Korean historical dramas use elaborate costumes and accessories and one of the distinctive features are the hats.
From “The King’s Affection,” “The Red Sleeve,” “Rookie Historian Goo Hae-ryung,” “Moon Embracing the Sun” to “Love in the Moonlight,” hats played important roles in distinguishing social status.
Filipinos can now see Korean hats in history at an exhibit in the country.
The “Korea, A Land of Hats” exhibit will run until Nov. 30 at the new location of the Metropolitan Museum of Manila, or The M, in Bonifacio Global City in Taguig.
This is presented by The M with support from the ‘Traveling Arts’ project of the Korean Foundation for International Cultural Exchange (KOFICE), in collaboration with the Korean Cultural Center in the Philippines (KCC) and Coreana Cosmetics Museum.
The specially curated exhibit features around 150 pieces including heritage Korean traditional hats, and modern art works.
As the creations of the Korean National Intangible Cultural Heritage and other artisans, the hats exhibit both the beauty and the complexity of Korean craftsmanship. The masterpieces provide its visitors with their unique stories.
According to the KCC, for Koreans, the moja (hat) is more than a mere accessory. It is believed to be directly linked to one’s attitude, spirit, and life beyond serving practical and decorative functions.
It was a unique form of clothing culture that reflected the rich Korean history, the occasion, social values and status, and the wearer’s rank.
Visitors can try wearing the hats and take pictures at the traditional Korean street background for the full Korean culture experience.
Displayed in the exhibit is the well-known “gat” (Korean traditional hat), famous for being used in the Korean zombie series “Kingdom.”
These works of art were created by the Korean National Intangible Cultural Heritage “Gannil” (Hat Making) artisan Park Chang-young and certified trainee Park Hyung-Park.
Artifacts dating from 19th Century
The artifacts section located at the center of the exhibition hall showcases accessories and headdresses for women, men and children predating back in the 19th Century to the 20th Century.
Baehwa Woman’s University Korean traditional bride doll
Other works in the exhibit are Korean traditional costume dolls of Baehwa Women’s University. It is the first time for these dolls to be exhibited internationally. The dolls recreate Korean clothing in different seasons from a child to an adult.
The bride doll displays the traditional headdress for wedding in the North Korean region, which shows the glamor of a traditional Korean wedding at that time.
Along with the actual hats, the exhibition also presents specially curated contemporary artworks that are inspired by the Korean traditional hats including painting, photography, books and installation work.
The exhibition is available to the public for free until Nov. 30, Tuesday to Saturday from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. at the newly located Metropolitan Museum of Manila in BGC.
Guests are advised to wait for the confirmation letter from The M. The visit will be by appointment open to a maximum of 20 people, which can be reserved through: https://tinyurl.com/TheM-2022ScheduleYourVisit.