In honor of my historical middle grade novel, tentatively named Chosen Warrior, I'm posting some pictures of my recent visit to the War Museum in Seoul.
I wanted to do some research on the dress of the Hwarang warriors as well as view the famous turtle ship.
A little history about the Hwarang. The Hwarang warriors use the ancient martial art of Tae Kwon. This originated nearly 2,000 years ago in Korea. It wasn’t until the United Shilla Dynasty (660-935 A.D.) that it grew popular. 
When the Japanese invaded Korea, a group of warriors called the Hwarang, defended their people. They fought using subak, now known as Taekwondo. Chosen students were taught this art in the secret. The Koreans didn’t want their enemies to learn these special skills. Later, the Hwarang warriors became famous for their flying kick that could knock men off horses. These great warriors inspired the Japanese to create the Samurai Warriors.
16 comments:
I love museums and have taken my kids to tons - not something they so enjoyed as little kids. But I think it is sooo interesting to learn about different ways of life.
It looks like amazing fun! Great pictures!
I love museums. Great pics!
Interesting stuff! I love museums. I have a hard time seeing everything I want to see because my kids are always calling, "Mommy, look at this!" I never get to look at anything long. Your husband did a great job taking pictures too!
I'll be sure to tell him Rena. You're such a great photographer yourself.
Christy, this is such awesome research for your novel! I always get story ideas in museums. Not always good ones, but I'm sure it helps to go in knowing what you're looking for!
Love the pictures! What great research!
Christy
What a fun place to go! And all in the name of research too.
My second son would love that place! I'll have to remember it for next time we visit Seoul.
I'm a museum hound, too. When my daughter started 1st grade I would go to the museums here in Cincinnati by myself. It was the only way I was able to read all of the information without interruptions. Good luck with your novel!
Very, very cool! I'm sure you got a ton of research done for the book :)
They have to drag me away from museums too -- I never have enough time to finish reading all the explanations of the exhibits.
So much of Japanese history comes from Korea, though you wouldn't necessarily know it to hear many Japanese talk...
"I truly understand all of your hearts!!!!" Love shares a compassion especially history of Great Koreans and I hope so i find space to compassionate your greatest love of history korea i hope that you show respect and sympathy that I have notion of being a samurai
one of the code of Bushido;
Respect (禮 rei?)
:-)
http://wiki.answers.com/Q/Who_were_the_Hwa_Rang_warriors
http://wiki.answers.com/Q/What_did_Japan_do_with_Korea
Hai, very nice articles.
May I ask your permission to use some picture from this blog?
I write abaout Hwarang but I never been there so I don't have their picture. Sure I will mention the source.
Regard,
Deleigeven
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