The Miniature Village of
Lotte World Folk Museum

Sel2510.jpg The Historical Exhibition Hall gives glimpses of everyday life during different periods through Korean history. The Miniature Village recreates life during the Choson Dynasty with more than 80 scenes with miniature models. The scenes depict different aspects of the Choson Dynasty including the king's enthronement at the palace, the way of life of aristocrats and common people, and different ceremonies and festivals. The displays are extremely detail oriented. The roof tiles at the miniature village are real tiles and the dolls' clothes were made from real fabrics that can be washed. The embroidered patches on officials' uniforms were also stitched by hand. All the figurines have their own unique facial expressions.)

King's Coronation Ceremony
Sel2515.jpg A coronation ceremony of the Choson Period is recreated with Keunjong Pavilion of Gyeongbok Palace as the backdrop. The positions and costumes of the king, servants, soldiers, and court ladies, as well as other aspects of this grand ceremony, were recreated based on thorough research, based partially on a court painting depicting a celebration honoring the king at Keunjong Pavilion.

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village ceremony Village Ceremonies
Village ceremonies in ancient times had different functions. Villagers usually prayed and gave offerings to local gods or spirits to wish for the well-being of the village members and for an abundant harvest. Ceremonies were held each year in seaside villages to pray to the dragon king. Villagers asked for safe sea faring, the well-being of the family members, and an abundant catch at sea.

Sel2505.jpg The First Birthday Feast (Tol)
A baby's first birthday was celebrated with family members and neighbors with a special birthday feast to wish for baby's continuing good health. There is also the tradition of predicting the baby's future based on the item he grabs from his birthday feast table. (For more information, please see the Child's First Birthday Cultural Spotlight.)

Sel2502.jpg Procession of a Successful Confucian Student
The Korean state examination for civil and military service was extremely difficult to pass. A Confucian student who passed the exam was quire rare. He was paraded through the village streets for 3 days wearing artificial flowers bestowed upon him by the king. He was usually accompanied by a musical band.
Sel2503.jpg Traditional Wedding Ceremony
The wedding ceremony is held at bride's house. It begins when the groom arrives at the bride's home bearing a wooden goose. The ceremony is officially over when the new couple reports their marriage at the groom's ancestral shrine. (For more information, please see the Traditional Marriage Cultural Spotlight.)

Sel2487.jpg 60th Birthday Feast (Hangap)
In the past, a person's 60th birthday was observed in grand fashion. The average life span was relatively short, so reaching the 60-year mark was a real achievement. Relatives, friends, and other well-wishers were invited for a feast to celebrate the birthday and to wish further long life.
funeral procession Funeral Procession
The funeral procession to the grave was led by two shaman sorcerers with masks to expel the evil spirits. They were followed by a tablet that contained the soul of the dead person then the funeral bier. At the end of the procession were mourners and and others offering condolences.

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Model of Anapji Pond
Sel2526.jpg Munmu, the 30th King of Silla, built his Eastern Palace (named Imhae-jon) in 674. Inside the palace was an artificial pond named Anapji. Like other royal complexes, the main palace, inner palace, and the royal bed chamber were built along a north-south axis with a corridor surrounding the buildings. The eastern side of the corridor faced Anapji. The embankments on the western and southern sides were constructed in a straight line. The embankments on the eastern and northern sides were constructed with small stones in bold curved lines. In the middle stood several small islands on which were planted a variety of trees and flowers. During excavation work in 1975 and 1976, the entire features of Anapji and the outline and size of the Eastern Palace and other building sites were determined.


coming of age Sel2495.jpg main gate of Gyeongbokkung

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