The convergence group Bibimbap, seeking a fusion of language, picture, and science, has made humanistic approaches and addressed the themes of “Mudeungsan” or “Mt. Mudeung”. The first theme “relaxation” has been made into a work of art under the ultimate theme Mudeung-dowongyeong or Mudeung Peach Blossom Land, anchored to this concept.

The concept of “relaxation” derives from Sikyeongjeong (息影亭). It has been known that the name“Sikyeongjeong” refers to a place where even a shadow takes a rest. There is an interesting episode pertaining to “sikyeong”. An imaginary talk between Confucius and an old fisherman is described in the Chapter of The Old Fisherman in Zhuangzi, a Chinese classic. A man who fears his own shadow and dislikes his own footprints restlessly runs to escape them. However, the faster he runs, the more he cannot shed the footprints and shadows. Thinking that his walking is still slow, the stupid man runs faster and harder and after all, he dies. A fisherman mentions the man did not know he could shed shadows by taking a rest in the shade, and he could escape his footsteps by staying in serenity. This is like a story in an old letter delivered to a contemporary man.

Considering that this episode derived from the era when there were perhaps less factors binding people than now, humans have for quite a long time lived in confinement. Zhuangzi suggests you are freed from your life trapped in form and feeling and relieved by trammeling yourself. We have been recommended to enjoy absolute freedom since ancient times, but it is not really easy to accept this advice. It is the best season for taking a rest and looking back on our inner selves. I think it would be better if we cut off the bondages binding us through absolute freedom while appreciating this work.