Today, a Souvenir: Why We Keep Mementos A Thoughtful Exhibition at the National Folk Museum of Korea https://www.nfm.go.kr/user/planexhibition/home/20/selectPlanExhibitionNView.do?planExhibitionIdx=1512&page=1 Have you ever held onto a small object because it reminded you of a special moment? A concert ticket, a medal, or a photograph—souvenirs like these are more than just things. They are silent storytellers of our personal histories. The National Folk Museum of Korea’s latest exhibition, “Today, a Souvenir: Why We Keep Mementos,” invites us to reflect on the deeper meaning behind these everyday items. https://www.yna.co.kr/view/AKR20250527026600005?input=1195m Rethinking What It Means to Remember In today’s world, we are surrounded by countless ways to remember—photos, videos, souvenirs. But with so many ways to commemorate, are we forgetting what commemoration truly means? This exhibition raises that very question through over 200 historical and contemporary items that span centuries, from the late Joseon dynasty to modern-day Korea. https://www.yna.co.kr/view/AKR20250527026600005?input=1195m A Royal Celebration, Remembered in Ink and Paint One of the exhibition’s highlights is the Gihye Gisakaecheop (己亥耆社契帖), a beautifully illustrated document from 1720. It records a grand banquet held by King Sukjong in 1719 to honor loyal elderly statesmen aged 70 or older. The event was more than just a celebration—it was a meaningful ritual recognizing wisdom, longevity, and service to the nation. Only twelve copies of this document were made: one was preserved by the royal court, and the rest were gifted to the honored officials. This piece, designated as a national treasure, shows how memory was carefully preserved through both words and art. https://www.nfm.go.kr A Collective Tribute of Gratitude Another powerful exhibit is Maninsan, which means “Mountain of Ten Thousand People.” Created in 1879 and shaped like an umbrella, this embroidered textile bears the names of 2,091 people from Chosan County. They made it to express their gratitude to Lee Man-gi, a virtuous magistrate. It’s not just a beautiful artifact—it’s a heartfelt message stitched into fabric by the hands of a community. https://www.yna.co.kr/view/AKR20250527026600005?input=1195m From Royal Banquets to Modern Milestones The exhibition spans from grand historical moments to personal milestones in ordinary lives. It includes a folding screen illustrating an 18th-century royal banquet called Giroyeon, where King Yeongjo hosted aging officials and even poured drinks for them—a gesture of deep respect. In an age without photographs, these paintings served as cherished records. Modern items on display include a portrait of Yi Yong-ik featuring the first-ever Korean commemorative badge from the Korean Empire era, a historic photo marking the proclamation of the Constitution, and humble personal items that carry deep meaning. https://www.yna.co.kr/view/AKR20250527026600005?input=1195m Everyday Keepsakes, Extraordinary Meaning What do a towel given for a 61st birthday, a mother-of-pearl wedding chest, and a BTS light stick have in common? They’re all part of the exhibit’s “Souvenirs of My Life” section, which highlights how even the smallest objects can hold priceless memories. From marathon medals to concert tickets and tribute T-shirts made in memory of late soccer coach Yoo Sang-chul, each object tells a story of joy, loss, achievement, and connection. https://www.yna.co.kr/view/AKR20250527026600005?input=1195m Why This Exhibition Matters The museum’s curators explain the purpose of the exhibition: “In an age overflowing with commemorations, we wanted to explore the real value of memory through souvenirs and ask what true commemoration means today.” Whether it's an embroidered umbrella from a 19th-century village or a concert ticket from last year, the exhibition reminds us that souvenirs are not just objects. They’re bridges that connect the past with the present, linking people, places, and emotions. https://www.yna.co.kr/view/AKR20250527026600005?input=1195m Plan Your Visit The exhibition “Today, a Souvenir: Why We Keep Mementos” runs until September 14 at the National Folk Museum of Korea. It’s a moving and meaningful journey through the ways we remember—and why we choose to. #NationalFolkMuseum #SouvenirExhibition #TodayASouvenir #MemoryCulture #KoreanHistory #CulturalHeritage #Commemoration #JoseonDynasty #GihyeGisakaecheop #Maninsan #KoreanTradition #MuseumExhibit #HistoricalArtifacts #MemoryMatters #WhyWeRemember #KCulture #KHistory #BTSARMYBomb #SouvenirsOfLife #ModernMeetsTradition #LifeMemories #CulturalExhibition #SeoulMuseum #HistoryLovers #EverydayArtifacts #HeritageMatters #EmotionalObjects #PersonalHistory #MemoryThroughObjects #ExhibitionReview All rights reserved Stay14 Bespoke
