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| The Wisdom of Korean Ancestors for a Cooler Summer |
| Korea has four distinct seasons, and in order to stay cool during the hot summers, they came up with various creative inventions. For instance, they made a fan to produce wind, made clothes with "Ma" material, and used bamboos to make beds. Now, we are going to take a look at each of these creative, artistic, yet scientific inventions Korean ancestors created in order to survive through the summer. |
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Fan, an Artwork that Produces Wind
Since the materials for fans, such as Korean paper and easily divided bamboos were in abundance, the development of light and elegant fans began early in Korean history. Particularly, folding fans were invented in Goryeo period (A.D. 918 ~ A.D. 1392) in Korea, where they were then introduced to China and Japan. These folding fans were exported to other countries during the Joseon Dynasty.
Not only were fans for cooling off the heat and blocking the sun, but they were also used as accessories. There was even a tradition that the king gave his retainers fans as a gift on Dan-o Day (May 5th of lunar calendar).
Fans, with multiple functions mentioned above, are largely divided into two groups: Dan-seon with round shape and Jeop-seon, folding fans.
Mostly used by women, Dan-seon is made with clothes of papers, and they are named in accordance with their shapes. With their mixture of red, blue, and yellow colors, Tae-geuk seon is the most famous style of Dan-seon, while other fan shapes were of the Pacho leaf, paulownia leaf, or feathers of a peacock.
Men, on the other hand, favored jeop-seon. These folding fans are made with thin bamboo pieces sealed with papers or cloth, and they usually had paintings or poems on the paper. Especially, Hap-juk seon is renowned for its sensitive procedure, which needs to go through 6 times of craft and fire works.
Perfect for Summer, Ramie Clothe and Hemp Cloth
Ramie and hemp cloth are made from "Ma". Since the Dangun-Joseon Period (B.C. 2333 ~ B.C. 108) hemp cloth has been made, and it is the United Shilla Period (A.D. 668 ~ A.D. 935) where ramie cloth was determined for use on royal families and hemp cloth for civilians. Ramie cloth is popular because it does not soak sweats and it is easily ventilated. Hemp cloth's fibers are 10 times longer than that of cotton, so it has outstanding durability and firmness. Also, the absorbtion of water is 20 times greater than the cotton's; due to its strong antibacterial nature, hemp cloth are usually free of odors and it can block UV light.
Bamboo Wife, "Juk-bu-in"
As one of the inventions for hot summers, Korean ancestors used Juk-bu-in. The heat and mosquitoes are quite annoying while you sleep in the summer, and even a thin blanket cannot fight against the heat. Juk-bu-in was, therefore, invented to give the most space between blanket and body. Interwoven with 12 long bamboo pieces, this 20cm by 100cm Juk-bu-in is used under the blanket to let air flow between the blanket and the body. Also, the cool nature of bamboo makes Juk-bu-in a more attractive item in the summer.
Juk-bu-in means a wife made of bamboo, and it is a tradition not to lend Juk-bu-in to others.
To Make a Head Cool: Mok-chim (a Wooden Pillow)
Korean ancestors frequently used mok-chim while they took a nap. The coolness of the wooden material makes sleeping more enjoyabl. There is a slight difference between using a normal pillow and Mok-chim. A pillow is to support head, but Mok-chim is placed under the neck where the artery and vein go through. Hence, Mok-chim is great tool to treat headaches, insomnia, high blood pressure, lumbago, and stroke. There are many different kinds of Mok-chim with distinct material. For instance, one of them has a hole in the middle, so it makes your head more comfortable, and some of them have a box with herbs in it to produce scent.
Where you can buy stuff for Summer
Namdaemun Market, National Souvenir Center, Department Stores
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| 18-07-2001 |
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