Gahoe Museum
About
Gahoe Museum is located in Gahoe-dong, Jongno-gu, housing the most comprehensive collection of Korean shamanistic art in the world and a repository of Korean indigenous culture and beliefs. Since its establishment in 2002, the museum features a collection of more than 1,500 outstanding shamanistic art relics from Korea in the Joseon Dynasty. On display are 750 talismans, 150 wooden amulets, 250 folk paintings, 150 classical books, and 250 other miscellaneous materials filled with the essence of Korean hopes and beliefs. An elegant, traditional Korean house was remodeled into the Gahoe Museum, and it consists of exhibition halls, a hands-on experience room and a Korean tea drinking room. Wherever visitors turn, pleasure and astonishment await in every inch and corner of this small museum.
Various collection of amulets
The old wooden front gate of the museum has its own shamanistic objects, called “Akmagi”. It is believed that their special power wards off bad and evil spirits from entering the house. All shamanistic objects including amulets and talismans, can be traced back as far as the beginning of civilization and are believed to have served as tools to drive away negative spirits and to gain good fortune and luck. In ancient times, natural materials such as animal bones, rocks and clam shells were used to make all kinds of shamanistic items, and this old belief system has remained in the very core of the human mind up to the present time. Thus, a variety of Korean shamanistic items have been wisely collected and displayed at this unique museum: “Umnamu” (a tree believed to repel curious and mischievous spirits), the bones, horns, teeth and claws of animals (especially tigers), peach twigs and a cow’s nose ring are all used to repel evil spirits and protect people and their households.
Shamanic arts and crafts imbued with folk religion
The museum presents various folk paintings and “Sansuwha”, folk paintings of mountains and water, as well as shamanistic objects. It is also believed that specially drawn and designed paintings can ward off bad spirits and protect their owner. For instance, the chicken is considered an auspicious animal that has 5 virtues - martial arts, bravery, benevolence and sincerity - and brings about good luck and a new life. Unsurprisingly, many paintings on the theme of chickens are found at the museum. Belief in the power of writing is another familiar concept around the world that has been around since ancient times, and without a doubt, seeing the magical words spelled out on display, including folding screens and talismans, is an unforgettable experience for visitors.
After the full tour, visitors can stop by a corner of the museum open to anyone who wants to take part in making various amulets and shamanistic items for fun. Visitors can make their own magical amulets such as an amulet of three disasters, an amulet for great achievement in studies, for health, and also for warding off talismans. The cost of each class is different depending on the subject and range from 3,000 won to 10,000 won. Each class is conducted in Korean.
Gahoe-dong is a district in Jongno-gu, comprised of beautiful traditional Korean houses known as a hanok. One of the renowned areas to visit in Seoul, museums, galleries, traditional Korean tea houses and restaurants are can be found all around this beautiful neighborhood.
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