SEOUL.- Wonderful Views of Chongseokjeong Pavilion and Extraordinary Views of Manmulsang by KIM Gyujin decorated the interior of Huijeongdang Hall. Huijeongdang was one of Emperor Sunjong’s residential halls in Changdeokgung Palace, also serving as his office. In 1910, after the Japanese Annexation of Korea, Emperor Sunjong lost his ruling power and Huijeongdang became an audience room where he met his family, government officials, and dignitaries.

A fire broke out in the palace in November 1917, burning down all residential quarters, including Huijeongdang. The halls were then rebuilt in 1920 with materials taken from Gyeongbokgung Palace. Although the exterior maintained the traditional style, the reconstructed buildings were equipped with western facilities and interiors were also decorated in a western style. Murals were chosen, instead of traditional folding screens, to adorn the walls.

The subject of Huijeongdang murals, Geumgangsan Mountain, never appeared in royal decorative paintings. There was, nonetheless, enduring interest in Geumgangsan for centuries: it as a subject of Buddhist or Daoist faith as a spiritual mountain, and scholars and artists frequented this subject in their literature or paintings for its extraordinary beauty. During the colonial period, with a new means of transportation available, the Japanese government saw a great opportunity to develop tourism to Geumgangsan, their newly chartered colonial territory. Therefore, it seemed natural that Geumgangsan was chosen as the subject to decorate Huijeongdang.

The two mural paintings portray the astonishing views of Gangwon Province—the province of Pyeongchang County where the 23rd Winter Olympic Games is being held. This winter, the world will pay special attention to Gangwon Province, and the museum hopes that striking images depicting Geumgangsan can be a visual reminder of the beautiful snow scenes in Gangwon Province.