Royal Attire of Last Crown Prince on Display

By Chung Ah-young

Staff Reporter

Crown Prince Uimin, better known as King Yeongchin, the seventh son of King Gojong and the last crown prince of the doomed Joseon Kingdom (1392-1910), was taken to Japan under the excuse of studying at the age of 11. He was forcibly married to Princess Nashimotonomiya Masako who took the name Yi Bang-ja after the marriage during the Japanese colonial era (1910-1945). He was only able to return to Korea long after the country's liberation and only in his later years.

To mark the 100th anniversary of Japan's annexation of Korea, the National Palace Museum of Korea is showcasing the costumes and ornaments the last royal family of the Joseon Kingdom wore.

The items on exhibit were retrieved from Japan in 1991 ― a result of a Korea-Japan summit, which was regarded as a successful example of the redemption of Korean treasures scattered around the world.

His possessions had originally been in the custody of his wife but she entrusted them to the Tokyo National Museum of Japan in 1956 because of the difficulty of preservation.

However, the Cultural Heritage Administration of Korea had strived to get the royal artifacts returned since 1988, and finally they were returned here in 1991 following the summit.

A total of 333 costumes and ornaments used by King Yeongchin and his family were registered as Important Cultural Asset No. 265 in 2009.

Among others, ``gollyongpo'' and ``jaryongpo'' or formal attire for the king, and ``jeokui,'' a ritual costume for the queen, are the only remaining examples of their personal royal clothing. The objects carry historical significance in that they are the only assets of the last members of the royal family.

``Jeokui'' had been worn by queens as ritual costumes from the late Goryeo Kingdom (918-1392). Particularly, ``jeokui'' worn by Yi Bang-ja is the only example showing the detail of royal court attire as it was 110 years ago in accordance with the royal dress making format which was created in 1897.

Also, the costumes are coupled with other ornaments that show the complete composition of royal fashion codes.

However, a set of ``myeonbok,'' or ceremonial robes; `` myeollyugwan,'' a square, flat crown with dangling strings of small precious stones that was worn by the king with formal attire; and ``paeok,'' an accessory attached to the waist, has not been handed over.

The king used to wear the plain costumes in private ― his ordinary clothes were practically designed in simple colors.

The queen's attire consists of several garments equipped with accessories and decorated with calm colors and flamboyant patterns.

A gold-gilt silver rod-like hairpin ― ``garanjam'' ― symbolizes the dignity and grace of the queen adorned with the patterns of orchid, lotuses and birds in various colors such as purple, blue and cobalt.

The queen's accessories include ``samjak norigae,'' or a pendant with triple ornaments and a pendant adorned with a coral, a pearl and a silver-made dragon head, which was given as a present by King Yeongchin in 1941.

The family's pockets vary in colors from red, yellow and pink silk patterned with symbols of good luck and longevity. They are sometimes decorated with pearls, embroidery and knots and stamped with gold leaves, which are designed to keep incense, medicines, brushes and spoons in them.

``These objects show the skills of the last court artisans, the essence of court attire and the craftsmanship of the time,'' the museum said.

The exhibit also screens a video clip showing real images of King Yeongchin's family to help understand the royal family at the end of the kingdom.

He was born in 1897 and was titled Prince Imperial Yeong in 1900 and became the crown prince in 1907 but renamed as His Royal Highness Crown Prince of Korea in 1910 when King Sunjong was dethroned, and after being taken to Japan for his studies and marriage.

After the liberation, he requested President Syngman Rhee to permit his return to Korea with his family but was rebuffed. He and his wife came back to Korea in 1963, 56 years after their departure. He passed away in 1970 at Nakseon Hall in Changdeok Palace.

The exhibition will continue through May 23. Admission is free. For more information, call (02) 3701-7651 or 7656 or visit www.gogung.go.kr.