Meeting Hangul at Jungnang Mangu Space... Planned Exhibition 'Hangul and Mangu Story' Held

[Seoul District News] Jungnang-gu Holds Special Exhibition Introducing Three Linguists Resting in Parks and the History of Hangul & Listen to 1935 Elementary School Korean Textbook 'Botonghakgyo Joseoneo Dokbon' in Children's Voices & Experience Two-Set and Four-Set Analog Typewriters ... Geumcheon Senior Choir Holds 1st Regular Concert on 20th at 7:30 PM ... Gangnam-gu Hosts Autumn Night Classical Concert 'Heavenly Feast' on 20th in District Office Lobby ... Yangcheon-gu, 21st at Yangcheon Culture Hall Grand Theater

[Asia Economy Reporter Jongil Park] Jungnang-gu (Mayor Ryu Kyung-gi) is holding a special exhibition titled ‘Hangeul and the Story of Mangwoo’ at the Jungnang Mangwoo Space Education Exhibition Hall located in Mangwoo History and Culture Park until December 30.

This exhibition, which began on October 7, was planned as an opportunity to reflect on the history and development of Hangeul through the achievements of linguists resting in Mangwoo History and Culture Park, to recognize the preciousness of Hangeul, and to foster gratitude.

In the exhibition hall, visitors can explore the history of Hangeul from its creation to the establishment of current Hangeul orthography, the story of Hunminjeongeum covering the background and process of King Sejong’s creation of the script, efforts by the Joseon Language Society to preserve Hangeul, and the linguists of Mangwoo History and Culture Park along with their achievements.

Among the linguists resting in Mangwoo History and Culture Park are Ji Seok-yeong, who contributed greatly to the spread of smallpox vaccination and Hangeul research; Lee Tak, a member of the Joseon Language Society who served as a member of the Orthography Unification Committee and the Standard Language Committee; and Park Seung-bin, who organized the Joseon Language Research Society and published the journal Joseon Eohak.

Additionally, visitors can listen to Korean voices from 100 years ago through an audio teaching material recorded with children’s voices based on the ‘Elementary School Korean Reader,’ a Korean language textbook from the Japanese colonial period. At the Hangeul experience zone, visitors can try out two-set and four-set analog typewriters.

The exhibition is open from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. on weekdays and from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. on weekends, with free admission.

Ryu Kyung-gi, Mayor of Jungnang-gu, said, “Mangwoo History and Culture Park, a treasure trove of modern and contemporary history, is also the resting place of linguists who contributed to the development of the Korean language. I hope this exhibition will be an opportunity to look back on the paths they walked and to once again realize the preciousness of Hangeul.” He added, “We will continue to fulfill the educational and historical roles by preserving the humanistic value that the park holds.”

Geumcheon-gu (Mayor Yoo Sung-hoon) announced that the Geumcheon Senior Choir will hold its first regular concert since its founding on October 20 at Geumnarae Art Hall.

During the two years since its founding, the Geumcheon Senior Choir regretted not being able to actively conduct face-to-face rehearsals due to social distancing measures.

This first regular concert in two years holds special meaning and determination for the choir members. The subtitle of the concert is ‘Geumsi Chomun,’ meaning ‘hearing the Geumcheon Senior Choir’s singing voice for the first time.’

First, through the performance of CANTAR (sing!), the award-winning piece from the Golden Senior Choir Competition, the audience can relive the emotions of the competition. Next, a special stage by Kim Myung-sun, the current president of the senior choir and a soprano, will be presented along with an invited string quartet performance. Additionally, a splendid stage by the popera group ‘Vincero,’ active as a male trio, is prepared, fully ready to satisfy the expectations and emotions of residents who love classical and choral music.

After the regular concert, the Geumcheon Senior Choir plans to conclude its active performance activities for the year and continue calm external activities such as volunteer work as a choir.

Yoo Sung-hoon, Mayor of Geumcheon-gu, said, “This concert is meaningful as the first regular concert since the founding of the senior choir,” and expressed “respect and gratitude to all executives and members who play a central role in senior leisure activities in Geumcheon-gu through cultural and artistic activities.”

Gangnam-gu (Mayor Jo Sung-myeong) will hold the autumn night classical concert ‘Heavenly Feast’ on the 20th at 7 p.m. in the lobby of Gangnam-gu Office as part of the ‘October Humanities Concert.’

