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The Korean Wave Comes To Boston In New Exhibit At The Museum Of Fine Arts

Author Pebbles
Jung Kook performs during a surprise concert in Times Square on November 9, 2023 in New York City. (Photo by Daniel Zuchnik/Billboard via Getty Images)

If you’re into K-Pop, Korean dramas, or Korean beauty products, you’ve experience Hallyu. Hallyu literally means Korean wave, and is “a cultural phenomenon in which the global popularity of South Korean popular culture has dramatically risen since the 1990s.” Wikipedia  If you can’t get enough, there’s good news for you as a special exhibit highlighting the Korean wave is coming to the Museum of Fine Arts.

The history of Hallyu

The Korean Wave reportedly stated in 1999 in China when journalists first conceived the term Hallyu. Some of the first TV dramas that were popular outside of South Korea in other Asian countries were Autumn in My Heart, Winter Sonata, and My Sassy Girl. During reconstruction of South Korea’s economy after the financial crisis in the late 90’s, the president at the time, Kim Dae Jung decided to use the country’s popular culture as the main export.

What is considered part of the Korean Wave?

Besides Korean movies, dramas, and music, many other different aspects of Korea are part of the wave. Many people are learning the Korean language, including myself. Skincare and makeup products are huge. Online gaming, fashion, and Korean food are also part of the booming business.

The wave comes to the Museum of Fine Arts

If any or all of the above sounds good to you, then the upcoming exhibit at the MFA is for you. According to their exhibit website,

“This exhibition explores the makings of the Korean Wave through cinema, drama, music, and fandoms, and underlines its impact on the beauty and fashion industries. See close to 200 objects alongside pop-culture ephemera across four thematic spectrums—technology, cinema and drama, music, and fashion—engage with some of the biggest crazes to come out of hallyu through interactive displays, and discover the colorful and dynamic popular culture of South Korea in all its expanse.”

Hallyu! The Korean Wave will be on exhibit at the MFA from March 24–July 28, 2024. Tickets go on sale next month.

Boston has been waking up to the voice of Pebbles for years. She has always had a deep and strong commitment to the community, donating her time to numerous organizations such as the Girl Scouts, First Book Boston, and more. With a passion for youth literacy, she started the program “Pebbles Reading Rockstars” to encourage kids to read more and develop a love of books. A graduate of Northeastern University, the Wareham native continues to visit classrooms as part of the literacy program. Pebbles likes to write about books, personal stories, good news, and self-care.

From Boston To Seoul - Why South Korea Should Be On Your Travel Wish List

I just got back from a two week trip in South Korea and it was hands-down one of the most beautiful experiences of my life. Why Korea? I get asked that all the time. I usually cover my face in embarrassment when I say that it all started with a Kdrama. Kdramas, or Korean TV series, have been my obsession for the past two years. As I continued to watch them, I became obsessed with all things Korea. The culture, the history, the people, the food, the language. Everything. I started taking Korean language classes, learning to cook Korean dishes, and study more about the country. One year in, I decided I needed to actually go there, and I did.

What I did in South Korea

I love traveling solo, and I went there by myself. I stayed in Seoul, in the Insadong area. It’s known for it’s tea shops, cafes, art work, handicrafts, and delicious food. There were so many things to do and I knew I wasn’t going to be able to check everything off my travel bucket list. But I did do a lot. I took a cooking class, had an overnight temple stay, visited museums and palaces, ate street food, and more.

What about the language difference?

I am so glad that I took the time to learn some Korean before I went. Being able to greet people, thank them, and ask for things was extremely helpful. I also know Hangeul, the Korean writing system which is surprisingly easy to learn. Because I knew it I was able to know what bus stops to get on and off. Also, I felt like people were genuinely appreciative of me trying to speak to them in their language. A small bow and “thank you” in Korean went a long way. I found people to be very helpful, even with the language difference. Apps like Papago and Naver were life-savers for me.

Why should you go to South Korea

Everyone has their own reasons to travel the places that they do. For me, South Korea was all about pushing myself to learn more about a language and a people that I wasn’t previously very familiar with. The Korean Wave, or Hallyu, “is a cultural phenomenon in which the global popularity of South Korean popular culture has dramatically risen since the 1990s.” Wikipedia Think Kdramas, Kpop, Kbeauty, etc. It’s off the charts popular globally, and I am riding that wave with pure abandon. Why should you go? If you’re a fan of history, delicious food, learning about different cultures and customs, South Korea should definitely be on your travel bucket list. If you have any questions, I’m always down to talk about my experience. Feel free to email me [email protected].

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