Turtles win the war

After the Karsh exhibit, we went to see the turtle ship. Sometime at the crack of the 1400’s, Korea sent its first turtle ship out into the ocean, and since then they’ve been the nation’s pride.

An open jawed dragon leads the ship, hungry with sharpened fangs. On top the bubble, a field full of spikes. Cannons shoot out each window like telescopes, ready for the Japanese.

In the basement of the Seoul Arts Centre we ran past all the children, aboard the re-constructed ship. We climbed up onto the ledges to pose for photos with the likeness of naval soldiers, preparing for their war.

Clouds floated across the screen above the ship, and the day marched on.