Inspired by Park Wan-seo’s Picture Book "Agamajung"
A Distinctive Experience for Visitors
Sharing Happy Memories Through Children
The Seoul Museum of History announced on November 12 that it will host the exhibition "Agamajung," which explores the culture of pregnancy and childbirth among Seoul citizens, starting from November 14 at the Special Exhibition Hall on the 4th floor of the Seoul Museum of Urban Life.
"Agamajung" is an exhibition based on the Seoul Museum of Urban Life’s research report, "Pregnancy and Birth Culture of Seoul Citizens," published in June this year. The exhibition introduces the changes in pregnancy and birth culture in Seoul from the post-liberation period to the present day through a variety of physical artifacts and interactive content.
The title "Agamajung" is taken from the picture book "Agamajung" by the late Park Wan-seo, a master of modern Korean literature. As Park Wan-seo’s final work, "Agamajung" warmly depicts the process in which the whole family-mother, father, and grandmother-pours their hearts into waiting for a new life, each from their own perspective. Through this, the book prompts reflection on the true meaning of family.
This exhibition has been carefully curated in every aspect, from its structure and explanatory texts to interactive elements, in order to share and communicate the warm sensibility and message of the picture book with visitors. The exhibition is organized into three sections: Part 1, "Time of Waiting: Pregnancy"; Part 2, "Moment of Meeting: Birth"; and Part 3, "A Brief Pause: Rest." The layout follows the natural flow of time from pregnancy to birth, enhancing visitors’ immersion in the exhibition.
To celebrate the opening, special events for visitors will also be held. Starting November 18, the first 100 pregnant women who visit the museum wearing a maternity badge and share proof of their visit to the exhibition on social media will receive a diaper bag embroidered with the Seoul Museum of Urban Life logo. In addition, visitors who complete the stamp activity in the exhibition hall will be given a special commemorative postcard featuring the exhibition’s illustrations.
Choi Byunggu, Director of the Seoul Museum of History, stated, "For those who have already experienced childbirth, I hope this exhibition will help them recall the excitement of waiting for a baby and the happy memories of meeting their child. For those preparing for or imagining pregnancy and childbirth, I hope it will be remembered as an exhibition that offers a positive experience, showing that the process is not only difficult or frightening."
The exhibition will run until March 29 next year. Admission is free. For more details, please visit the official website of the Seoul Museum of Urban Life.
© The Asia Business Daily(www.asiae.co.kr). All rights reserved.
