Andong, South Korea – A remarkable discovery has been made in the city of Andong, South Korea. A mural painted by French Benedictine monk André Bouton (1914-1980) has been unearthed after being hidden behind a wall in an old wedding hall for over half a century.
The mural, believed to have been created in 1973, depicts a traditional Korean wedding ceremony. Measuring approximately 3.5 meters in both height and width, the large-scale artwork is a testament to Bouton's commitment to "artistic mission," where he traveled the world creating murals in various locations. Unlike his other works that were typically found in churches or chapels, this particular mural showcases a unique blend of religious art and Korean folk customs, making it a valuable cultural artifact.
The mural was discovered during renovation work at the former Andong Wedding Hall, which is now used as the Andong Urban Regeneration Support Center. Center director Woo Byung-sik explained that an endoscopy and video recording of the wall revealed the hidden artwork, prompting a careful excavation and preservation process.
The city of Andong has formed a committee of experts to oversee the mural's preservation and public display. Efforts are underway to register the mural as a provincial cultural heritage site and develop various cultural content based on the artwork.
It is believed that Bouton created the mural as a gift for Ryu Han-sang, the former director of the Andong Cultural Center, who had commissioned the artwork for the wedding hall. Ryu was a prominent figure in the local community and played a key role in preserving traditional Korean culture.
“The mural of Father André Bouton, discovered after 50 years in the old Andong Wedding Hall, will be a sacred place for Catholics across the country and a proud modern cultural heritage of Andong,” said Woo Byung-sik. “If the excavation is successful, we will form a consultative body including the Andong Diocese and the art community to jointly promote conservation and utilization.”
The discovery of Bouton's mural has generated significant interest among art historians, cultural heritage experts, and the general public. As the city of Andong works to preserve and promote this remarkable piece of art, it is expected to become a major tourist attraction and a symbol of the rich cultural heritage of the region.
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