Changdeokgung Palace to host 198-year-old royal banquet reenactment

The Changdeokgung Palace Management Office, in collaboration with the Institute of World Ethnochoreology at the Korea National University of Arts, will host a restoration performance of the ‘Joseon Sunjo Muja-nyeon Yeongyeongdang Jinjakrye’ on November 3 and 4.

The event reenacts a royal banquet held in 1828 by Crown Prince Hyomyeong to celebrate the 40th birthday of his mother, Queen Sunwon. The performance is based on historical records from the ‘Sunjo Muja Jinjak Uigwe’, a document detailing royal ceremonies and procedures.

Taking place at Yeongyeongdang in the Changdeokgung Palace Rear Garden, the reenactment will feature 10 types of traditional court dances (jeongjae) selected from the 17 items recorded in the historical text. Featured dances include ‘Bakjeopmu’, which mimics the movement of butterflies, and ‘Chungwangho’, which symbolizes the prosperity of the nation.

The performance is free for visitors to the Changdeokgung Palace Rear Garden, though separate admission to the garden is required.