Anchor: 2014 is the year of the Blue Horse, which is considered to be the most progressive and outgoing of all the 12 animals in the Asian Zodiac. Since ancient history, horses have been an essential part of Koreans' lives, and the year of the Blue Horse only comes around every 60 years. South Koreans are marking this special year by holding various exhibitions around the country.
Park Jong-hong has this report.

Report: The New Year of 2014 is the year of the Horse. It is all the more significant because based on the lunar calendar and the Asian Zodiac signs it marks the end of the halfway point and a new beginning of 30 years.

To commemorate the auspicious New Year, the National Folk Museum of Korea is holding a special exhibition dubbed "Horse, a Vigorous Gallop." The event will run through February 17th and feature around 63 paintings, pictures and folk references to the horse in history.

The Jeonju Historical Museum is holding a similar tribute to the blue horse. Divided into seven categories including symbolism, religion and the zodiac signs centering on the horse, the exhibition invites visitors to observe around 50 rare relics.

Closer to downtown Seoul, the Lotte Gallery has launched a special exhibition called “Blue Horse.” Works by 28 artists from Korea, Mongolia and Australia are on display to show a wide range of artistic interpretations of the horse.

In a more bustling scene, major department stores are promoting a wide array of goods pitching the designs of the dynamic horse. Jewelry stores are luring customers with shiny gold ingots shaped like a horse shoe.

Fortune tellers and those who practice feng shui say the spirit of the Blue Horse is energetic, vibrant and bright, symbolizing good luck to the people.
Park Jong-hong KBS World Radio News.