TalChum

TalChum contains various kinds of masks; and each mask indicates different symbols. Performers can practice various plays by wearing distinctive masks.

         During Koryo period, monk held the political power; therefore, they lived in corrupt society. Corruption was rampant, and the high monks indulged not only in feasting and bribe-collecting, but also in the pleasures of wine, women and song. As a result, common people started to suffer due to monks’ corruption.

This mask is called Choegwari which indicates pervert monk. He was really corrupted, and it is shown feasting, drinking and reveling in his wealth. His chin tells us that how he loves food. In performance, Choegwari is shown as a filthy monk who appears out of girl’s skirt, in a shocking violation of monastic rule.

This mask is called Nojang which symbolizes as a drunken monk. Not only he loves to drink alcohol, but he also loves flirt with girls just like Choegwari. Because of his inappropriate behaviors, the Lord Buddha sends a lion down from the heavens to punish Nojang. Even though the renegade monk begs for forgiveness and promise to live as a proper monk, but the lion refrains from eating him.

By using these two masks, lower classes expressed their anger towards monks and society indirectly. Many people would love to watch those performances which severely criticize monks. Monks masks became popular because of this reason.