traditional symmetry, modern space: National Museum of Korea, Seoul

symmetry, color, rythym of repetition:

the ceiling of the Cheongjajeong pavilion in the garden in front of Seoul's new National Museum of Korea,

painted in the traditional style...

After walking through galleries ranging from neolithic to neo-Confucian,

a pleasure to rest one's feet in the shade of this octagonal structure--

and then lying down, looking up, a surprise to see a kaleidoscope with a pair of cranes at its center...

The pavilion is roofed with green celadon tiles:

Entry Hall of the Museum:

This museum was opened in 2005, south of the historical core of downtown Seoul, in the Yongsan district. Nearby is the Yongsan U.S. Military Garrison; within the next few years, the U.S. is scheduled to move its facilities out of the city, and Seoul has grand plans for this valuable real estate; the Museum is just the beginning...

This marble pagoda from the mid-1300's is one of the museum's centerpieces; during the Japanese Occupation, it was taken to Japan, then returned to Korea in the 1960's...

Looking south from the Museum, the reflecting pond and pavilion...beyond, some of Seoul's typical modern middle-class housing--high-rise apartments in domino-rows...aesthetically challenged, if efficient...