On November 7, 2024, visitors at Changgyeong Palace in Seoul experienced a captivating augmented reality video and interactive media display, which vividly recreated the grand funeral of King Jeongjo, set against the historic backdrop of Hwangyeong Hall. This immersive experience is part of the exciting digital art appreciation festival organized by the Korea Heritage Service and the Korea Heritage Agency. (Jung Yong-il/Hankyoreh)
Running from November 7 to 14, 2024, the 2024 Korea Heritage Digital Content Experience Festival, themed Digital Art Appreciation, invites guests to explore Korea’s rich cultural heritage at Changgyeong Palace, located in the heart of the Jongno District.
Digital Art Appreciation introduces visitors to Korean cultural heritages showcased in five innovative digital activities, featuring engaging experiences such as “Poets’ Room” and “Dani: The Portrait of a Beauty,” spread throughout various sections of the majestic Changgyeong Palace.
Both “Court Records Reimagined: Banquets” and “Court Records Reimagined: Funerals” can be vividly experienced in their authentic historical settings of Tongmyeong Hall and Hwangyeong Hall, where past events once unfolded. These state-of-the-art 3D digital experiences allow modern audiences to easily access and gain insights into the significance and exceptional nature of court records — locally referred to as “uigwe” — that date back centuries.
Inside Tongmyeong Hall, palace-goers were enchanted as they walked through the stunning digital recreations, stepping back in time to witness the grandeur of historical feasts hosted in this very hall during the royal period. As part of the festival, an augmented reality computer-generated video transported attendees to the elaborate banquet that took place in 1848.
In an interactive booth, attendees have the unique opportunity to experience “Dani: The Portrait of Beauty” through a virtual reality setup, providing a fresh perspective on Korea’s artistic and cultural legacy, all part of the ongoing digital art appreciation festival hosted by the Korea Heritage Service and the Korea Heritage Agency. (Jung Yong-il/Hankyoreh)
“Banquets” employs cutting-edge augmented reality and computer graphics to recreate the lavish “Musinjinchan,” a remarkable feast held in 1848 within Changgyeong Palace’s Tongmyeong Hall. Meanwhile, “Funerals” captures the poignant bearing out of King Jeongjo, honored at Hwangyeong Hall before his funeral procession led to Geolleung, his royal tomb located in the city of Hwaseong. “It’s awesome and neat,” expressed one attendee enthusiastically. “It was cool to see the king’s living quarters of Hwangyeongjeon, which you can’t normally view, and the state funeral for Jeongjo as it really happened.”
Palace-goers walk past a striking media art installation titled “From Nature,” positioned near the serene Hamin Pavilion in Changgyeong Palace, immersing themselves further in this blend of history and modern creativity on November 7, 2024. (Jung Yong-il/Hankyoreh)
By Jung Yong-il, senior staff writer
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**Interview with Kim Jisoo, a visitor at the 2024 Korea Heritage Digital Content Experience Festival**
**Interviewer:** Thank you for joining us, Jisoo! You just experienced the augmented reality display recreating King Jeongjo’s grand funeral at Changgyeong Palace. Can you tell us about your experience?
**Kim Jisoo:** Thank you for having me! The experience was absolutely breathtaking. The augmented reality brought the historical event to life in such a vivid way. I felt like I was transported back in time, witnessing the ceremony as if I were part of it. The backdrop of Hwangyeong Hall added to the authenticity.
**Interviewer:** That sounds incredible! What did you think of the overall festival, especially the theme of Digital Art Appreciation?
**Kim Jisoo:** The festival is a fantastic blend of technology and tradition. I loved how they used digital media to engage visitors and educate us about Korea’s cultural heritage. Each section of the palace offered something unique—especially the “Poets’ Room” and “Dani: The Portrait of a Beauty.” It was a perfect way to immerse ourselves in the rich history while enjoying modern art.
**Interviewer:** I hear that there are specific experiences related to court records, or “uigwe.” How were those represented?
**Kim Jisoo:** Yes! The “Court Records Reimagined” activities were the highlights for me. At Tongmyeong Hall, I learned about the banquets and celebrations, while Hwangyeong Hall focused on funerals. The 3D presentations made the historical records feel relevant and relatable. It really helped me understand the significance of these customs in Korean history.
**Interviewer:** It seems like this festival is a wonderful educational opportunity. Would you recommend it to others?
**Kim Jisoo:** Absolutely! Whether you’re a history buff or a tech enthusiast, there’s something for everyone. It’s a unique way to appreciate and learn about Korea’s past in a captivating setting. I’ll definitely be telling my friends and family to check it out before it ends on November 14!
**Interviewer:** Thanks for sharing your thoughts, Jisoo! It sounds like an unforgettable experience.
**Kim Jisoo:** Thank you! I’m glad to share it with others.
