On July 2, visitors view the Dongsimwon installation at the “Thinking Gyeongbokgung” exhibition held at Gyeongbokgung Palace in Jongno District, Seoul. The exhibition invites audiences to see, listen to, and reflect on Gyeongbokgung from a fresh perspective, aiming to offer a deeper appreciation of the value and beauty of Korea’s national heritage.
SEOUL, July 3 (Korea Bizwire) — In the heart of Seoul, a new exhibition at Gyeongbokgung Palace is offering visitors a reimagined experience of Korea’s royal heritage by blending traditional architecture with modern artistic interpretation.
Titled “Thinking Gyeongbokgung”, the exhibition is a collaboration between the Korea Heritage Service and the Korea Heritage Agency, featuring a series of contemporary installations scattered across the palace grounds.
Designed to encourage contemplation and multisensory engagement, the exhibition marks a significant shift from simply viewing cultural relics to actively experiencing them.
Visitors are guided to various locations via QR codes, which play audio narrations—some voiced by celebrities like Yesung from K-pop group Super Junior—detailing the palace’s rich history.
One installation, called “Dongsimwon,” invites guests to lie back and take in a mirrored view of Gyeonghoeru Pavilion, accompanied by playful sculptures such as a smiling white tiger inspired by motifs from the Joseon Dynasty.
The exhibition, curated by the creative group Our Labour and led by director Choi In-sun, commemorates the 630th anniversary of Gyeongbokgung’s founding. Choi emphasized the project’s forward-looking vision: “Rather than nostalgically revisiting the past, we hope to breathe new life into this space and encourage fresh perspectives.”
At the heart of the exhibition are the “Dongsimwon” installations—modern sculptural interpretations of palace latticework and tiger statues—which function not only as architectural pieces but also as symbolic “windows and doors for thought,” according to organizers.
Visitors can also watch educational content on Korea’s cultural heritage at the Saenggwabang (Royal Kitchen), adding an informative dimension to the experience. By merging historical grandeur with modern design, the exhibition offers an engaging and innovative way to explore one of Korea’s most iconic landmarks.
Image credit: Yonhap / photonews@koreabizwire.com
