In this blog post, I will examine how my personal fascination with artifacts and ruins shaped my choice of major and career goals, calmly exploring the significance the study of traditional artifacts has left in my life.
Reasons for Pursuing This Field (Choosing My Major)
Since childhood, I’ve been deeply interested in artifacts and ruins, starting with Egyptian mummies. I’ve collected hundreds of books related to archaeology. Friends around me often reacted to my fascination with ancient artifacts and sites by calling it old-fashioned. However, I believe archaeology is a progressive discipline that explores the civilization and spiritual world of the Korean people, grounded in the understanding and preservation of traditional culture.
It also holds the appeal of solving historical problems that cannot be clarified through texts alone, using a modern perspective. Imagining how fascinating it would be to study the excavation and analysis of artifacts and ruins, no other department caught my eye besides Archaeology and Art History.
Upon entering your esteemed university with my passion for archaeology, I wish to conduct multifaceted research on the ruins and artifacts left behind by past human societies in their daily lives, from a cultural-historical perspective. I aspire to become a curator who can uncover and collect the material evidence left by humanity, and through its interpretation and study, elucidate human history and the history of daily life. I wish to build this foundation at your university to fulfill my childhood dream.
Academic Plan and Goals
Upon admission, my first priority will be to acquire fundamental knowledge across archaeology and art history, establishing a plan to become a curator capable of reevaluating our cultural heritage. I also plan to frequently undertake cultural field trips to observe sites and artifacts. Through a thorough and comprehensive understanding of foundational cultural heritage materials, I will cultivate discernment and creative abilities regarding culture.
Starting in my third year, I plan to make concrete preparations to become a curator after graduation. Curators not only plan and operate exhibitions but also conduct research related to exhibits and authenticate artifacts. Therefore, I will engage in in-depth study during my undergraduate years to acquire specialized knowledge about artworks, artifacts, and historical sites.
Additionally, I plan to utilize vacations for overseas volunteer activities through organizations like the Red Cross and Habibart to practice sharing. I also intend to travel extensively to broaden my horizons and cultivate an open mind.
Post-Graduation Plans
Holding the dream of becoming a curator, I will diligently study curatorial research after graduation to qualify for employment at a museum.
There is no doubt that being a curator is a profession that carries the mission and pride of being a cultural messenger. I aspire to become a curator to experience the joy and fulfillment when our traditional artifacts, often undervalued, gain public appreciation.
I have frequently visited museums over the years, but I realize I was often drawn to aspects unfamiliar to the general public or to outward splendor, lacking a deeper understanding of the intricate beauty, artistry, and the technical aspects hidden beyond the surface. Therefore, if I become a curator, I would like to organize thematic exhibitions, such as experiential displays on the history of technology, where visitors can feel the discerning eye of our ancestors through traditional artifacts.
On my desk, the faded motto “Jin Insadae Cheonmyeong” (Do your best, and leave the rest to heaven) remains firmly affixed. I pledge to myself that throughout my life, I will dedicate relentless effort and passion to everything within my capacity.
Self-Introduction (Life Philosophy, Values)
The motto I hold dear is “一切唯心造” (Everything is created by the mind). This Buddhist term signifies that all things depend solely on the mind, meaning “anything is possible depending on one’s resolve.”
I believe difficult tasks and easy ones are not fundamentally different. If you approach a task thinking “This is hard,” it truly becomes hard. But if you think “This task will help me grow,” it becomes worthwhile and manageable. Unless a task is absolutely impossible, beyond human capability, I encourage friends and peers with phrases like “Let’s try just one more time. You can do it.” This positive mindset sparked my motivation to study, leading to a habit of finding joy in learning anything, which allowed me to consistently maintain top grades.
Moving forward, I will strive diligently, putting forth my utmost effort to take one step closer to my dreams, just as the saying goes: ‘The most joyful thing in life is having a goal and striving towards it.’
