London Korean Links

Covering things Korean in London and beyond since 2006

Fringe review: Kokdu – The Soul Mate

Intended to be a simple morality tale about respect for the dead and dying, as well as an exposition of Korean folk and shamanistic beliefs about burial customs and the afterlife, this ambitious production combines strong visuals and colourful costumes with storytelling that is an uncomfortable mixture of seriousness and slapstick. Sometimes it’s good to … [Read More]

Kkokdu – a cortege’s colourful attendants

Accompanying the KCC’s exhibition of Korean funerary figures, Charlotte Horlyck gave a helpful lecture providing some historical background and context to these colourful wooden characters. The talk was particularly valuable as the introduction provided by the director of the Kkokdu Museum a few weeks previously had lacked much content. While generally admitting that not much … [Read More]

Funeral Figurines: A Unique Art Form of Traditional Korea

The opening talk of the current KCC exhibition, presented by the director of the museum who has provided the exhibits, was a little short on information on these charming funeral dolls. So Charlotte Horlyck’s upcoming talk is very welcome. Funeral Figurines: A Unique Art Form of Traditional Korea Global Korea Lecture: ‘Korean Culture Shining Bright’ … [Read More]

Korean Funerary Figures: Companions for the Journey to the Other World – the KCC’s summer exhibition

It’s been a while since we’ve had an exhibition at the KCC. But the buildings maintenance is now complete and the floor in pristine condition. This exhibition, part of All Eyes on Korea, will see us through the summer months, and into our next lives. Korean Funerary Figures: Companions for the Journey to the Other … [Read More]