To mark its 20th anniversary, the National Palace Museum of Korea from Aug. 14 throught Oct. 12 hosts the exhibition "Respectfully Portrayed Murals" at Changdeokgung Palace in Seoul. Shown is the official poster for the exhibition. (Korea Heritage Service)

By Lee Jihae

Six murals, the last six royal court paintings of the Joseon Dynasty (1392-1910), are on public display at Changdeokgung Palace in Seoul.

The National Palace Museum of Korea from Aug. 14 through Oct. 12 hosts the exhibition "Respectfully Portrayed Murals" to mark the museum's 20th anniversary.

On display for the first time, the six murals used to decorate the palace halls of Huijeongdang, Daejojeon and Gyeonghungak. One rough sketch will also be shown.

The Korea Heritage Service said in a news release, "Rather than being painted directly onto the walls, these murals were executed on silk, then mounted on paper, and affixed to the upper section of the wall above the door separating the rooms inside the hall."

Each is 180 to 214 cm tall and 525 to 882 cm wide and all are designated National Cultural Heritage.

The six pieces were created in 1920 to ornament the inner halls of a rebuilt Changdeokgung after the palace was destroyed in a fire in 1917. Former Emperor Sunjong, who reigned from 1907–10, and his wife Sunjeong lived in the palace at the time of the fire.

The exhibition has two sections. The first features murals from Huijeongdang, Emperor Sunjong's reception chamber; Daejojeon, the imperial couple's private quarters; and Gyeonghungak, a study and resting space.

The second section displays the media art installation "Magnificent Murals Awaken Once More." The latter is an immersive video that responds to viewer movements and shows the stunning scenery of Geumgangsan Mountain, the fluttering wings of white cranes and the mythical world of immortals.

 
Over the exhibition period, Korean-language tours are available twice a day at 11 a.m. and 3 p.m.

jihlee08@korea.kr