Current/Upcoming Exhibition
2023 Special Exhibition FISHING: FISH [Survival] X [Art] ING
- Period 2023 - 12 - 13 ~ 2024 - 02 - 25
- Showroom 2F Special Exhibition Hall
- Ticket fee Free
Opening Words
The National Maritime Museum of Korea presents the special exhibition FISHING: FISH [Survival] X [Art] ING in 2023.
This exhibition broadens the meaning of fishing to an art beyond mere survival, even to the future of coexistence.
This exhibition will open the door to retrospect on the meaning and role of fishing in the historical and cultural context of Korea.
The Sincerity Toward the Sea
The exact date of the first appearance of the fishing boat is uncertain.
However, prehistoric men sought to sail on the sea in any form due to their desire to survive and create art.
Part1.
Fishing, Record of Fish through Human’s Eyes
Korean people started to make specific notes on fish as their interest in natural history rose after the 17th century.
These notes can be partially found in encyclopedic publications, such as Sallim Kyongje: Encyclopedia of Agriculture and Jibongyuseol: Chinese Classical Encyclopedia.
The genuine form of the Atlas of Fish came to life in the 19th century.
The three most significant atlases of fish at this time were Uhaeieobo: The atlas of fish in Jinhae County, Jasaneobo: The atlas of fish in Heuksando Island, and Nanhoeomokji: The atlas of fish in Gochang County.
Part 2.
Survival, Rough Battle of Fishing Gears
Imagine the fishing activity of primeval people before civilization and the ancients.
The old fishing gear excavated from the maritime ruins shows the full picture of the fishing activity at that time.
In the Neolithic Age, Koreans adapted to unpredictable natural environments and designed multiple kinds of fishing gear.
Part 3.
Art, Fishing for Visual Pleasure
The maritime culture matured from mere survival to delicate art.
The sea creatures became humanity’s treasure as they came up to the shore from the boundless sea.
The primitives used fish as an accessory by decorating their bodies and people of the Joseon dynasty used fish as a natural material for their collections of art and crafts.