National Museum of Korea

I went to National Museum of Korea. It is the first time that I came here alone, except that I had group viewing in school as I was a teenager.

National museum of Korea is 3-story building. And open plaza connects two wings, making them appear to be a grand building.

1st floor displays historic and cultural items from prehistoric times through Joseon dynasty, 2nd floor exhibits calligraphy, paintings and donated treasures. And sculpture and crafts section and Asian arts section are located in 3rd floor.

This jar displays the representative shape of white porcelain jars
produced during the Joseon Dynasty, which are more widely
known as the "moon jar". The gentle curves provide a sense of
comfort.

white porcelain jar with dragon with cloud design in cobalt-blue underglze

Since ancient times, dragons have been regarded as auspicious,
powerful, and spiritual creatures, and so they were often used to
symbolize the king. This noble jar appears to have been used for
royal rituals of great importance.

Explanation of pictures is brought from website of cultural heritage organization because of my little knowledge.

This statue shows a classic contemplative pose : one lef perched up
on the other knee, with fingers raised up against the cheek. This pose
was derived from the young Indian prince, Siddhartha Gautama, contemplating the nature of human life.

This pensive bodhisattva statue is widely admired for the benign smile and fine physical proportions, wearing the simple yet elegant crown
and necklace with the flowing drapery over its legs. A wooden statue at
Koryuji temple in Japan , which is bllived to have been founded by a
Silla monk,has remarkable wimilarities with this statue.

Websit of national museum of Korea gives more information in detail. Even the time required at each showroom is explained, for example, it says that prehistoric and ancient times room in the 1st floor would take 2 hours and 53 minutes, sculpture and crafts room in 3rd floor would take an hour, etc.

According to this estimate it would take about 6 hours just looking at the 1st floor. After quick looking at the 1st floor, I finally came to my favorite room, sculpture and crafts room.

Buddha

Though the head may look disproportionately large for the body and
the shoulders narrow, the propotions are in good balance when looked
upon from below, as it would have been by a worshipper. The chin
is rather narrow,and the lips droop down at the adges, while the drapery resembles a series of wide belts. These features are also found
in iron Buddhas from the Wonju area, Gangwon-do province.

Vairocana Buddha

Vairocana Buddha is an embodiment of the light of the Buddhist dharma percading the universe. Vairocana images were first made
in Korea during 8th century and gained enormous popularity in 9th century.This statue is noble for its round face, a well-proportioned body,and an exuberant halo.

A whole day would not be enough to see the whole museum. I think concentrating on one theme at a time could be a good way of completing museum tour.