Wise and Unbiased: Royal Philosophy in Paintings and Calligraphy of the Joseon Dynasty

ㅇ Location: Special Exhibition Gallery

ㅇ Period: Dec 08, 2023 - Mar 10, 2024

The year 2024 marks the 300th anniversary of King Yeongjo’s enthronement. The special exhibition Wise and Impartial: Royal Philosophy in Paintings and Calligraphy of the Joseon Dynasty focuses on the utilization of the power of text and images by King Yeongjo and King Jeongjo as they worked to forge an impartial and harmonious society. In a period when factional politics were at an extreme and the royal authority was shaken to the point that officials were choosing their preferred kings, King Yeongjo used writing to set the course for the country as it sought a path to harmony through impartiality. He also communicated with his subjects and people through calligraphy and painting in an effort to promote harmony and neutrality by fairly appointing talented people and establishing a righteous government. Succeeding King Yeongjo’s policy of balance and impartiality, King Jeongjo meticulously managed state affairs. For instance, he cultivated close associates, such as officials from the Gyujanggak Royal Library. Just as King Yeongjo and King Jeongjo communicated through calligraphy and painting to deliver their messages, the museum is attempting to communicate through this exhibition. We cordially invite you to join us to hear untold stories of Yeongjo and Jeongjo, who are familiar to many of us.

Major items

- Choe Deukhyeon, Kim Deuksin, and others, Eight-panel Folding Screen of a Royal Procession to the City of Hwaseong, 1795, Collection of the National Museum of Korea (duk 1042) 
- Anonymous, Celebration for a Royal Event, 1783, Collection of the National Museum of Korea (bon 8221)

- Kim Duryang, Sapsaree Dog, 1743, Private collection

- Calligraphy by King Jeongjo, 1798, Collection of the National Museum of Korea (duk 2736), Treasure

- Attributed to Jin Jaehae, Portrait of Bak Munsu as a Meritorious Subject for Quelling Yi Injwa’s Uprising, 1728, Private collection (housed at the Cheonan Museum), Treasure

- Anonymous, Album of a King’s Personnel Evaluation, 1728, Collection of the National Museum of Korea (bon 7865)

- King Yeongjo, Admonition Composed by King Yeongjo, 1742, Collection of the National Museum of Korea, Bequest of Lee Kun-hee, 2021 (lkh 8715)

- Kim Hongdo, Eight-panel Folding Screen of Zhu Xi’s Poem, 1799, Private collection


Admission Fees

Type	Adult (25-64years old)	Student &Youth (7-24 years old)
Individual	₩5,000	₩3,000
Group(over 20)	₩3,500	₩2,000

Hours  * Mon, Tue, Thu, Fri, Sun 10:00-18:00, Ticket Purchase – Closing time : 17:20

            * Wed, Sat 10:00-21:00, Ticket Purchase – Closing time : 20:20

Free (Evidentiary documents are required)

Under 7 or Over 65, a group leader (only one teacher or tour guide in a group of 20 or more) 

Museum’s membership card holder (donation member), Museum donor card holder and an accompanying person

Soldiers (including foreign soldiers in Korea) in mandatory service, Police, Fire fighters

International Museum Council (ICOM) member (limited to those who renewed membership in the current year)

Examinee for the 2024 college entrance examination(SAT) (limited to those who have a certificate of examination)

Discount Information (Evidentiary documents are required)

   50%   Museum’s membership card holder (except donation member)

              Culture Day (The last Wednesday of every month, only for the day)

   30%   Multi-child courtesy card holder and the family member, ‘ARTPASS’ card holder

   10%   ‘Hometax’ tax point discount coupon holder

  Other  ‘Tree and Serpent : Early Buddhist Art in India’ Exhibition ticket holder - Adult \3,000, Student & Youth \2,000

Notice  * To prevent the spread of infectious diseases and create a comfortable viewing environment, the number
                of visitors per day is limited, so it may be sold out earlier than the ticketing deadline.

            * Tickets past the date of admission are not available. On-site ticketing is only available on the day.

            * Admission is free to the Main Exhibition Hall(Permanent Exhibitions).

            * Depending on the congestion in the exhibition room, you may have to wait before entering.