Wherever I am, the world comes after me.
It offers me its busyness. It does not believe that I do not want it.
Now I understand 
why the old poets of China went so far
and high 
into the mountains, then crept into the pale mist.
"The Old Poets of China" by Mary Oliver

The UP Korea Research Center (UPKRC), in partnership with the UP Asian Center and the Korean Cultural Center in the Philippines (KCC), will be organizing a “Korean Traditional Painting Workshop: Sagunja and Minhwa” on Wednesday, 15 February 2017 at the Philippines and China Hall, Hall of Wisdom, UP Asian Center.

Sagunja will be taught during the morning session (10 am to 1:00 pm), while Minhwa will be taught in the afternoon session (2:00 pm to 5:00 pm). 

THE WORKSHOP

Sagunja (사군자), also called “The Four Gracious Plants”, refers to a Korean painting that features any of four elements: plum, orchid, chrysanthemum and bamboo. Minhwa (민화) is a Korean folk art that illustrates common people’s freedom of expression and hope in carefree unconventionality. In Minhwa, it is usually drawn flowers, birds, and elements that show humor and cultural emotions of ordinary people.

During each workshop, participants will learn more about the designated art form, and will get a chance to paint their own works on Sagunja OR Minhwa with the instruction and guidance of the facilitator from the Korean Cultural Center, Mr. Tae-Jeong Lee.

NOTE: The materials will be provided by the lecturer, however, participants need to bring any small bottle to wash brushes during the session. 

UPDATE: Please note that a previous version of this announcement implying that both Sagunja and Minhwa will be taught in both sessions. The press release has been updated to reflect the new arrangement. 

LECTURER and FACILITATOR PROFILE

Tae-Jeong Lee graduated with a bachelor's degree in Traditional Arts and Crafts from the Korea National University of Cultural Heritage (NUCH) in 2015. He is currently taking his master's degree majoring the Intangible Cultural Heritage at the Graduate School of Convergence Cultural Heritage, Korea National University of Cultural Heritage (NUCH).

He is the winner of the 7th Seoul Metro Art Awards in 2013 and participated in a Palace project exhibition organized by the Korean Cultural Center in the Philippines. He is currently teaching Korean folk art, Sagunja and Minhwa, at the KCC Philippines.

ORGANIZERS

The UP Korea Research Centre (UPKRC) serves as a university-wide hub that will help promote and develop Korean Studies in the University and the country. It sponsors interdisciplinary and inter-college research and education on Korean studies, as well as facilitates the training of the next generation of Koreanists in the country. VIEW UPKRC Facebook page

The Korean Cultural Center in the Philippines (KCC) opened its doors to the public on July 19, 2011, with the goal of expanding the understanding and appreciation of Korean culture, and promoting a more active people-to-people exchange between the Republic of Korea and the Philippines. VIEW THE KCC WEBSITE.

The workshop is being held as part of UP Diliman Month in February 2017. View a list of activities in UP Diliman for February 2017.

INQUIRIES, VENUE, VICINITY MAP

For directions, view this vicinity and Google Street View map. Questions and concerns may be sent to This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. or This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.. You may also contact: (02) 981-8500 local 2543. 


The Asian Center offers M.A. degrees in Asian Studies with four fields of specialization: Northeast Asia, Southeast Asia, South Asia, and West Asia. The Center also has an M.A. program in Philippine Studies that allows students to major in Philippine society and culture, Philippine foreign relations, or Philippine development studies. The Center offers a Ph.D. program in Philippine Studies in conjunction with the College of Arts and Letters and the College of Social Sciences and Philosophy. For an overview of these graduate programs, click here. The Asian Center also publishes Asian Studies: Journal of Critical Perspectives on Asia, the latest issue of which can be downloaded at the journal's website. For other news and upcoming events at the Asian Center, click here.