The ‘King Jeongjo and His Artistic Hobbies’ exhibit opens at the Yeongchunheon (영춘헌) and Jipbokheon (집복헌) houses at Changgyeonggung Palace. The exhibit will have on display various artifacts from King Jeongjo’s royal living quarters.
An exhibition that spotlights the recreational activities of King Jeongjo (정조, 正祖) (1752-1800), the 22nd ruler of Joseon, opened on April 30 at Changgyeonggung Palace.
“King Jeongjo and His Artistic Hobbies” welcomes visitors into the Yeongchunheon (영춘헌, 迎春軒) and Jipbokheon (집복헌, 集福軒) houses, two living quarters for the royal family. During his reign, Jeongjo used the Yeongchunheon House as his library and study. The Jipbokheon House, right next door, is where Jeongjo’s father, Crown Prince Sado, and his son, Sunjo (순조, 純祖), who eventually became the 23rd ruler of Joseon, were both born. The Jipbokheon was also the living quarters for Lady Subin (수빈 박씨), mother of Sunjo.
‘King Jeongjo and His Artistic Hobbies’ showcases different facets of the king’s recreational activities, including his ink wash paintings (pictured), calligraphic works, books and poetry.
The exhibit is divided into five sections: Painting Emotions, Pursuit of Learning, Keeping Books Close, Letter Writing, and Communing With Nature.
Some highlights of the exhibit include a display of a celebratory poem that Jeongjo wrote for his mother on her 60th birthday, written on long scrolls in his own handwriting, ink wash paintings of apricot blossoms, and Hangul letters written by Jeongjo prior to being proclaimed heir to the throne. Through these historical artifacts, visitors can get a better understanding of Jeongjo’s childhood, the love he had for his mother, and his passion for literature and the arts. A collection of some 39 private letters that Jeongjo wrote to his maternal grandfather allows us to take a glimpse into the king’s writing style, his schooling and the political climate of the time.
In one corner of the exhibition is a resting area where visitors can take a seat and flip through books about King Jeongjo, while taking in the tranquil atmosphere of the palace grounds.
The exhibit continues until Oct. 30.
By Lee Hana
Korea.net Staff Writer
Photos: Cultural Heritage Administration, in collaboration with Design House
hlee10@korea.kr
One highlight of ‘King Jeongjo and His Artistic Hobbies’ is a celebratory poem Jeongjo wrote for his mother on her 60th birthday in 1795, written on long scrolls in the king’s own handwriting.
A rest area inside the Yeongchunheon House at Changgyeonggung Palace allows visitors to sit down and appreciate the serene atmosphere of the palace grounds from inside a royal residential building.
The Yeongchunheon House was used as a study by King Jeongjo and he passed away in the building in 1800. Both his father, Crown Prince Sado, and his son, Sunjo, who eventually became the 23rd ruler of Joseon, were born in the Jipbokheon House.
