"Sul Odongnamu, Dancheong 187×37×20 2020"

The Jeonju Cultural Foundation (CEO Choi Rak-gi) will be hosting the 'Masterpiece Craft Special Exhibition' by the national intangible cultural heritage instrument master, Go Su-hwan, at the Jeonju Craft Exhibition Hall in Jeonju Hanok Village until the 17th.

This exhibition, now in its third year, is an annual event planned to shed light on the lives and artistic worlds of intangible cultural heritage artisans. It is named 'Masterpiece (一品)' to signify the finest craftsmanship completed with a single act of dedication and skill.

In this exhibition, Go Su-hwan, a master of national intangible cultural heritage instruments, will showcase around 10 traditional string instruments such as the Seul, Jeongak Gayageum, Sanjo Geomungo, Sanjo Ajaeng, and Otchil Haegum. The exhibition delves deeply into the artisan's 60-year career in craftsmanship and the spirit of the artisan.

Particularly noteworthy in this exhibition is the fact that the instruments were made following traditional production methods that the artisan has studied and preserved for a long time. From selecting the wood to the intricate finishing of the instruments, the pieces completed by the artisan's hands convey not just a simple exhibition but also the value and depth of tradition.

Go Su-hwan has dedicated his life to researching how to produce beautiful sounds, even learning to play the Gayageum himself to accurately understand the structure of the instruments. He stated, "The essence of instrument-making lies in producing beautiful sounds, and one cannot achieve that sound through guesswork alone." He further mentioned, "To find a more accurate sound, I learned the playing techniques from Gayageum masters, which allowed me to become an instrument maker with both craftsmanship and musical skills."

Choi Rak-gi, the CEO of the Jeonju Cultural Foundation, expressed, "In the future, the Jeonju Cultural Foundation plans to continue introducing intangible cultural heritage artisans who have preserved our traditions." He added, "We ask for a lot of interest and support for artisans who quietly carry on their own traditional skills, providing deep emotions with true artisan spirit."

The exhibition will run from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m., with free admission. Regular closure on Mondays. If it is difficult to visit in person, the artworks can be viewed through an online exhibition video. By searching for 'Jeonju Craft Exhibition Hall' or 'Masterpiece Craft Special Exhibition' on YouTube, related videos can be watched.