Chuseok Holidays at Seoul's Traditional Royal Palaces

Deoksu Palace in Seoul dates back to the 16th century.
It attracts thousands of foreign and Korean visitors throughout the year,. but a rare contemporary art exhibition is bringing even more people through the gates.

[Reporter : Park Ji-won jiwonpark@arirang.co.kr] " Nine installation art works are currently displayed at various locations around the palace. 12 contemporary Korean artists participated in the project".

Jointly initiated by the National Museum of Contemporary Art, Korea, and the Cultural Heritage Administration, the project displays various genres of contemporary installation art.
Visitors are dazzled by the works of modern art set against the backdrop of Deokso Palace's traditional beauty.

[Interview : Alan Gregory, Tourist from Australia] "I thought this is a terrific combination of ancient history and modern art.
And sitting in the chairs, looking at the ceiling, the beautiful artwork in the ceiling was fantastic, very peaceful and very enjoyable".

There is even more to enjoy after the sun sets.
This is a piece of video installation art, projected onto the exterior side of Junghwajeon, one of the many pavilions located in the grounds of Deoksu Palace.
The video artist who came up with the piece, Lyu Jae-ha, said he wanted to let the emotions melt into the palace wall, and flow into the people enjoying the exhibit.

[Interview : Lyu Jae-ha, Video Installation Artist] "Junghwajeon is a representative building that embraces the tragic history of Joseon Dynasty. I have attempted to aesthetically express the condensed emotions and history of the pavillion".

Over at Gyeonghui Palace, located just a few blocks away from Deoksu Palace, a musical has been held throughout September.
The musical tells the story of the prominent scientist, Jang Young-sil, who lived during the reign of the King Sejong the Great in the 15th century.

[Interview : Pang Eun-mi, Writer & Director The Celestial Watch] "This is a place, where Korean history is still breathing. I tried to emphasize the lighting on the stage, so visitors can clearly see the beauty of this cultural heritage site".

For those who want to enjoy some cultural events in a traditional setting over Chuseok, Deoksu and Gyeonghui palaces are the places to be.

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Park Ji-won, Arirang News.

Reporter : jiwonpark@arirang.co.kr