There is something inherently captivating about work that blurs the lines between tradition and modernity, or the East and the West. In this edition of Seoulicious, we introduce Gomgom-e, an illustrator who reimagines the Western fairy tales we thought we knew so well through the unfamiliar yet breathtaking lens of "Korean color." There is a certain thrill when a familiar story puts on entirely different clothes. Gomgom-e has turned a delightful, bold imagination into reality: picturing the protagonists of our childhood dreams wearing elegant hanbok instead of western dresses.
Recently, she has garnered renewed attention with the release of <Stories from the Five-Color Teahouse Coloring Book>, a collection that brings together her unique artistic world. Tucked away at the end of a quiet alley, her world of Korean-style fairy tales and fantasy unfolds over a warm cup of tea, inviting readers into a mysterious and immersive experience.
Masterpieces Reimagined Through a Korean Mise-en-scène
The fairy tales reborn at Gomgom-e’s fingertips are saturated with Korean aesthetics. In Beauty and the Beast, the Beast is transformed from a typical Western monster into a mystical creature reminiscent of a majestic Korean dragon or a dokkaebi. The encounter between the Beast and Beauty, who is draped in a brilliant hwal-ot (traditional bridal robe), feels like stepping into a vibrant folk painting.
The Wizard of Oz serves as a masterclass in Korean fantasy. Dorothy, with her hair in a traditional daenggi braid, walks alongside a Scarecrow wearing straw shoes (jipsin) and a Tin Woodman who evokes the image of a sturdy Joseon Dynasty general. The Cowardly Lion, resembling the mythical Haetae, travels down a red clay path that offers a different kind of warmth compared to the Emerald City we remember.
In Sleeping Beauty, the traditional atmosphere reaches its peak. The princess, fallen into a deep slumber atop a silk quilt embroidered with intricate patterns, is surrounded by folding screens and the faint smoke of an incense burner. This setting creates an overwhelming sense of Korean "sorcery" that feels distinct from Western magic.
Snow White offers an equally fascinating reinterpretation. The seven dwarfs are reimagined as mischievous masked performers or small goblins, while the Queen with the poisoned apple is replaced by Korean characters that exude an eerie, mountain-shrouded mystery. Finally, the gingerbread house in Hansel and Gretel is rebuilt with traditional Korean sweets like hangwa and dasik. The sight of the siblings standing before a house adorned with colorful grain cookies is both macabre and exquisitely beautiful.
Color Your Own Fairytale World
This newly released coloring book is more than just a visual treat; it is an invitation for readers to participate in the artist's world. It features over 30 illustrations capturing the beauty of Korea, designed with a 180-degree lay-flat binding that allows even beginners to color with ease. The book also includes five mini-posters as a special bonus, perfect for decorating your personal space with a touch of your own artistic flair.If you are looking for a moment to catch your breath amidst a busy life, we invite you to stop by the Five-Color Teahouse prepared by Gomgom-e. The moment you pick up your colored pencils and begin to fill the pages, a new fairy tale of your very own will begin to unfold.