This performance features highly skilled performers who studied at Seoul National University, New York Juilliard School, and the University of Music and Performing Arts Vienna, and who are active on the world stage. It is a crossover performance combining classical music with opera, art songs, musicals, and other genres loved by the public, expected to enhance understanding of classical music and serve as a positive opportunity for popularization.

The first part of the concert is a classical performance hosted by pianist Ji Seok-young, known as the ‘pianist who reads music.’ The opening performance features Kim Ji-a, a student from Daecheong Middle School, playing Rachmaninoff’s Preludes Nos. 23 and 24. Pianist Ji Seok-young, cellist Kim Young-min, and flutist Lee Ji-young will perform classical masterpieces such as Piazzolla’s ‘Ave Maria’ and ‘The Four Seasons,’ as well as Yoo Jae-ha’s ‘You Are in My Arms,’ offering a performance that all generations can empathize with and enjoy. The performers will provide commentary on the pieces and engage with the audience on themes about people and life felt through the works.

The second part, hosted by world-renowned opera singer Kim Ki-sun, will present a performance blending modern art songs, opera, and musicals. The program includes Yoon Hak-jun’s art song ‘Waiting,’ the aria ‘The Princess Sleeps Not’ from the opera Turandot, and ‘The Age of Cathedrals’ from the musical Notre Dame de Paris. Tenor Kim Ki-sun, bass Kim Dae-yeop, soprano Park Myung-sook, and musical actor Lee Seung-han will deliver heavenly harmony and passionate performances, offering a unique emotional experience and lasting impression.

This event is for 150 local residents, with applications accepted on a first-come, first-served basis through the Daechi Library website. Even if you miss the pre-registration, anyone can visit and enjoy the performance since the lobby on the first floor of the district office is an open space. For more information about participation, contact Gangnam-gu Public Daechi Library or the district office’s Culture and Sports Division.

Jo Sung-myeong, Mayor of Gangnam-gu, said, “We prepared a traveling classical concert for Gangnam residents who may have missed opportunities to enjoy cultural and artistic performances due to the prolonged COVID-19 pandemic,” and added, “I hope this will be a time to enjoy beautiful melodies on a deepening autumn night and feel the dignity of Gangnam as a cultural city.”

Yangcheon-gu (Mayor Lee Ki-jae) announced that the 19th Yangcheon-gu Choir Regular Concert ‘On One Wonderful Day of Yours,’ featuring a unique choral musical, will be held on October 21 at 7:30 p.m. at the Yangcheon Cultural Center Grand Theater.

Returning to the citizens after three years since 2019, this concert has attracted great anticipation even before its opening due to the bold attempt of a ‘choral musical.’ The choir portrays the life of a middle-aged woman who regains her faint identity while living as a housewife, mother, and wife, blending a short play with nine choral pieces. Through this, it conveys the message that the most shining thing in the steadily accumulating ordinary daily life is you.

The musical begins with the choral pieces ‘Morning Coffee’ and ‘Nagging,’ depicting the protagonist’s busy day caring for her family. It then moves to a time when the protagonist recalls happy memories through the songs ‘First Love’ and ‘A Good Day to Meet You,’ and beautifully concludes with the protagonist realizing the precious value of life by singing ‘Waiting’ and ‘On One Wonderful Day of October.’

Especially for this performance, the choir completed the entire process?from choral singing, choreography, and acting practice to scriptwriting and directing?entirely through the efforts of all members, making it an even more meaningful performance.

The 19th Yangcheon-gu Choir Regular Concert ‘On One Wonderful Day of Yours’ will be held on October 21 at 7:30 p.m. at the Yangcheon Cultural Center Grand Theater. Admission is free and on a first-come, first-served basis, open to all citizens.

During the COVID-19 period, the Yangcheon-gu Choir did not falter and sought ways to reach audiences by producing and releasing four choral music videos including ‘I Give You My Loving Heart,’ ‘Old-fashioned Love Song,’ and ‘Waiting,’ proving their strength as the cultural ambassador of Yangcheon-gu.

Lee Ki-jae, Mayor of Yangcheon-gu, said, “Even during the period when we could not perform on stage due to COVID-19, the choir has honed their skills with the sole determination to sing harmony only for the citizens. Finally, after three years, the curtain rises on their performance,” and added, “I hope they will create the best stage that offers hope and emotion to the citizens through the infinitely uplifting power of ‘culture.’”