It seems like Guk Su-ho does all different types of Korean dance, but in the report he
seemed to be practicing Seungmu . Tell us a little bit more about Seungmu.
In the report, it briefly mentioned that it's one of the Intangible Cultural Assets, but
there's a neat story behind Seungmu.
So this dance is very distinct because of the long buddhist monk robes worn along with
the long sleeves and capped hood.
But there's also a legend behind the dance.
It's said that a very well known gisaeng, or courtesan, was the first to use Seungmu
as a dance, rather than a Buddhist ritual performance, which is what it had previously
been used as.
She used this to seduce a Buddhist monk and so it's said that this dance was prohibited
for part of the Joseon dynasty because of this.
There are many fun legends behind traditions...I guess we'll never know the truth behind these
myths, but that's the exciting part.
Now you mentioned to me earlier you have another type of art today, different from dance.
That's right.
Dance is always fun to watch but I have some art works that are both fun to look at, and
believe it or not, fun to watch as well.
Here's a look at some art work here in Seoul.
[PACKAGE] The pine tree...a beautiful piece of nature
seen repeatedly in Korean art.
This artist focuses his work on replicating the pine tree, and for the past 10 years,
the pine tree is all that he's been drawing.
[INTERVIEW] "The pine tree is special because there are
many scenarios where it strenghtens the heart.
I thought that Koreans were very similar to pine trees in this sense.
The history of the Korean people resembles the tree."
After winning the innaugural award from the Misulsegye art magazine, his works, along
with his paintings of the human body, have been put on display at the Misulsagye Gallery.
His famous pine tree paintings along with his newer works contribute to the art culture
of Insadong.
Another different type of art can be found nearby.
The three dimensional, interactive works of Koo Hyun-mo can be found at the PKM Gallery.
His recent gallery called Sajik-dong is a recollection and recreation of memories from
his younger days growing up in the Sajik-dong neighborhood.
The miniature house like renditions with their simple manners show Koo's style of freely
traversing through time and space, a motif he carries throughout his works.
[KOREAN] "If you get anxious, it's not a bad thing.
Outside it can be fun to take that and shape it to be free floating and good."
And on the opposite side of Koo's nature inspired work...is European Pop artist Julian Opie.
His works and interactive and playful.
They juxtapose still paintings against animated works...making it fun for spectators to enjoy.
A couple of those art exhibits were in the Insadong area.
You were telling me earlier that Insadong is filled with art galleries.
Insadong is an area with a more traditional look and style.
There are also art galleries, big and small, strewn across the area.
Some of Seoul's most renowned galleries are in Insadong.
These days, the art gallery tours have been popular.
They take guests, both native and foreign to Korea, on tours visiting some of the top
galleries here in Seoul, many of them located in Insadong.
Definitely a good location for the art galleries we just took a look at.