Trip to the archery museum in Paju, Korea

Yoo Young-gi (Human Cultural Asset fletcher) and his son, Yoo Se-hyon are good friends of mine and I've visited their museum in Paju (near the DMZ) a few times. Some people here, including Stephen, have also visited there. It is a small museum, but a very informative place to visit. My wife, son and I went there again this past weekend, as I needed to interview the son for some magazine articles I plan to write.

The trip was very successful, but unfortunately the elder Yoo is not doing so well, having just had some type of surgery about a week ago. He held up well for our visit, but he was visibly tired by the time we left. I really appreciate his patience with us.

The museum is not easy to find, but it is worthwhile for anyone visiting the area. When we were there, the place was quite busy, as visitors were streaming in and out.

One activity they now do there is have young people make their own bamboo bows. The bows are already partly done, to save time, but they still require finishing touches, including making the string. I had my son make one, under the tutelage of Yoo Se-hyon; it took about an hour, in total. They first made an arrow (with a rubber tip that looks like a real point--the Korean historical dramas use them for TV and movies), and then went on to the bow. I was amazed at the cast the finished bow had. I was making similar bows for young people who visited our place, but these were even better; they had a bamboo strip on the belly that really made a difference.

The elder Yoo made a t'ong-a (bamboo overdraw) and three p'yonjon (short arrows) for me. The arrows were of the safety variety, with an enlarged point, so that it doesn't jump out of the channel of the overdraw.

I will add a few pics to show our trip. More later.


Thomas