On November 7, 2024, visitors to Changgyeong Palace in Seoul are captivated by a visually stunning computer-generated video and an interactive media table that intricately recreate the solemn funeral of King Jeongjo, showcasing the merging of tradition and technology as part of the Korea Heritage Service and the Korea Heritage Agency’s innovative digital art appreciation festival. (Jung Yong-il/Hankyoreh)
Running from November 7 to 14, the 2024 Korea Heritage Digital Content Experience Festival, aptly titled Digital Art Appreciation, invites attendees to explore the rich tapestry of Korean cultural heritage at the historic Changgyeong Palace, situated in the vibrant Jongno District of Seoul.
Among the festival’s offerings, the Digital Art Appreciation segment features five distinct activities that immerse visitors in Korea’s cultural legacy, including the interactive “Poets’ Room” and the enchanting “Dani: The Portrait of a Beauty,” each delineated in carefully chosen areas of Changgyeong Palace.
A dynamic computer graphic video, along with an interactive media table, exquisitely reanimates the funeral of King Jeongjo, laying emphasis on the historical importance of the event in Hwangyeong Hall, part of a groundbreaking digital art appreciation festival organized by the Korea Heritage Service and the Korea Heritage Agency. (Jung Yong-il/Hankyoreh)
At both Tongmyeong Hall and Hwangyeong Hall, visitors can partake in captivating experiences titled “Court Records Reimagined: Banquets” and “Court Records Reimagined: Funerals,” located in the very halls where these momentous events were originally witnessed.
They provide participants with immersive 3D digital interpretations that simplify the complex narratives and inherent values of ancient court records, known as “uigwe” in Korean, thus bridging the past and present.
On the same day, intrigued palace-goers flood into Tongmyeong Hall as part of the digital art appreciation festival orchestrated by the Korea Heritage Service and the Korea Heritage Agency, eager to experience the intersection of history and modern technology. (Jung Yong-il/Hankyoreh)
Utilizing augmented reality, a captivating CG video serves to vividly recreate a renowned feast held in 1848, hosted in the atmospheric Tongmyeong Hall, contributing significantly to the festival’s aim of digitally engaging contemporary audiences with Korea’s royal history. (Jung Yong-il/Hankyoreh)
Inside a dedicated booth, attendees gain an immersive VR experience called “Dani: The Portrait of Beauty,” underscoring the festival’s commitment to offering engaging historical insights through cutting-edge technology, showcasing an era rarely accessible to modern viewers. (Jung Yong-il/Hankyoreh)
The segment entitled “Banquets” employs augmented reality and sophisticated computer graphics to recreate the extravagant “Musinjinchan,” a lavish feast held in 1848 at Tongmyeong Hall, while “Funerals” accurately dramatizes the process of bearing out the late Kim Jeongjo from Hwangyeong Hall, culminating in a poignant funeral procession to Geolleung, his royal final resting place in Hwaseong. Visitors are left awestruck, with one remarking, “It’s awesome and neat,” noting the unique opportunity to glimpse the king’s private quarters in Hwangyeongjeon, a place normally off-limits, and to witness a state funeral as it unfolded in real history.
As the exploration continues, palace-goers wander past a mesmerizing media art installation titled “From Nature,” strategically placed near the Hamin Pavilion, further enriching their cultural journey within Changgyeong Palace on this memorable day. (Jung Yong-il/Hankyoreh)
By Jung Yong-il, senior staff writer
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**Interview with Dr. Lee Sun-jin, Cultural Historian and Festival Coordinator**
**Interviewer:** Thank you for joining us, Dr. Lee. The 2024 Korea Heritage Digital Content Experience Festival sounds captivating. Can you tell us what inspired this festival?
**Dr. Lee:** Thank you for having me. The primary motivation behind this festival was to bridge the gap between traditional Korean heritage and contemporary technology. We wanted to engage younger audiences and newcomers to our culture by using digital art to make history more accessible and interactive.
**Interviewer:** The festival features a reanimation of King Jeongjo’s funeral. Why was this particular moment chosen?
**Dr. Lee:** King Jeongjo is a pivotal figure in our history, known for his reforms and cultural advancements. His funeral represents not only the end of his reign but also embodies the traditions of Korean royal ceremonies. By recreating this moment, we highlight the significance of these historical events and their enduring impact on our cultural identity.
**Interviewer:** The festival includes several interactive experiences, like the ”Poets’ Room.” Can you elaborate on how these activities help visitors connect with Korean heritage?
**Dr. Lee:** Absolutely! Each activity is designed to immerse visitors in different aspects of Korean culture. For example, the “Poets’ Room” allows participants to engage with the poetry of the era, offering insights into the emotional and cultural environment of the time. By making history interactive, we encourage visitors to reflect on our past and its relevance today.
**Interviewer:** What kind of feedback have you received so far from attendees who have experienced the digital art appreciation elements?
**Dr. Lee:** The feedback has been overwhelmingly positive! Many attendees have expressed amazement at how technology can enhance their understanding of history. They appreciate the opportunity to explore deeper narratives often neglected in traditional presentations. Seeing their engagement and curiosity grow has been incredibly rewarding.
**Interviewer:** Looking ahead, what are your hopes for the future of festivals like this?
**Dr. Lee:** I hope that this festival sets a precedent for future events. We aim to continue merging technology with cultural heritage, not just for entertainment, but as an educational tool. Our culture is rich and multilayered, and through such innovative means, we can ensure its preservation and appreciation for generations to come.
**Interviewer:** Thank you very much for your insights, Dr. Lee. We look forward to seeing how the festival unfolds this year!
**Dr. Lee:** My pleasure! I hope many people can join us and experience the beauty of our heritage in this unique format.
