A Room of Quiet Contemplation: Seeing and Identification in the National Museum of Korea

Contemplation is a unique way of seeing that enables us to perceive the truth of the invisible beyond what is visible. Through contemplation, one can become deeply connected with, and possibly even identify with, what they have observed. This study analyzes the spatial arrangement of “A Room of Quiet Contemplation” at the National Museum of Korea and explores its interaction with visitors. Although the room prominently features two Buddhist pensive bodhisattva statues, giving it a Buddhist appearance, it must meet certain necessary conditions due to its location in a national museum. Respect for religious diversity and the neutralization of religious bias are crucial. We examine how the statues are de-contextualized from their original temporal and local contexts, allowing them to function as universal (non-religious) signs in the museum. Furthermore, the room must be accessible to foreign visitors from various cultural and religious backgrounds. Thus, this research investigates the universality and singularity of the tradition of contemplation. Additionally, we explore how the experience of contemplation can be enhanced through various forms of the spatial expansion of “A Room of Quiet Contemplation”.