Korea at the British Museum: A dazzling, soulful trip through the history of nation

Kim Insoong (1911-2001), Woman in a red dress, 1965, oil on canvas - (National Museum of Modern and Contemporary Art (PA-09236))

While the crowds flock to complain about having to be trapped in crowds to see the Bayuex Tapestry, the British Museum is opening another blockbuster exhibition upstairs. While the Tapestry tells the story of a battle in 70 metres of cloth, upstairs Korea takes you through 2000 years of cultural history in a similar sized space, and in a manner that is equally stirring.

With twelve national treasures among its rarities, the show efficiently illustrates the creative history of a nation, one which has uniquely been tied into the governance, societal/religious structures and values of its different eras.