A Mythical Journey into Korean Craft

Imaginary Beasts Come to Life at the National Heritage Exhibition

The National Heritage Promotion Institute has partnered with Porsche Korea to launch a special craft exhibition titled “The Tenth Dragon’s Child and Imaginary Creatures,” which opened on May 28 and will run through October 17 at the National Intangible Heritage Center in Gangnam, Seoul.

This exhibition is part of Porsche Korea’s social contribution initiative, “Porsche Do Dream: Future Heritage.”

Designed to introduce future generations—especially children and teens—to the value of traditional crafts and intangible heritage, the event also supports Korean master artisans by showcasing their work in a new, imaginative context.

The central theme of the exhibition is Korea’s mythical creatures, particularly the dragon, a symbol with varied meanings across Korean history.

In royal culture, dragons represented authority; in Buddhism, they were guardians of dharma; and among the public, they were seen as bringers of rain, fortune, and peace.

A total of 75 works by 39 master artisans and traditional craft artists are on display.

Featured pieces include the “Red Dragon Robe” by embroidery master Koo Hye-ja, the “Twelve Zodiac Dragon” by wood sculptor Park Chan-soo, and the “Phoenix Motif Bronze Vase” by metal inlay artist Kwak Hong-chan.

Exhibition sections explore themes such as the symbolic meaning of dragons, the tale of the Nine Dragon Sons from Chinese legend, and other legendary beings like the phoenix, kirin, and turtle.

Visitors can also enjoy interactive features, including a special space for kids to engage with the unique forms of these creatures through digital and hands-on activities.

Complementing the exhibit are craft-making experiences such as “Make Your Own Dragon Fan” and “Mythical Beast Pendant Workshop” led by artisans.

Visitors can also join in a live sketch experience, where colored drawings are scanned and projected as 3D animations in the exhibition space.

In addition, a special performance series titled “A Journey with Imaginary Creatures” is scheduled to run four times between May and August at the Pungnyu Folk Theater in Gangnam.

The shows feature traditional Korean performing arts tailored for children and are offered free of charge.

For more information, visitors can check the National Heritage Promotion Institute’s website or contact the intangible heritage team directly.

Editor 익스플로듀서