[Exhibition Tok Tok] Something Found in Earthenware Crock, Corn, and Soap

How do the love and devotion of the parents’ generation, evident in Korea’s modern and contemporary history, appear to those who were born and raised in different cultural backgrounds? Mongolia, with its long history of nomadic life, and Japan, the island nation, are geographically close to Korea but greatly differ in terms of history and culture. Members from these two countries, visiting Korea as part of the 80th Overseas Visiting Group, were set to view the “Father’s True Heart” Exhibition held at the New Jerusalem Imae Temple and the “Our Mother” Writing and Photo Exhibition at the Church of God in Gwanak, Seoul, so the editorial staff decided to join them. The clear autumn sky of October greeted the members.

“The earthenware jar buried in the ground served as a refrigerator, where Korean mothers stored Kimchi and took it out to prepare the meal.”

As the guide explained Korea’s traditional culture, the members listened quietly. It took some time for the Mongolian members to understand the farming method of hanging corn under the eaves to dry in the fall and winter, as it was something they had never encountered before. They stayed for a long time in front of a photo of a female diver at the seaside, unable to take their eyes off it. This was understandable, as they had no experience with farming or coastal life. Japanese members showed a deep interest in the story behind the “Miracle on the Han River,” which refers to Korea’s economic development from the 1960s to the 1990s.

Though the works and items were unfamiliar, members from both countries soon recognized the love they had received from their parents since childhood.

“The story of the father who made soap for his daughter and grandson, both suffering from skin conditions, touched me the most. Even facing death, he strived for the health of his daughter and grandson, and I could feel the father’s love in that. I believe the love embodied in the work is the sincere affection that all fathers have for their children.” Ueno Riho from Fukuoka, Japan

“Although the displayed items were very different from those used by Mongolian mothers, they still carried the love of a mother who only thinks of her children. I was really happy to be able to indirectly understand how much Mongolian mothers cherish us and how much they have sacrificed for us.” N. Davaasuren from Ulaanbaatar, Mongolia

“Although the situations in the artwork were different from my generation, the fathers in them reminded me of my own father. My father worked hard and spent all the money he earned solely for me, without taking care of himself. His warm heart was on my mind throughout the entire exhibition.” Nomintuya from Ulaanbaatar, Mongolia

The members dusted off the layers of time from their memories and began to uncover, one by one, the cherished moments they had shared with their parents. Reflecting on the lives of Korean fathers and mothers, they couldn’t help but think of their own parents back home, feeling a warmth in their hearts. Perhaps it is because parental love is universal.

“When I first saw the photo of the Haenyeo (female divers) standing on the beach, I was just curious about what the scene was. After hearing the explanation that it depicted a mother gathering seafood to support her family, I was deeply moved. I could feel a mother’s love and devotion in each piece of work. Whether in Mongolia or Korea, mothers are the same.” D. Tuvshinjargal from Zaysan, Ulaanbaatar, Mongolia

After the exhibition, the members were already excited, thinking about how to share this inspiration with their beloved Zion family back home.

“While viewing the exhibition, I was filled with regret, remembering that I never truly understood my father’s hard work and efforts. My father is a man of few words, so there wasn’t much communication with the family, and I didn’t have a good relationship with him, either. When I return to Japan, I will call my father. I hope a Father Exhibition will be organized in Japan, too, so that my family can understand my father’s love.” Takagi Amin from Hiroshima, Japan

“While viewing the Mother Exhibition, I made up my mind to remember Mother’s sacrifices whenever difficult times arise. Until now, I’ve often thought, ‘This is hard, that is hard,’ but I haven’t considered Mother, who cares for me more than I do for myself. As an assistant overseer, I want to help reawaken the brothers and sisters in Mongolia to Mother’s love.” E. Munkhtuvshin from Ulaanbaatar, Mongolia

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