This exhibition explores the rich tapestry of symbols embedded in Korean art and culture. Deeply rooted in the country’s history, philosophy, and religious beliefs, the depiction of plants, animals, and geometric patterns hold symbolic meaning that express the collective aspirations for happiness, prosperity, and well-being in Korean Society. These symbols continue to resonate in contemporary Korean art and design, highlighting a vital aspect of the nation’s cultural identity. The exhibition draws from the collections of the Korean Cultural Center of Chicago and the Field Museum, as well as private collectors. Several historically significant artifacts from the Korean Pavilion at Chicago’s 1893 World’s Columbian Exposition are publicly displayed here for the first time in 130 years. We extend our deepest gratitude to the Field Museum for entrusting us with the loan of objects from their Korean collection, especially those from the Korean Pavilion.

문화원 박물관 특별전으로 열리는 ‘Symbolism in Korean Traditional Art & Culture’는 시카고 필드 박물관 (Field Museum) 과의 공동 프로젝트로서 시카고에서 열렸던 콜럼비안 만국박람회에 참가한 구한말 조선의 물품들을 볼 수 있는 드문 기회로 높은 관심을 받고 있다. 전시는 내년 3월까지 열리며, 이번 전시는 한국의 풍부한 문화 유산을 살펴볼 수 있는 좋은 기회이다.

Support provided by the YWS Foundation, the Smart Family Foundation of New York, Sung Hee Hong, and Cynthia Oh

Curated by Gay-Young Cho

Exhibition Team: Katie Biggs-Wrona, Minseok Jang, Dong Jin Kang, Jung Youn Kim, Sanghyo Kim, Soo Kim,Yukyeom Kim, Chonghyn Nam, Minji Park, Kyungil Uh, and Exhibition Advisor Tamara Biggs

Exhibition: Sep. 14, 2024-Mar. 22, 2025

KCCoC Museum

9925 Capitol Dr., Wheeling, IL.