The Korea Heritage Service and Korea Heritage Agency have jointly unveiled a significant new permanent exhibition at one of Seoul's most historic royal palaces. The exhibition, titled "Changgyeonggung through Time: 600 Years within the Eastern Palaces," opened Tuesday at the Jipbokeon House within Changgyeonggung Palace, offering visitors an unprecedented journey through six centuries of Korean royal history.
The comprehensive exhibition presents the complete story of Changgyeonggung Palace, spanning from its original construction during the early Joseon Dynasty (1392-1910) through to the present day. Visitors can explore the palace's remarkable transformation over the centuries, including its periods of glory, decline, and restoration. The exhibition provides detailed insights into the palace's architectural evolution, its role in royal governance, and the daily lives of Korean royalty who once called it home.
In a special treat for history enthusiasts, the rarely accessible Yeongchuneon pavilion will be open to the public from Tuesday through November 16. During this limited-time opening, visitors can participate in a variety of interactive programs designed to provide immersive experiences of historical royal life. These programs include cutting-edge augmented reality experiences and hands-on activities that bring the palace's rich heritage to life.
Changgyeonggung Palace has a fascinating origin story that reflects the deep familial bonds within the Joseon royal family. Originally constructed in 1418 by the renowned King Sejong as Suganggung Palace, it was built specifically for his father, King Taejong, demonstrating the Confucian values of filial piety that were central to Korean culture. The palace was later significantly expanded in 1483 under the reign of King Seongjong, transforming it into a major royal complex.
The palace earned its place in history as one of the prestigious Eastern Palaces, known collectively as Donggwol, alongside the famous Changdeokgung Palace. Together, these palaces formed the heart of royal administration and served as central spaces for conducting royal affairs throughout the Joseon period. The complex played host to countless important state ceremonies, royal celebrations, and daily governmental activities that shaped Korean history.
However, Changgyeonggung's story took a tragic turn during the Japanese colonial period, when the palace suffered significant deterioration and cultural destruction. The Japanese colonial authorities made the devastating decision to repurpose this sacred royal space, converting it into a zoo and botanical garden and renaming it Changgyeongwon. This transformation represented not just physical destruction but also a symbolic assault on Korean cultural identity and royal heritage.
Following Korea's liberation in 1945, dedicated restoration efforts began to return the palace to its original grandeur. These painstaking restoration projects have continued for decades, with historians, architects, and cultural preservation experts working tirelessly to bring the palace back to its authentic form. The ongoing restoration represents Korea's commitment to preserving its cultural heritage and reclaiming its royal legacy.
The new exhibition at Jipbokeon House tells this complete story, highlighting the most transformative moments in Changgyeonggung's six-century history. Visitors can learn about the original construction techniques, the palace's crucial role in Joseon governance, and the sophisticated daily routines of royal life. The exhibition also features detailed displays about major state ceremonies that took place within the palace walls, showcasing the grandeur and complexity of royal court culture.
Importantly, the exhibition does not shy away from the difficult chapters of the palace's history. It provides comprehensive information about the extensive damage inflicted during the colonial period and documents the remarkable restoration work that has followed. This honest portrayal helps visitors understand both the resilience of Korean culture and the importance of cultural preservation efforts.
Demonstrating a commitment to accessibility and inclusion, the exhibition incorporates Korean sign language interpretation videos and provides Braille guidebook leaflets for visitors who are hard of hearing or blind and partially sighted. These thoughtful accommodations ensure that all visitors can fully experience and appreciate the rich history on display.
At the special Yeongchuneon opening, visitors can participate in a remarkable augmented reality experience that recreates a royal banquet held in 1848. This specific celebration honored both Queen Sunwon's 60th birthday and Queen Shinjeong's 41st birthday, representing the kind of elaborate royal festivities that were central to palace life. Using tablet PCs, visitors can witness this historical event come to life around them, providing an unprecedented glimpse into royal celebration customs.
Additional family-friendly activities include interactive sticker-based artwork recreations inspired by the historical painting "Donggwoldo" (The Eastern Palaces), which provides artistic documentation of the palace complex. The experience also features designated photo zones and comfortable rest areas, making it an ideal destination for families and visitors of all ages.
The exhibition and special programs are offered free of charge to visitors, though standard admission fees to Changgyeonggung Palace still apply. The exhibition maintains convenient hours, operating daily from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., and does not require advance reservations, making it easily accessible to both domestic and international tourists interested in exploring Korea's royal heritage.
