Although it’s not the most fun and exciting attraction in Busan (not that museums are ever categorized as “exciting”), the Busan Museum (http://engmuseum.busan.go.kr/) has been one of the best outings for me to better appreciate the city. The museum is nice, not shiny or dazzling in it’s fit and finish as with the Museum of Art, but laid out nicely with interesting and informative exhibitions. Going through this museum really helped me appreciate the hardships the city endured to get to where it is today. The thing that is new to me being from the USA is realizing how old this city is. It’s old! Actually, the correct term to use is ancient. In the museum are relics dating back 10-15,000 years – end of the Paleolithic period I believe it said. That’s very old considering the USA isn’t even 250 years old yet.
I’m no historian, so I won’t try to recreate the historical details that the museum already did, but what I can speak to are the things that I really liked and remember.
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| Very old map of Busan |
One of the main things that stood out were all the city maps from different periods. It was really interesting to see how the city changed to incorporate more elaborate street layouts, trains, and subways as we have today. The many maps of differing eras vividly told the story of how the city has evolved and modernized itself.
Another great display, probably the best ‘commercially’ exhibition of the museum, was Hall 2. The display was a series of full scale recreations of living and working quarters from the days of Korea-Japan diplomatic relations. Also included were folk and culture displays, and representations of how Busan became a modern city – all with full sized manikins and store fronts. There were also a number of miniature city models throughout the museum as well. One was built underneath a glass floor that would light up and play tracks of mock conversations – all in Korean of course.
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| Old cosmetic procedures of Busan |
Another interesting display was that of ancient “beauty” procedures to alter a persons body to fit the cultures idea of attractive or intelligent. Both disturbing and intriguing at the same time, the museum had actual skulls of those who had teeth yanked and foreheads squashed to look smarter or fit the beauty mold of the time. A bit of a one eye opened-one eye closed display in my opinion. No Mickey Rourke type of stuff, but that’s another story…
I also really liked the large model display of the emergency smoke signal system the city had developed long ago. It was new for me to even consider the concept of communicating emergency situations to other regions of town. When I’m thinking history, this wouldn’t come to mind. I guess that’s why it was interesting to me. Having the system they developed provided an effective process and mechanism to escalate emergencies.
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| Ancient emergency communication with smoke |
In addition to the “museum” part of the museum, that is the exhibition halls, there are also outdoor exhibits, a kiln exhibit, and history experience room. The outdoor exhibits have statues and other memorabilia from the city’s history strewn out amid the front lawn. There is also a shaded walking path along the length of the museum property with other displays. The kiln exhibit exhibits the process of making tiles in the past. The history room is where you can view many versions of traditional wear from different periods, experience a traditional tea ceremony, or print a rubbed copy of one of the tiles (which I wanted to do but then didn’t when they said it was for kids. I’m weak).
There are too many things to mention in a short blog about the Busan Museum. They have everything from minor items up to the grandiose, uber-historical meaning finds. Overall, a very nice way to spend a couple hours of an afternoon. The Busan Museum is also located right next to the UN Memorial Cemetery which I would highly recommend to any foreigner, but especially Americans. I made an entire afternoon of visiting both of these sights. This is just because I live so far away. If you live under an hour away, make it a couple day plan.
If you’re living here in Busan, or even just passing through for business or pleasure, I recommend seeing both the Busan Museum and the UN Memorial Cemetery to better appreciate the city.
Here are some other pictures…
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