The Seoul Metropolitan Government will hold a reenactment of the “Royal Wedding of King Gojong and Queen Myeongseong” at Norakdang, Unhyeongung, in Jongno-gu on May 3 at 2 PM.
“Garae,” which means royal wedding, is a representative event of Unhyeongung that restores the actual wedding procedure of King Gojong and Queen Myeongseong. Unhyeongung, the event venue, is a historical site where King Gojong lived until he was twelve and where he married Queen Myeongseong. This residence of Heungseon Daewongun Yi Ha-eung functioned as a political center in the late Joseon Dynasty.
The reenactment event takes place at the very spot where the actual wedding of King Gojong (age fifteen) and Queen Myeongseong (age sixteen) occurred on the lunar calendar date of March 21, 1866. During that time, Queen Myeongseong stayed in Norakdang, a separate palace, learning court etiquette and wedding procedures to prepare for the wedding.
The event, which lasts for one hour starting at 2 PM, will focus on ceremonies such as “Bisujeok” (the Queen receiving her title) and “Chinyeong” (the King meeting the Queen). Actors portraying King Gojong and Queen Myeongseong will ceremoniously move from Noandang and Irondang to Norakdang.
The royal procession, adorned in splendid nuptial robes, will parade through Unhyeongung, vividly demonstrating the dignity of the royal court. Participation is free, with attendance limited to 120 people on a first-come, first-served basis.
Kyung Ja-in, the Cultural Heritage Utilization Division Manager of Seoul, commented, “In celebration of Family Month, we have vividly recreated the historical story of Unhyeongung, offering an opportunity to experience the traditional culture of the royal court on-site.”
