Suwon Hwaseong 230th Anniversary of Completion, Special Exhibition... Bangbwa Suryujeong Plaque Rubbing Unveiled

Suwon Hwaseong Museum will hold a special exhibition titled 'A Millennium Project Accomplished with the People, Suwon Hwaseong' in its planning exhibition hall from the 30th through December 13th to commemorate the 230th anniversary of the completion of Suwon Hwaseong.

This exhibition highlights the process and significance of King Jeongjo and the people joining forces to construct Suwon Hwaseong, as well as the process of inheriting its historical value following completion, through related artifacts and records. This year marks the 230th anniversary of Suwon Hwaseong's completion and the 250th anniversary of King Jeongjo's accession to the throne, and 2027 will be the 30th anniversary of Suwon Hwaseong's inscription as a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

The exhibition consists of four themes: ▲From King Jeongjo's Construction Planning to Completion ▲Contributors Who Participated in Construction ▲Comfort and Encouragement, Celebrations Together ▲Inheritors of a Great Achievement.

Visitors will be able to see from the process in which King Jeongjo promoted the construction of Suwon Hwaseong while looking after the difficulties of the people, through the construction participated in by numerous officials and artisans, the completion celebration ceremony, and efforts to carry on the value of Suwon Hwaseong.

Major artifacts on display include ▲The 1794 'Yuneeum' decree that temporarily suspended construction of Hwaseong to relieve people suffering from crop failures ▲A rubbing of the original 'Bangbwa Suryujeong Plaque' written by Jo Yun-hyeong ▲The 「Hwaseong Seongyeok Uigwe」(National Heritage Treasure, Memory of the World) documenting the entire construction process of Suwon Hwaseong ▲'Portrait of Chae Je-gong' (National Heritage Treasure), who served as the Chief Minister of Hwaseong Seongyeokso, and others.

The rubbing of the original 'Bangbwa Suryujeong Plaque' is being publicly unveiled to citizens for the first time in this exhibition. It is a record through which one can verify the calligraphy of Jo Yun-hyeong, a renowned calligrapher of the late Joseon period who wrote the plaques of Jangan Gate and Paldal Gate during construction, and is held by Pilgyeongjae.

An immersive video titled 'Let Us Hold a Celebration Enjoyed by All!-Nakseongyeon' that recreates the completion celebration ceremony held to commemorate Suwon Hwaseong's completion based on contemporary records and museum models will also be presented. Additionally, an academic conference and special lectures in connection with the exhibition are scheduled to be held in October and November, respectively.

The exhibition can be viewed at the Planning Exhibition Hall of Suwon Hwaseong Museum. The museum is closed every Monday.

An official from Suwon Hwaseong Museum stated, "Suwon Hwaseong is a precious cultural heritage created together by King Jeongjo's vision and the blood and sweat of the people," adding "We hope this exhibition will serve as an opportunity to reflect on the meaning of yeowmin dongnag (joy shared with the people) embodied in the construction of Suwon Hwaseong and the value of Suwon Hwaseong that continues to this day."