In celebration of the Paris 2024 Olympics, the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism (Minister YU In Chon, MCST) is running an exhibition titled “THAT’S KOREA: The Shape of Time” at Korea House (Maison de la Chimie)[1] from July 25 (Thur) to August 11 (Sun). The exhibition features hanbok (traditional Korean clothing), hanji (traditional Korean paper), and hansik (soban or dining table), showcasing the beauty and historical value of Korean traditional culture to the world.

The Paris 2024 Olympic Games celebrate France’s past, present, history, and identity. Aligning with this theme, the exhibition is organized into three chapters, each highlighting different aspects and forms of Korean traditional culture over time. A total of 17 artists and teams contribute to this exhibition, ranging from holders of national intangible cultural heritage to contemporary artists.

The first chapter, Salon 33, “The Beginning of Form,” captures the essence of Korean tradition through hanbok, moon jars, and Gungjung Chaehwa[2] (Royal silk flower making). Central to the exhibition space, the moon jar, an icon of Korean identity, and the Gungjung Chaehwa, made of beeswax[3], express the harmony of Korean beauty. Traditional hanbok such as dapho and dangui, wonsam (a ceremonial dress worn by royal and noblewomen), traditional accessories, and cosmetics recreated from those found in the tomb of Princess Hwahyeop will be on display.

The second chapter, Salon 34, “The Form of Today,” features works using soban and hanji. Soban, reflecting Korean culinary culture, varies by region. The exhibition includes traditional Naju soban alongside a modern transparent soban that retains the traditional form but uses sustainable materials. Visitors can also view hanji paper flowers and contemporary hanji lamps, crafted with lacquered hanji and metal frames.

The third chapter, “The Future of the Archetype,” showcases traditional quilting and media art. It features a hand-quilted jangot, a traditional Korean overcoat worn by women, created by the late KIM Hae Ja, a National Intangible Cultural Heritage Nubijang (quilting) Master. The chapter also presents kinetic art merging tradition with modern science and technology, reinterpreting traditional weaving methods in contemporary terms and symbolizing the passage of time.

The MCST stated, “Hallyu (the Korean Wave) is expanding beyond popular culture, such as dramas and pop songs, to encompass traditional culture, which is the foundation of our heritage and core to our identity. This exhibition reflects global interest in Korean traditional culture and highlights the cultural characteristics of Paris, a city renowned for its arts and culture. We hope that both Olympic participants and visitors from around the world will appreciate the origins of Hallyu, draw inspiration from its current form, and envision its future through this exhibition.”