Two Replicas of Bubyeokhwa Murals Displayed in the Main Hall
Crafts Reproducing Ancient Artifacts Also on Exhibit
Gyotaejeon Hall in Gyeongbokgung Palace, which served as the residence of the Joseon Dynasty queens, will be temporarily opened to the public to mark the 30th anniversary of its restoration. On April 23, the Royal Palaces and Tombs Center of the National Heritage Administration announced that the interior will be specially open every Wednesday through Friday from May 8 to June 27.
This is an opportunity to glimpse into the daily life of a Joseon queen. Gyotaejeon was the living quarters for the queen. It is believed to have been built in 1440 (the 22nd year of King Sejong's reign) after the construction of Gyeongbokgung Palace. Initially used as an auxiliary hall, it was rebuilt in 1867 (the 4th year of King Gojong's reign) and then served as the main queen's residence. Later, it was used as a guesthouse and for other purposes, but was dismantled in 1917 during the Japanese colonial period. When a major fire broke out at Changdeokgung Palace, Gyotaejeon was taken apart and its materials were used to build Daejojeon, the queen's inner quarters. The current building was restored in 1995.
To coincide with the special opening, the Royal Palaces and Tombs Center will display two replicas of mural paintings (bubyeokhwa) in the main hall. In addition, crafts reproducing ancient artifacts will be exhibited in the ondol room, and the interior of Geonsungak, an annex of Gyotaejeon, will be open to the public for the first time. Bubyeokhwa are murals painted on silk or paper and then attached to walls. In these paintings, visitors can see a pair of affectionate parrots and baby monkeys gathered beside their mother.
Admission to the interior of Gyotaejeon will be by reservation only. Reservations can be made on the Royal Palaces and Tombs Center website starting at 2 p.m. on April 30. Each tour group is limited to fifteen people.
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