Choi Seong-woo, Director of the Korean Royal Court Flower Museum, Becomes Holder of Royal Court Flower Painting

Recognized for Exceptional Skills Through On-Site Investigation and Evaluation

On the 8th, the Cultural Heritage Administration announced its intention to recognize Choi Seong-woo as the holder of the national intangible heritage "Gungjung Chaehwa (宮中綵花)." Opinions from various sectors will be collected and reviewed for one month, and the final decision will be made after deliberation by the Intangible Heritage Committee.

Choi Seong-woo Recognized as Holder of National Intangible Heritage 'Royal Court Flower Painting' [Photo by National Heritage Administration]

Gungjung Chaehwa refers to artificial flowers used in royal banquets and ceremonies of the old royal court. Various materials such as silk, ramie, beeswax, and feathers are processed and dyed to recreate flowers with auspicious meanings like peonies, peach blossoms, and lotuses, as well as insects and animals. These were used as decorations symbolizing peace, longevity, and health, while also representing authority, hierarchy, and dignity.

Mr. Choi is the son of Hwang Su-ro, the holder of Gungjung Chaehwa. He honed his skills by assisting his mother’s work and became a designated inheritor of the national intangible heritage in 2016. Since 2020, he has served as the director of the Korean Royal Flower Museum, carrying out diverse transmission activities such as exhibitions, lectures, and education.

A Cultural Heritage Administration official stated, "Through a written examination last year and an on-site investigation earlier this year, his outstanding skills were recognized," adding, "We hope he will revitalize the transmission site of Gungjung Chaehwa, which currently has only one holder."