▲ The Beomjong striking media art, provided by the National Museum of Korea. (PHOTO NOT FOR SALE) (Yonhap)

 

SEOUL, March 25 (Yonhap) -- A new exhibition space allows visitors to see, hear, and even touch the deep, resonant sound of Korea's largest surviving bell, the "Sacred Bell of King Seongdeok," the National Treasure No. 29. 

 

The National Museum of Korea announced on Tuesday that it has opened a new sensory exhibition hall, "Space_Sai", on the third floor of its permanent exhibition hall. This interactive space allows visitors to engage with artifacts using sight, sound, and touch.

 

As the name suggests, "Space_Sai" (meaning "between" in Korean) is located between the Celadon and Metal Craft Exhibition Halls. The space focuses on offering a unique way to experience the sound and resonance of Korean temple bells, which are major exhibits in the Metal Craft Hall.

 

▲ The video demonstrating the principles of beomjong sound, provided by the National Museum of Korea. (PHOTO NOT FOR SALE) (Yonhap)

 

A museum representative explained, "This exhibition is designed to connect visitors of different backgrounds, including various generations, nationalities, and individuals with or without disabilities."

 

Upon entering the exhibition hall, visitors are greeted by the deep, lingering chime of the Sacred Bell of King Seongdeok.

 

At the center of the space, a 4-meter-high and 4-meter-wide LED screen visually represents the "beat phenomenon" (maeknori) —a unique characteristic of the bell’s sound, where the volume oscillates and fades gradually, creating a prolonged and ethereal resonance.

 

For a more immersive audio experience, visitors can sit in "sound chairs" that transmit vibrations corresponding to the sound pressure of the bell, allowing them to physically feel the resonance.

 

▲ The tactile experience exhibit, provided by the National Museum of Korea. (PHOTO NOT FOR SALE) (Yonhap)

 

In addition, the exhibition features a scaled-down replica of the Sacred Bell of King Seongdeok, as well as hands-on displays of bronze and tin, the raw materials used to craft temple bells.

 

"Space_Sai" is designed to accommodate diverse visitors. The exhibition provides the Korean Sign Language (KSL) interpretation, audio guides, large-print texts and English translations.

 

The sign language content was developed with the help of Professor Byeon Gang-seok from Kangnam University’s Sign Language and Interpretation Department and his team, "Sign Dandelion".

 

For the audio guide narration, the museum enlisted voice actress Choi Deok-hee, known for her roles in Sailor Moon and the Korean dub of Titanic.

 

A museum official stated, "We hope this initiative enhances accessibility and takes us a step further in becoming a truly inclusive museum for everyone."

[ⓒ K-VIBE. 무단전재-재배포 금지]