Newsnomics AJAY ANGELINA reporter | 2023 is designated as the “Rabbit Year” in South Korea. In Korean, this year is called “Gyemyonyeon”, 계묘년, with “Gye” means black, “myo” means rabbit, and “nyeon” means  year, Collectively called “Black Rabbit Year”. Rabbits are sign of longevity, peace, and prosperity so this is look-  ing like it will be a year of hope and fruitfulness. They are also known for being sensitive and good nature so there is a lot of optimism surrounding this year.

The rabbit represents the fourth animal in the Chinese zodiac, the east on the compass and 5 a.m. to 7 a.m. on the clock. According to Oh A-ran, a curator at the National Folk Museum of Korea, the rabbit's symbolic meanings and images have changed over time.

"Many records from the Joseon era including 'Sugungga' describe the rabbit as a smart animal," Oh said. "Our ancestors already knew that it is a creature of high intelligence that digs at least three burrows as its safe havens to increase its chances of survival."

However, as time went by, people began associating the rabbit with adorable and innocent children, Oh added.

The National Folk Museum of Korea, every year hosts an exhibition at the beginning of the year devoted to the Zodiac animal for the year. “Here Comes a Rabbit” is this year’s title that will run until March 6, 2023 in Seoul and showcases 70 rabbit-related works and records about the animal’s characteristics both physical and behavioral, as well as its symbolic meaning to Koreans. It is divided into two parts: "The Rabbit's Colorful Biology" and "The Rabbit's Colorful Transformation." It also has a special section titled "Moon Rabbit" that delves deeper into the story of the mystical moon rabbit. 

ol-To-Dang-To’, means “Way to go rabbit! What a confident rabbit!” shows the rabbit-related works by members of the Korea Cartoonist Association and Japanese artists like Korean traditional comic artists Lee Doo Ho and Japanese Manga artists Iwami Seiji. There are also some experiences to partake in like making rabbit masks, tteok making, and writing wishes for the new year in the lobby. The exhibition runs until February 26, 2023 in Bucheon.

Hopefully this year 2023 will be a year of longevity, peace, prosperity, hope and fruitfulness.