Why Do Animal Sculptures and Dancheong Adorn Changgyeonggung Palace?

Lectures on the Art and Symbolism of Animal Sculptures and Dancheong at Changgyeonggung
Limited In-Person Participation with COVID-19 Safety Measures
Deepening Understanding of Joseon Dynasty Palace Culture

The Changgyeonggung Palace Management Office announced on October 5 that it will hold humanities lectures on October 9 and 16. The topics will be the mysterious animal sculptures of Changgyeonggung and the decorative painting (Dancheong) of Myeongjeongjeon Hall. Kim Minkyu, lecturer at Dongguk University Graduate School of Art History, and Kim Dorae, director of Bukchon Art Conservation Research Institute, will each lead a session.

The first lecture will focus on the animal sculptures around Okcheongyo Bridge at Changgyeonggung, the animal stone statues near the Woldae (a broad platform in front of main halls such as Myeongjeongjeon), and the roof decorations known as Tusu and Japsang. Tusu are decorative tiles shaped like dragon or demon heads placed at the four corners of the roof ridges, while Japsang are ceramic figurines set atop the eaves' ridges. These serve both as symbols of protection and as ornamental features for the buildings.

The second lecture will provide a multifaceted look at the palace Dancheong. It will explain, through on-site visits to Myeongjeongjeon and Tongmyeongjeon, how the Dancheong protects wood from decay and insect damage and wards off evil spirits, including the function of Byeoksa (a mythical animal resembling a deer). An official stated, "It will be an opportunity to deepen the art historical understanding of Joseon Dynasty palace culture."

Registration opens at 2:00 p.m. on October 5 on the Changgyeonggung Palace Management Office website, on a first-come, first-served basis. To prevent the spread of COVID-19, participation is limited to fifteen people per session. An official explained, "The event will follow public health guidelines, including temperature checks, mask-wearing, and hand sanitizer availability," but added, "If the social distancing level is raised to 2.5, the event will be postponed."