100 years of Gisaeng『Exploring Gisaeng in Postcards』 Special Exhibition of donations from Park, Min-Il
This exhibition presents various aspects of Gisaeng including their origin, and characters as artistic performers as well as fashion leaders through postcards from the early 20th century donated by Seokwoo Dr. Park, Min-Il. Nowadays today, we might have rather negative and decadent image about Gisaeng. However, until late 19th century, Gisaeng was a universal artist who was a skilled singer, dancer and painter with a beautiful face. Beautiful appearance and talents of Gisaeng can be seen from books like 'Joseon Mi-in Bogam' (Beauties of Joseon) or photo postcards, and record covers.
It is expected that this exhibition will provide opportunities to explore Gisaeng, universal artist and transmitter of traditional performances, in postcards.

Ⅰ-1 Origin and artist
Gisaeng has quite a long history as a key entertainer for celebrating traditional events and took the starring role to warm up the royal events and ceremonies with song and dance in Goryeo dynasty. However, when Gwangi system (Government controlled Gisaeng group) was dismantled in 1908, the period of Empire of Korea, the Japanese styled Gisaeng Union was assembled (Gwonbeon Gisaeng).

Ⅰ-2 Traditional performances and Gisaeng
Gwangi (Government controlled Gisaeng group) was dismantled after their charity concert in 1908. Although their reassembly was undertaken later for political purpose by Japanese Imperial, there were achievements that royal dance was inherited as well as new type of dance such as folklore dance was attempted. Gisaeng was the essence of official ceremonies, charity concert, exhibitions, field meetings, and private celebrations as well as stage performances.

Ⅰ-3 Promoting Joseon and Gisaeng
Since 1900s large numbers of folklore photo postcards were produced around Yokohama, Japan, especially the Daisho photographic studio. Presented as dancer, musician, and beauty of Joseon, Gisaeng attracted Japanese tourists as the representative image of Jeseon.

Ⅱ Gisaeng, fashion leader of the 20th century
As a professional artist, Gisaeng pursued new wave in fashion. Gisaeng was a fashion leader who created new looks with western accessories such as umbrella, scarf, shawl, and handbag coordinated with traditional Hanbok.