Pilgyeongjae, Holding 600 Years of History, Unveiled for the First Time in Gangnam-gu

Special Exhibition of Prince Gwangpyeong’s Descendants’ Heirlooms Runs Until the 22nd

Gangnam-gu, Seoul, is hosting a special cultural heritage exhibition titled "600 Years Preserved by Pilgyeongjae: Prince Gwangpyeong and His Descendants" at the Milal Museum of Art until June 22. The event commemorates both the 50th anniversary of the district’s establishment and the 600th anniversary of the birth of Prince Gwangpyeong, son of King Sejong.

This exhibition marks the first public unveiling of family heirlooms that have been preserved for over 600 years at Pilgyeongjae, a traditional house in Gung Village, Suseo-dong, Gangnam-gu. Built during the reign of King Seongjong of Joseon, Pilgyeongjae is the only traditional head family residence remaining in Gangnam-gu, serving as a living testament to the descendants' dedication to preserving their family heritage.

Exhibition poster. Provided by Gangnam-gu.

The exhibition is organized into six sections: "Fulfilling Duties as Royal Family," "Entering Government Service," "Prospering as a Noble Family," "Upholding the Scholar’s Demeanor and Official Duties," "Serving the Nation," and "Cherishing Inherited Heirlooms." It highlights the lives and spirit of Prince Gwangpyeong Lee Yeo (1425?1444) and his descendants, focusing on key figures from each era. The exhibition revisits the loyalty, scholarship, and people-first philosophy of this royal lineage rooted in the region, offering an integrated historical narrative that links the history of the Joseon royal family with that of Gangnam.

The artifacts on display number over 100 and include old documents, royal edicts, portraits, ink paintings, folding screens, ceramics, and antique furniture. All are rare cultural treasures being shown to the public for the first time. Notable items include the "Lotus Sutra" commissioned by Lady Shin, wife of Prince Gwangpyeong; the "Sacheongui," a record of local relief efforts; the "Hwahoemunki," a document on noble family inheritance; and civil service examination answer sheets. These artifacts hold significant historical value not only for the study of the Joseon royal family but also for regional history research.

Lee Byungmoo, a descendant of Lee Cheonsu, the founder of Pilgyeongjae and Jeonganbujeonggong, expressed his special sentiments about the exhibition, stating, "With a sense of duty not to overlook a single trace of my ancestors, I have collected and preserved these historical materials."

Gangnam-gu Mayor Cho Sungmyung remarked, "The documentary heritage preserved by a single family is both the nation’s history and a local asset. I hope this exhibition will provide an opportunity to appreciate and share the fact that Gangnam is a distinguished cultural city with a 600-year history, beyond its image as a modern metropolis." He added, "I would like to express my deep gratitude to Mr. Lee Byungmoo of Pilgyeongjae for generously sharing this meaningful heritage."

Gangnam-gu plans to use this exhibition as an opportunity to continue discovering and preserving unique local cultural heritage and academic and artistic content, expanding them as public cultural assets for the community.