Comics are perhaps more familiar than novels today. Korea Manhwa Museum (KMM), located in Bucheon-si, Gyeonggi-do, was established to increase the cultural and artistic value of comics by preserving comics materials and passing them on as a cultural heritage. Now, it is playing a key role in the development of Korean comics.

?Reproduction of Lee Do-young's first illustration

Hardships of Korean Comics

The history of Korean comics began with the publication of an illustration by Lee Do-young, who satirized the suppression of Japanese vested interests in the Daehan Minbo, during the Japanese colonial period in 1909. After the sovereignty of the Korean Empire was stripped by the Japan-Korea Annexation Treaty of 1910, Daehan Minbo was censured and ultimately shut down. During the colonial period, it was impossible to escape the shadow of Japanese surveillance. However, after Korea received its independence in 1945, positive changes arose as the first comic magazine was published and a certain degree of freedom of creation was guaranteed. To make matters worse this freedom was short due to the outbreak of the Korean War in 1950. Eventually, in the late 1950s, when the pain of the war was still fresh, comic books were openly published, yet even this success was subsequently hindered due to the excessive competition among publishers. 

?Political cartoon in early days 

Thus, the peak of Korean comics came along in the 1980s with comic book stores in every alley where customers could buy or read their favorite books. The comic industry once again faced a crisis in the late 1990s that included illegal copying and the perception that comics interfere with learning. Fortunately, this perception improved as educational comics were introduced in public education. An example of this is the science cartoon publication Why?, a series which was first published in 2009 and is still popular to this day. In the 2010s, as smartphone usage increased, webtoons gained quick popularity. Now, in present day, Korean comics have become a unique and enjoyable culture for everyone.

?The webtoon exhibition hall

Korean Comics at the Center of the World

Although Korean comics experienced significant hardships in the past, they are now gaining worldwide recognition both offline and online. The Bucheon International Comics Festival, held every summer at KMM is where various nationalities can gather and share their opinions about comics. Lectures by famous Korean and foreign animation artists are held, and various manners of expressing affection for comics, such as cosplay, are prevalent during the festival.

The spread of Korean comics online has been even faster. For instance, “The Haunted House”, also known as “Shinbi Apartment”, captivated children all over the world. In particular, last year, it ranked first in animation ratings on terrestrial channels in Indonesia and Thailand. Furthermore, webtoons are one of the most important content sources that are leading the prime of comics. Korean webtoons are being distributed to more than 200 countries, including the United States, Japan, and Vietnam. According to statistics from the Korea Creative Content Agency in 2018, the value of the Korean comic market was \1.1 trillion, of which webtoons accounted for more than 70 percent and based on projections, only looks to increase over time. Particularly, the popularity of secondary creations such as TV series and movies based on webtoons is significant. For instance, the webtoon-based TV series “Sweet Home” took first place in Netflix in 11 countries including Malaysia, Singapore and Qatar. It is clear that the Korean Wave, which started with K-pop, is now expanding into K-comics and K-webtoons.

?Comic library 

Participating in Korean Comics at KMM

At KMM, visitors can explore the history of Korean comics as if traveling in time. They enjoy a variety of exhibits ranging from those recreating illustrations by Lee Do-young, to webtoons that are loved all over the world today. Additionally, some of the special exhibitions can be enjoyed vividly through VR without having to visit in person. Another attraction of the museum is the comic library, where a large collection of rare materials such as foreign comic originals and out-of-print comic books can be found. Anyone who visits KMM can read comic books for free at their leisure. In addition, there is an exhibition hall that reproduces the comic book stores of the 1980s. Visitors can read vintage comic books of that period in the hall. For the adults, it is a place to recall their memories, and for children, it can be a fresh opportunity where they can experience the culture of their parents’ generation.

KMM is taking a step further and is working arduously to develop the comic industry. For instance, it runs a workshop every year where famous cartoonists give classes for middle and high school students. Also, when there are no special exhibitions, cartoons that are drawn by citizens are displayed. At KMM, the world of comic is open to everyone.

Essentially, cartoons are no longer a closed culture only for certain people, but rather they are loved as content that everyone can appreciate. Thankfully, KMM is at the forefront; playing an important role in making a brighter and creative future for Korean comics.

?Reproduction of comic book stores in the 1980s