| Title |
Royal Court Stage Repair and Installation at the 1868 Mujinjinchan |
| DOI |
https://doi.org/10.5659/JAIK.2025.41.10.215 |
| Keywords |
Joseon; Royal family; Banquet; Mujinjinchan; Royal Stsge; Repair; Installation |
| Abstract |
The Mujinjinchan banquet of 1868 was held after the reconstruction of Gyeongbokgung Palace to mark King Gojong’s accession to the
throne and celebrate the 60th birthday of his great-grandmother, Queen Sinjeong. Attendees included Queen Sinjeong as the guest of honor,
the newly crowned King Gojong, Empress Myeongseong, Heungseon Daewongun, the true political authority of the time, and Budai Buin.
The event provides insight into the political order of Gojong’s early reign. Unlike the Gangnyeongjeon Jinchan, where the inner banquet was
traditionally held in the Queen Dowager’s hall, this banquet took place in the king’s chamber, reflecting an effort to reassert royal authority
around the monarch. The arrangement of curtains was altered to achieve perfect symmetry, while the Angchagunmak was shifted from west
to east to emphasize restoration of the king’s authority. The king’s seat, previously positioned outside the palace or Bogye, was relocated
inside after Queen Sinjeong’s death, symbolizing a return of royal power to the throne. The banquet layout also reflected the influence of
senior royals and the regency of the Grand Queen Dowager. Heungseon Daewongun’s rank was emphasized with a military tent at his seat,
signaling his political dominance. Stage structures featured the Uguchavang, a new addition, while symbolic objects such as a
dragon-patterned tablecloth and inkstone, typically reserved for the king and crown prince, appeared in Empress Myeongseong’s carriage,
highlighting her growing status. Likewise, the placement of royal leather cushions at the seats of Daewongun and Budai Buin marked their
recognition as royal figures. Although the banquet celebrated Queen Sinjeong’s birthday, its broader purpose was to demonstrate the
restoration of royal legitimacy following the Gyeongbokgung Palace’s reconstruction. While it outwardly acknowledged the Grand Queen
Dowager’s congratulations and the ranks of Gojong and Empress Myeongseong, its deeper intent was to formalize the authority of Heungseon
Daewongun. |