргөжүүлэх зорилготой юм.

Short Introduction of Jongmyo

Korean Culture Globalization Team