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So what's a haechi, anyway? Ask a Korean and I can't really say that most will accurately know. It's just so innate in our culture that you never quite question the essence of its existence - it's like asking what a dragon is.
The haechi is a creature of justice, a guardian that protects against disaster and evil. It has a single horn like a unicorn, breathes fire and lives in the water. Haechi sculptures were traditionally placed in all the palaces; large ones in gardens and in front of gates, small ones on the eaves of tiled rooftops. Smaller figurines and paintings were kept in homes as guardians. (There are a couple at my parents' place, as in the picture of a previous post.) The haechi was also embroidered on the garments of judiciaries.
What's interesting is that I'm much more familiar with calling it haetae. I honestly hadn't heard the expression haechi until last year, when the symbol was officially launched as the city's symbol. Apparently it's the proper traditional 'old' word to explain the creature and as Seoul is trying to emphasize the bond between tradition and modernity as they undergo renovations in the city, the word was chosen over the more commonly used haetae.
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Haechi Madang. Madang literally means yard, but has a much more intimate connotation to it than the English word. The exhibition hall tries to convey that feeling in its space.
Photos were taken last year, when the Seoul Design Olympiad was taking place.
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I didn't care much for the merchandise but the mascot was frickin' adorable! I just HADDA take a pic, much to the amusement of my best friend (who has known me since middle school and is used to me by now but still can't get over how geeky gaga I get over these things). Obligatory 'V' sign is a must!
Official Seoul Haechi Site (Korean only, music autoplays so be prepared)
http://haechi.seoul.go.kr
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