Uijeongbu Cultural Foundation to Hold "Opening the Door of the Dynasty - Costume Culture of the Taejo and Taejong Era" Exhibition

The Uijeongbu Cultural Foundation (Chairman: Kim Donggeun) announced on August 12 that it will hold a special exhibition titled "Opening the Door of the Dynasty - Costume Culture of the Taejo and Taejong Era" at the Multipurpose Hall of the Uijeongbu Arts Center from August 19 to Saturday, September 6.

Poster for "Opening the Door of the Dynasty - Costume Culture of the Taejo and Taejong Era (Exhibition)." Courtesy of Uijeongbu Cultural Foundation

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This exhibition, based on the historical background of King Taejo Yi Seonggye featured in Uijeongbu's local legends, will showcase twelve representative costumes from the founding period of the Joseon Dynasty and the era of royal authority consolidation, all in one place.

The exhibits include King Taejo Yi Seonggye's blue dragon robe (gonryongpo) and blue cheollik, King Taejong Yi Bangwon's red dragon robe and red cheollik, the queen's hongwonsam, official robes (danryeong and gwangbok) worn by high- and low-ranking officials from the Goryeo and Joseon periods, and military armor such as chainmail (swaejagap) and helmet armor (dujeonggap). Each costume has been faithfully recreated to reflect its original form and historical context, allowing visitors to vividly experience the clothing culture of the time.

In particular, Taejo's blue dragon robe is a transitional garment worn before he received the official king's attire from the Ming Dynasty, featuring a dragon motif with five toes to symbolize Joseon's early assertion of sovereign rule. In contrast, Taejong's red dragon robe is a ceremonial garment officially bestowed after investiture by the Ming Dynasty, representing the legitimacy of royal authority and the stability of the national system. Taejo's blue cheollik and Taejong's red cheollik are also highlighted as contrasting examples, illustrating military practicality and the institutionalization of official attire, respectively.

Visitors can take photos with images of the costumes at two designated photo zone panels within the exhibition hall, offering a unique way to experience the royal costume culture of the Joseon Dynasty.

Meanwhile, the Uijeongbu Cultural Foundation will host the "Taejo and Taejong Uijeongbu Royal Procession" on September 28. This program is part of the 40th Hoeryong Cultural Festival, organized by the Uijeongbu Cultural Center from September 27 to 28, and will be presented with creative direction based on legends surrounding King Taejo Yi Seonggye. The foundation plans to begin recruiting key performers, citizen (group) participants, and volunteers in August, with special Uijeongbu-themed souvenirs and volunteer hours to be provided to participants.

Additionally, in September, a special exhibition tentatively titled "Taejo Portrait Exhibition" will be held at Uijeongbu Cultural Station Ieum, offering a rare opportunity to view portraits of successive Joseon kings. Together with the Costume Culture Exhibition, this event will shed new light on the history and art of the Joseon Dynasty, enriching the autumn cultural scene of Uijeongbu.

The exhibition is open from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m., with extended hours until 8 p.m. on August 29 and 30 during the 3rd Cultural City Policy Festa. The exhibition is closed every Monday and Sunday, and admission is free.

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