By Kayla Lee

Professor Lee Mi-hyung of the Department of Cultural Contents at Myeongji University's Future Education Center will hold a graduation exhibition of the first class of the K-Folk Painting Leader Course, "Hihidamdam (喜喜談談, Joy and story)," from Jan. 23 to 28 at Hanokcheong in Bukchon, Jongno-gu, Seoul.

The exhibition is the result of a year-long process under the guidance of Professor Lee, in which the students learned about the historical value and beauty of traditional folk paintings that they should master as leaders.

Made up of the Chinese characters for "joy" and "story," "Hihidamdam" conveys the importance of our traditions and folk paintings to remember, the comfort we get from drawing and the joy we feel from learning. It also resembles the onomatopoeic word 'hihi,' which is the sound of laughter.

"The students, who have been moving forward for the past year, have been transforming into cocoons, pupae, and moths, and have continued to grow. I hope everyone's hard work will bear fruit," she said, adding, "K-folk painting leaders, soar in the Year of the Dragon!"

In particular, Myeongji University’s Future Education Center's K-Folk Painting Leader Course offers a traditional folk painting course through the Future Education Center's Cultural Contents Department to relieve daily stress through pictures and colors. 

The K-Folk Painting Leader Course is a one-year course that can be participated in after taking traditional folk painting classes for a certain period of time. 

The Myeongji University Future Education Center's traditional folk painting course helps students make their debut as a folk painting artist, and those who complete the K-Folk Painting Leader Course will receive a certificate as an instructor. 

Traditional folk tales are our precious cultural heritage that have been decorating our rituals and living spaces with the hopes and wishes of our ancient ancestors. 

Inquiries: Myongji University’s Future Education Center 02-300-1813