For centuries in Korea, funeral customs have reflected deep respect for the deceased, with elaborate rituals intended to ease their passage into the afterlife. Among these traditions, kokdu, small wooden figurines, served as companions on the final journey. These intricately carved figures were meant to guide, entertain, and protect the soul of the deceased. Despite their significance, kokdu have become largely forgotten in the modern era, but they are now being reintroduced to the public through the National Folk Museum of Korea’s latest exhibition, “Parade.”
Kokdu are typically one foot in height, fashioned into various shapes including humans, mystical creatures, and immortals. Placed on funeral carriages, they were used to decorate the bier and to ensure that the spirit of the deceased was well accompanied on the perilous journey beyond. Historical records suggest kokdu were used as far back as the 1400s, although most surviving artifacts date to the late 19th and early 20th centuries, during the latter years of the Joseon Kingdom.
The ongoing exhibition, titled “Parade,” showcases 250 kokdu from the vast collection of Kim Ock-rang. Kim’s fascination with kokdu began nearly 50 years ago when she stumbled upon an old, dusty kokdu in an antique shop near Cheonggye Stream in Seoul. The shop owner did not know its value and simply gave it to her. This serendipitous encounter became the beginning of Kim’s lifelong mission to save and preserve these cultural treasures, ultimately amassing over 20,000 kokdu and founding the Kokdu Museum in 2010. Her efforts culminated in the donation of over 1,100 kokdu to the National Folk Museum last year.
Each kokdu had a distinct role to play in the journey to the afterlife. There were caregivers depicted as shamans or monks, who guided the soul on its path. There were also entertainers, figures shown in motion—dancing, playing instruments, or performing acrobatics—who aimed to provide comfort and joy to the departed. Finally, guardians such as stern-faced warriors on horseback or mystical animals were meant to protect the deceased from any harm that might befall them during their voyage to the next world.
The exhibition also highlights the evolution of kokdu designs over the centuries. During the Joseon era, military officials were a common motif. As Korea moved through the 1910-1945 period under Japanese occupation and after liberation, the designs began to reflect societal changes, with figures appearing as police officers and even soldiers. This progression underscores how these funeral figurines reflected the society they were created in, adapting to the political and cultural climate of each era.
The whimsical designs of kokdu may seem out of place for a funeral, but their playful nature held an important purpose. Koreans historically sought to transform the grief of death into something more celebratory—a final farewell that carried the warmth and joy of life. This celebratory approach to mourning was intended to ease the pain of parting, focusing on the journey ahead for the deceased rather than the loss felt by those left behind.
“Parade” serves not only as a display of cultural artifacts but also as a reflection of Korean values regarding life and death. The exhibition invites visitors to consider the roles of these seemingly light-hearted companions and how they symbolized the living’s efforts to make a challenging journey more bearable for their loved ones. In doing so, it sheds light on a forgotten but fascinating facet of Korean cultural heritage, encouraging reflection on the different ways societies cope with mortality.
Running until March 3 of next year, “Parade” offers a rare glimpse into Korea’s funerary traditions through the lens of these intriguing figures. It also highlights Kim Ock-rang’s passion for preserving these cultural artifacts and her dedication to sharing them with a broader audience. Admission to the exhibition at the National Folk Museum of Korea is free, inviting everyone to connect with a rich, meaningful part of Korean history.
Sayart / Jason Yim, yimjongho1969@gmail.com
