「Bang Jeong-hwan and Children’s Day」
To celebrate Children’s Day in 2018, we have prepared a lobby exhibition entitled ‘Bang Jeong-hwan and Children’s Day.’ Through this exhibition, we hope to remember the life of Bang Jeong-hwan, which was dedicated to the happiness of children, ponder about the meaning of ‘Children’s Day’ that he created, and think about our children, who are our future. Having jointly organized the exhibition with Saekdong Club, we have also prepared a fairy tale narration event as well. The event will take place on the outdoor deck, and all children and family members visiting the museum can join the performance for free.
A Life of 33 Years, Lived for Children
Born in 1899 in Yajugae (located between Seoul Museum of History and Sejong Center for the Performing Arts), Bang Jeong-hwan took his last breath in 1931. It was a short-lived life of thirty-three years, however it was one that was dedicated to the happiness of children, whom he believed were the future of our nation. He suggested children be addressed with a respectful name, ‘Eorini,’ recognizing them as independent human beings. He also led the adaptation and creation of children’s tale books and published a children’s magazine, ‘Eorini,’ to develop children’s entertainment and reading materials.
Today is Children’s Day. It’s Our World!
On 1 May 1922, Children’s Day was proclaimed, and in 1923 Children’s Day events were widely planned and executed. As Children’s Day originally overlapped with ‘May Day’ on the 1st of May, in 1928 Children’s Day and its relevant events were moved to the first Sunday in May. As big celebratory events took place on Children’s Day, the Japanese colonial government’s persecution followed, ultimately banning the celebration of Children’s Day in 1937. After the liberation of the Korean Peninsula, the 5th of May was officially established as Children’s Day in 1946. Later, Children’s Day was legislated as a national holiday in 1975.
This exhibition includes a chronological table and videos of his life, and magazines and newspapers published in the 1920s designed to allow viewers to view his life and the meaning and history of ‘Children’s Day’ in one glance. Also, in order to honor his intention to nurture children’s thinking and emotions through children’s songs and poems, we are offering children’s song listening and simultaneous puzzle experiences for children and family members to participate in.