In celebration of its 15th anniversary, the Silhak Museum, located in Namyangju, Gyeonggi Province, is hosting a variety of cultural events, exhibitions, and educational programs from October 26 to 27. These activities are designed to showcase the museum's dedication to both preserving the legacy of the Silhak (Practical Learning) movement and engaging the local community in meaningful ways.
One of the main attractions of the anniversary celebration is the "Silhak Yeonhui" event, which will take place in the Dasan Garden adjacent to the museum. This outdoor event, starting at 2 p.m. each day, features a harmonious blend of classical music performances and traditional Korean arts, such as tightrope walking (jultagi), the Hallyangmu (a traditional dance), and sogo drum dancing. It’s a rare opportunity to experience both classical and traditional performances in an outdoor setting.
The museum is also hosting a special exhibition titled Rewriting Jasaneobo through Art. This exhibition is based on Jasaneobo, Korea’s first marine biology encyclopedia, written by renowned Silhak scholar Jeong Yak-jeon during his exile on Heuksando Island. The exhibition has garnered significant attention since its opening in April and will run until October 27, offering visitors a unique opportunity to explore this significant piece of Korean scholarly history through interactive displays.
In collaboration with seven public and private museums in Namyangju, the museum has organized the joint exhibition Dasan Jeong Yak-yong and the Han River, which explores the connection between the Silhak scholar Jeong Yak-yong and the Han River. Museums such as the Namyangju City Museum, Seho Art Museum, and the Han River Museum have participated in this joint effort, bringing together a wide range of cultural and artistic experiences under the unifying theme of Jeong Yak-yong’s legacy.
The poster of the festival, Courtesy of Silhak Museum
The museum’s mobile astronomy exhibition, Tick Tock! Sun, Moon, and Stars is also underway, highlighting the astronomical knowledge of the Joseon Dynasty. This exhibit, which is being displayed at local schools and public venues like the Jeong Yak-yong Library, showcases artifacts like the angbu-ilgu (a traditional Korean sundial), illustrating the practical applications of Silhak in the field of astronomy.
A standout event scheduled for October 26 is a performance titled The Meeting of Jeong Yak-yong and Beethoven. This unique concert blends Western classical music with Korean historical themes, featuring actors portraying both the famous Silhak scholar and the legendary composer Beethoven. The performance includes pieces such as Beethoven’s Piano Sonata No. 8 in C minor, Op. 13 "Pathetique" and Piano Sonata No. 14 in C-sharp minor, Op. 27 "Moonlight". It will also feature a newly composed theme based on the special exhibition Rewriting Jasaneobo, performed by a young musical prodigy.
On October 27, the focus shifts to traditional Korean performing arts with a diverse lineup including folk music, dance, and jultagi. The highlight will be a performance by the traditional Korean music group Sirak Band, which will present original compositions inspired by the poetry of Jeong Yak-yong. Additional performances include the Hallyangmu, performed by master dancer Kang Dong-ok, and a stunning jultagi act by master Kim Dae-gyun.
Director Kim Pil-guk of the Silhak Museum emphasized the museum’s commitment to community engagement through its diverse programming. "As we mark our 15th anniversary, we are expanding our efforts to connect with the public and residents, transforming the museum into a more inclusive and participatory space," Kim said. "We aim to ensure that everyone can enjoy and take part in the rich cultural and artistic heritage that the museum offers."
Located at the historic Jeong Yak-yong Heritage Site in Namyangju, the Silhak Museum is nestled alongside the picturesque Dasan Ecological Park and the scenic Paldang Lake, making it a perfect destination for visitors interested in both cultural history and natural beauty.
Sayart / Nao Yim, yimnao@naver.com
Jultagi Performance, Courtesy of Silhak Museum
In celebration of its 15th anniversary, the Silhak Museum, located in Namyangju, Gyeonggi Province, is hosting a variety of cultural events, exhibitions, and educational programs from October 26 to 27. These activities are designed to showcase the museum's dedication to both preserving the legacy of the Silhak (Practical Learning) movement and engaging the local community in meaningful ways.
One of the main attractions of the anniversary celebration is the "Silhak Yeonhui" event, which will take place in the Dasan Garden adjacent to the museum. This outdoor event, starting at 2 p.m. each day, features a harmonious blend of classical music performances and traditional Korean arts, such as tightrope walking (jultagi), the Hallyangmu (a traditional dance), and sogo drum dancing. It’s a rare opportunity to experience both classical and traditional performances in an outdoor setting.
The museum is also hosting a special exhibition titled Rewriting Jasaneobo through Art. This exhibition is based on Jasaneobo, Korea’s first marine biology encyclopedia, written by renowned Silhak scholar Jeong Yak-jeon during his exile on Heuksando Island. The exhibition has garnered significant attention since its opening in April and will run until October 27, offering visitors a unique opportunity to explore this significant piece of Korean scholarly history through interactive displays.
In collaboration with seven public and private museums in Namyangju, the museum has organized the joint exhibition Dasan Jeong Yak-yong and the Han River, which explores the connection between the Silhak scholar Jeong Yak-yong and the Han River. Museums such as the Namyangju City Museum, Seho Art Museum, and the Han River Museum have participated in this joint effort, bringing together a wide range of cultural and artistic experiences under the unifying theme of Jeong Yak-yong’s legacy.
The poster of the festival, Courtesy of Silhak Museum
The museum’s mobile astronomy exhibition, Tick Tock! Sun, Moon, and Stars is also underway, highlighting the astronomical knowledge of the Joseon Dynasty. This exhibit, which is being displayed at local schools and public venues like the Jeong Yak-yong Library, showcases artifacts like the angbu-ilgu (a traditional Korean sundial), illustrating the practical applications of Silhak in the field of astronomy.
A standout event scheduled for October 26 is a performance titled The Meeting of Jeong Yak-yong and Beethoven. This unique concert blends Western classical music with Korean historical themes, featuring actors portraying both the famous Silhak scholar and the legendary composer Beethoven. The performance includes pieces such as Beethoven’s Piano Sonata No. 8 in C minor, Op. 13 "Pathetique" and Piano Sonata No. 14 in C-sharp minor, Op. 27 "Moonlight". It will also feature a newly composed theme based on the special exhibition Rewriting Jasaneobo, performed by a young musical prodigy.
On October 27, the focus shifts to traditional Korean performing arts with a diverse lineup including folk music, dance, and jultagi. The highlight will be a performance by the traditional Korean music group Sirak Band, which will present original compositions inspired by the poetry of Jeong Yak-yong. Additional performances include the Hallyangmu, performed by master dancer Kang Dong-ok, and a stunning jultagi act by master Kim Dae-gyun.
Director Kim Pil-guk of the Silhak Museum emphasized the museum’s commitment to community engagement through its diverse programming. "As we mark our 15th anniversary, we are expanding our efforts to connect with the public and residents, transforming the museum into a more inclusive and participatory space," Kim said. "We aim to ensure that everyone can enjoy and take part in the rich cultural and artistic heritage that the museum offers."
Located at the historic Jeong Yak-yong Heritage Site in Namyangju, the Silhak Museum is nestled alongside the picturesque Dasan Ecological Park and the scenic Paldang Lake, making it a perfect destination for visitors interested in both cultural history and natural beauty.
