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The Path of Money
The Life of Money
How is money created and eventually retired? The birth and retirement of money coexist in this place. You can learn about the process of producing banknotes and coins, explore artwork created from discarded money, and reflect on the life of money here.
- The Rebirth of Money
- Discarded money has been transformed into sculptures. Take a moment to appreciate the newly revitalized appearance of the money, now reborn as art.
In addition, just as the production and circulation of money rely on the economic activities of each citizen, you can also enjoy a section that showcases large-scale money artworks, symbolizing the collective efforts and dedication that contribute to creating significant money.
(1,000-won note)
Among Korean banknotes, the 1,000-won note holds the smallest value. However, even with just 1,000 won, we can buy a hotteok (Korean sweet pancake) or fish cake skewer, enjoying simple happiness.
If we compare the 1,000-won note to a chair, it can be a simple stool. So, by folding paper in the same proportion as the 1,000-won note, a stool with a comfortable curved seat was born.
This stool was crafted from synthetic wood for a sturdy structure, with hanji, traditional Korean paper handmade from mulberry trees, and shredded money affixed to the surface to complete the design.
(5,000-won note)
Money induces desires within people. This chair captures the essence of desire associated with money. Firstly, the half-size of a 5,000-won note is enlarged and divided into four panels. Among the four panels, two panels form the seat and backrest, while the other two panels constitute armrests. Transparent acrylic panels encase the shredded 5,000-won note fragments, evenly dispersed, to depict the splendor of the money we desire. When light shines on the chair, the shredded money fragments shimmer brilliantly.
(10,000-won note)
Money circulates. Cotton becomes banknote paper, banknote paper becomes money, and money eventually becomes discarded. All living beings inevitably face death and return to nature, transforming into different forms of energy. Similarly, shredded money has been reborn as a chair. This chair features branches sprouting from the backrest, symbolizing the cyclical nature of life and money. Crafted from wood, this chair has shredded money affixed to its surface and secured with spray adhesive.
(50,000-won note)
When money is stacked up, it takes the form of a cuboid brick. In the same manner of stacking up thin sheets of paper to create a three-dimensional brick-like structure, this chair is also crafted by assembling standardized small units. When viewed from the side, the chair comprises four towers, namely two legs, a seat, and a backrest, all converging at a single point to form one module. The module is solidified by mixing concrete with the shredded 50,000-won note and then hardened within a mold. Thirteen of these modules have been consecutively attached to complete the bench.