When I was but a wee kid, I spent most of my time with male cousins so playtime was summed up in four words/phrases: dirt, bruises, toy cars, climbing trees. No dolls, tea sets, or tiaras in sight, and playing dress-up was a foreign concept. As for teddy bears, well… they looked just like any toy made of “rags” to me. As I grew older, however, I finally “deigned to pay attention” to the teddy bear, although I never felt the need to own one. The few I received as presents stayed in an obscure corner of my room, gathering dust, until the son or daughter of a distant cousin or something decides to drop by and I’ll just give them away. (Because, really, these things deserve someone who cares. Or so I’ve been told.)
When a visit to the Teddy Be ar Museum was included in our Jeju itinerary, I thought this might be a way for me to have better appreciation for the doll. Did it happen? Well, scroll down and read on.
The Teddy Bear Museum is conveniently located just a short distance away from Chocolate Land. Entrance fee for adults if 7,000KRW (USD 7.00). A bit steep, no?
Upon getting our admission tickets, we were welcomed by this morose-looking couple.
We spent most of our time at the History Hall, where we can see the history of teddy bears unfolding over a hundred years, the different types of teddy bears from different countries, the evolution of teddy bears….
But what really interested me was how important times in history were depicted using teddy bears, and even how famous characters – fact or fiction – were “reborn” as teddy bears. I’ll try to give as much detail as I can remember as you go through the succeeding snaps.
The scenes depicted were all behind glass alcoves, or glass shelves. So I apologize in advance for the reflections. And my mediocre camera skills, and my mediocre camera (whose battery died 75% of our time inside the Museum. ARGH.)
We start at the entrance to the gallery, and we are welcomed by this teddy bear in blue and goggles. You’ll notice him appearing in some of the scenes.
For some reason, I was really drawn to this Normandy D-Day scene.
This scene also gave me goosebumps. It’s the 1974 archaeological digging of Emperor Qin’s Terra Cotta Army, which are essentially clay statues of soldiers guarding the tomb of the Emperor, and supposedly “accompany” him to the afterlife.
And who would forget the historic and symbolic fall of the Berlin Wall in 1989? (Can you spot our goggled teddy bear?)
Teddy bears are associated with things adorable and fluffy, so it’s only right that they celebrate with the opening of the Happiest Place on Earth (no, it’s not in the arms of Channing Tatum, sorry) – DISNEYLAND! – in 1955.
When it comes to sports, many names have made it in the annals of sports history. Of course, one of them is His Airness, Michael Jordan.
And who would forget “Thrilla in Manila”, featuring Muhammad Ali and Joe Frazier? Certainly not these bears!
Now when we speak of religion, almost everyone in the world have heard of Sister Teresa. Now, she’s a saint, but for many, she will always be that gentle-hearted Sister Teresa.
Two of the most momentous events in monarchy history were also presented. First, there was the coronation of Queen Elizabeth II. Then there’s the wedding of Prince Charles and Princess Diana.
Now let’s talk about music. How about meeting the Fab Four? The Bear-tles. Er, I mean, The Beatles.
So, how are we doing so far? If it weren’t for my camera’s flagging battery life, I’d probably have taken photos of ALL. But I was saving it in case I find quirkier teddy bear displays later. I will be posting the rest of my Teddy Bear Museum shots in another post, so see you then! Meanwhile, I close this post with another historic event that took place in 1969. No, it’s not how Ms. Philippines Gloria Diaz won the Ms. Universe title, winning the crown for the country for the first time.
It’s the first time that bear – I mean, MAN – landed on the moon.
