Korean Summer through Crafts... Shinsegae Department Store Holds "Summer-Inspired Space" Exhibition

House of Shinsegae Heritage at the Main Branch Presents Summer-Themed Exhibition
Craftworks Using Traditional Materials Such as Bamboo, Hanji, and Wancho
Lectures on Korean Summer Traditions and Hands-On Craft Workshops

On July 3, Shinsegae Department Store announced that it will hold an exhibition titled "Summer-Inspired Space" at the main branch's House of Shinsegae Heritage, with the theme of Korean summer.

Shinsegae Department Store, The Heritage exterior. Photo by Shinsegae Department Store

This exhibition features a variety of crafts that combine traditional techniques and modern sensibilities, using materials gifted by nature in the summer. Participating artists include bamboo craftsman Han Changgyun, wancho craftsman Heo Seongja, and hanji artist Lee Jongguk. Notable works include Han Changgyun's "Well Bench" and Lee Jongguk's "Leaf Fan."

Starting from July 11, a variety of workshops centered on the theme of summer will be held. These include a lecture by Professor Choi Gongho introducing Korean summer culture such as Gyehoe and Takjok, as well as hands-on sessions where visitors can participate in making fans and bamboo nests with artists Lee Jongguk and Han Changgyun.

House of Shinsegae Heritage Summer-Inspired Space Exhibition. Provided by Shinsegae Department Store

Gyehoe is a traditional social gathering and activity of the yangban and scholars during the Joseon Dynasty. Takjok refers to a method of spending summer where scholars would cool their feet in rivers and valleys. Through Gyehoe, scholars would form bonds of trust in nature, pursue academic growth together, and share art, literature, drinks, and food. The Gyehoedo, which symbolizes this, is a kind of commemorative painting that depicts the scene of the gathering and includes the names of the participants. It serves as an important historical record that offers insight into the social activities, relationships, and atmosphere of the time.

Kim Kyeongeun, Creative Director of House of Shinsegae, said, "House of Shinsegae Heritage, which introduces 'the life of Koreans' from the past to the present, has prepared a special exhibition to showcase the diverse aspects of Korean summer and its various traditional cultures. We hope that 'Summer-Inspired Space' will offer visitors a chance to experience traditional Korean crafts, gatherings, and a variety of interactive content, and to feel the connections between people and the harmony with nature that were part of summer in the past."