The exhibition features colorful silk lanterns and artistic items made of silk including clothing. (photo courtesy of KCCLA)
The Korean Cultural Center Los Angeles, in collaboration with the city of Jinju in Korea, will present the exhibition “Lights of Korea: Jinju Silk Lanterns” from Thursday, Jan. 15, through Saturday, Feb. 28, in the center’s gallery.
The exhibition is part of the 2025 Touring K-Arts Program, supported by the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism of Korea and the Korean Foundation for International Cultural Exchange. Focusing on Jinju, Korea’s historic center of the silk industry, the exhibition highlights Jinju silk lanterns crafted through generations of tradition and artisanal craftsmanship. Through the gentle glow of light and the delicate textures of finely woven silk, the exhibition presents a contemporary interpretation of the beauty and value of traditional Korean crafts.
“Lights of Korea: Jinju Silk Lanterns” first premiered in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, in 2023, and subsequently toured major cities in Vietnam, the Philippines and Indonesia, receiving enthusiastic responses from audiences across Southeast Asia. In particular, images of the exhibition – featuring vibrant colors and luminous lighting – gained widespread attention on social media, contributing to growing international popularity. Responding to global interest, the exhibition continues its journey to Los Angeles, marking its North American debut.
The Los Angeles exhibition is uniquely inspired by “Portrait of a Beauty (Miindo),” a painting by late Joseon Dynasty artist Shin Yun-bok. Drawing from the elegant silhouette of the figure and the flowing curves of traditional hanbok, the exhibition space is designed around the motif of a 12-panel skirt, unfolding into a circular structure that gently envelops visitors – evoking the warmth of a mother’s embrace. The layered Jinju silk lanterns resemble the flowing hem of a hanbok skirt, illuminating the soft elegance and restrained beauty of Korean aesthetics through radiant light and color.
In addition to silk lanterns, the exhibition features traditional hanbok made of Jinju silk and a variety of silk products, offering a multidimensional view of Jinju’s silk industry covering its history, present existence and future potential.
“We hope this exhibition, which has resonated with audiences in cities around the world, will provide visitors in Los Angeles with an opportunity to experience the subtle yet brilliant beauty and emotional depth of Korean traditional culture,” KCCLA Director Haedon Lee said.
The exhibition will be on display in the second-floor gallery of the Korean Cultural Center Los Angeles, 5505 Wilshire Blvd. Admission is free and open to the public. Viewing hours are 9 a.m.-5:00 p.m., Monday to Friday, and 9 a.m.-1 p.m., Saturday.
For information, visit la.korean-culture.org.