We went museum-hopping all over Seoul. One of Jay's comments: How come they do it so well? (She was very, very impressed with the huge War Memorial and the contents which include some real aircraft and heavy artillery) And the only thing that occurred to me was: They are really proud of it. And they should be.
Korea has a long & proud history and a deep & beautiful culture. But i didn't know all that until walking days in their various museums. Now i do, and not only that - the importance of curator-ship, interpretation (or is that classification) and 'xin-yi' suddenly became huge and evident.
And so the story goes ...
You may overlook the tiny magnifiers that are used to show the detail in the artifacts. You may say that every museum nowadays have all those interactive elements. (which they do) You may not as impressed by the goongs (palaces) and think the Brits also do the same with changing of guards ... and debunk all my other examples. I haven't been to many places, that is true. But never have i been so touched by such heartfelt consideration than in Seoul's many museums.
On a budget, all the entrance fees do not cost as much as a bowl of noodles (jja-jang men, forsooth). The toilets are all clean and well-stocked (seldom seen in this country). Drinking water is provided free, and on every floor (this is also free and refillable in all the restaurants we went to, also.) Seating was provided. (ok, all these were available in London, too) ... but i never really fully appreciated the British Museum, nor did i have an opportunity to linger at all the places i visited then, AND perhaps i was not ready to value a good museum.
However, i do know one thing. i did visit the Oriental collection at the British Museum because me ol'dad said it was worth it. i came back with a feeling that there were too many plunderers in England.
So, makes me think like this - there is one item, a National Treasure in the National Museum of Korea (go to Wikipedia page here) which may not have been displayed the way it is, if it was curated in a western country. There is an exhibit called the Pensive Buddha which many believe was a popular depiction of Maitreya Buddha. You need to go through a set of dark curtains, into an extremely dim room. The statue of the Pensive Buddha sits under the light, and before him are seats for visitors to share a quiet moment with him. That few minutes with the statue was serene, thoughtful and amazing.
And i came from that feeling that the curator's (or plural) xin-yi was deeply touching for they knew the worth of this statue, how to show its value and most importantly, they knew what they wanted the visitors to leave with.
With this, i believe i must always carry this memory with me as it reminds me that sometimes my job is that, too. When i choose a book, be it from a catalogue or to show it to the world, i should remember curatorship, interpretation and my xin-yi for only then can the customer coming into the store, on any day, feel my truest heartfelt hopes that they will love those books.
(There isn't one word to describe xin-yi. If i know later, i'll change it. But xin-yi really means heartfelt intent and truly that is difficult to do)

SONG FOR A MOOD
Stay - Dutch Training. Strange to choose this song. But i remember one of my favourite J-dramas called Monalisa's Smile, with Yusuke Eguichi starring in it. He played an auctioneer who was obsessed with the DaVinci's masterpiece. I loved this show for as much detail it could provide about the Arts and antiques etc. And this song was the main theme. I know it sounds like the reason is just too faraway, but it seems right to me.