Many of us will have started off the new year by making new year’s resolutions to become a better person…Joseon calligrapher (김정희) Kim Jeong-hui, also known by his pen name (추사) Chusa... said he learned how to be become a more wholesome person during his time in exile on Jeju. A special exhibition is now underway showcasing his work “the Sehando” for the first time ever. Suejin Choi reports.
A humble-looking house… and a few old trees. The winds of Jeju may have added to the solitude felt and expressed by (추사 김정희) Chusa Kim Jeong-hui while living in exile on the island.

Designated as National Treasure 180… the (세한도) Sehando… is on public display for the first time... in photo-print form.

[slug]
‘Sehando: Self-Reflection of Chusa’
Through February 28, Jeju Chusa Memorial Hall

Measuring over 15 meters in length, the Sehando includes detailed memoirs of the scholars and independence activists of the time.

Jeju Chusa Memorial Hall has unveiled the masterpiece to the public for the first time ever, as part of an exhibition called “Self-Reflection of Chusa”... organized by the Seogwipo Cultural Center and Seogwipo City.

INTERVIEW
Kang Myeong-eon / Director, Seogwipo Cultural Center
It’s probably the first time a photoprint of this kind has been publically displayed. We organized the exhibition in hopes that more people will learn about Chusa.
<인터뷰:강명언/ 서귀포문화원장>
"아마 우리나라에서는 처음으로 이번에 이런 영인본을 전시하게 됐고, 제주를 찾는 사람들이 추사에 대해서 이번 기회에 좀 더 정확하게 알길 //
바라고 그 뜻을 기리기 위해서 저희가 전시를 하게 됐습니다."

Having lived a relatively comfortable life before he was sent into exile, Chusa experienced much personal growth and his artistic talents flourished as he adjusted to his new life here.

Over the eight years he spent in exile on Jeju Island, Chusa taught children who had never been schooled and learnt how to appreciate nature.
He broadened his view of the world and found enlightenment.

It was during this time that he created and perfected his own calligraphic style, known today as the (추사체) Chusa-che.

Each brush stroke rings a solemn tone.

INTERVIEW
Heo Ryung / Tourist from Toronto, Canada
I learnt many valuable things about Kim Jeong-hui. It made me think about a lot of things and I’m thankful I came here to see this.
<인터뷰: 허령/ 관광객(캐나다 토론토)>
"김정희선성님에 대해서 들으면서 너무 몰랐던 과거에 귀한 일들이 있었다는 것을 알게 되면서 굉장히 여러가지 생각이 들고 여기에 온 // 것에 대해서 감사하고 있어요."

[camera]
Hyeon Gwang-hoon

The exhibition also showcases various other works by Chusa, including 부인과 벗 or Wife and Friend… as well as personal letters written by Chusa to his students.

[REPORTER]
Suejin Choi

Through years of solitude, Chusa learnt to perfect his works and created masterpieces that have now become part of his legacy. The timely exhibition offers visitors a chance to reflect on their own lives... as they begin the new year.

Suejin Choi KCTV