The Korean smile - Smile like the bright sun, smile like the clear moon

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This picture was drawn by a child after reading a book on ethics and morals. The message of the book was that the child has to respect older people and that the community is more important than oneself. The picture exudes the positive energy that makes people happier, purer and more active.

(Drawn by a 5 - 6 year old child in 1847)

In spring the willow branches are drooping

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Was the boy tired? Was he looking out the window to stay awake or was he staring at the weeping willow that was washing her long hair in the river? It was spring everywhere now: the sky was clear and the wind was fresh and cool. How could he so immerse himself in his studies? He just wanted to leave his book there, go down to the river, and then float like a soft feather on the stream.

(Drawn by a child in the early 20th century)

The kid's first picture of a man

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In childhood, things around you are more isolated and blurred. Later you begin to see and understand things holistically and systematically. The picture shows the stage of development when the child begins to understand.

(Drawn by a 3 year old child in 1854)

Please be scared  of me

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A tiger has a terrifying face and sharp claws. People believe that he can protect them from the evil spirits. That is why they regularly hang pictures of tigers on the wall on New Year's Day. But this tiger looks so peaceful and funny that even a rabbit would smile back rather than be afraid of it. The draftsman intended to paint a tiger; the result, however, was more of a cat. 'Meow'!

(Drawn by a child in the late 19th century)

Flowery palace

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This picture reminds Koreans of the nursery rhyme 'Springtime at my home'. 

I used to live deep in the mountains, surrounded by lots of pear blossoms and small azaleas. I miss the colorful splendor of this flower palace. And I missed the time playing up there. 

In the reminiscence of childhood, time stops and it is again eternal, everlasting spring.

(Drawn by a child in the mid-18th century)

A stork caught by a clam

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This picture is based on an old traditional tale: One day the stork tried to catch the flesh of the clam. However, the clam closed so quickly that the stork's beak got stuck. A fisherman who watched the scene caught them both and was the only one to benefit from this pointless fight. The roughly drawn body of the stork stands in stark contrast to its beak, large eyes and flapping wings. You can feel right away how ashamed the stork is.

(Drawn by a child in the mid-18th century)

Between logic and illogic

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Grandfather's skullcap leans to the right, his feet to the left. And he looks us straight in the face. The transparent body reveals its entrails, but its arms are invisible. Above his head is a circle (or the sun? Or a halo?). Another circle is in the empty space at the top right. Everything is mixed up and coexists: right and left, straight lines and curves, confusion and looseness. Grandfather is caught in the tension between logic and illogic. Possibly his journey will lead him nowhere.

(Drawn by a child in the 18th century)

Traveler leaving for Seoul to take an exam

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The elderly traveler with the long beard has not yet given up hope of serving as a government official one day. He is on his way to Seoul, wearing straw shoes and a travel bag. He is just recovering from the toil of the long journey by taking a few puffs at his pipe. By the way, old man, how are you going to get to Seoul at this speed? Nevertheless, we all hope that you will pass the entrance exam.

(Drawn by a child in the early 19th century)