| Title |
Repair and Installation of the Royal Palace Stage for the 1877 Jeongchuk Jinchan |
| DOI |
https://doi.org/10.5659/JAIK.2026.42.9.149 |
| Keywords |
Joseon; Royal family; Banquet; Jeongchukjinchan; Royal Stsge; Repair; Installation |
| Abstract |
The Jeongchuk Jinchan held in 1877 at Tongmyeongjeon was organized to celebrate the 70th birthday of Queen Sinjeong. An analysis of the
repair characteristics of the Jeongchuk Jinchan reveals that wooden structural components were specifically recorded in the Manjeonyuchail.
While the Manjeonyuchail structure of the Musin Jinchan primarily consisted of wooden components, the absence of detailed records made it
difficult to determine the exact structure type. In contrast, the 1877 Jeongchuk Jinchan provides detailed records of components by type,
indicating that a wooden structure of a specific scale was constructed above the Bogye. A comparison of the stage configuration at
Tongmyeongjeon during the 1877 Jeongchuk Jinchan shows changes in the Bogye scale and Gaga configuration. Gyeongchunjeon and
Sunyeokheon, which had previously undergone extensive repairs, were simplified and used only as dining spaces. The Angchagunmak and
Obongbyeong placed behind the king’s throne were removed, and the queen’s toilet was relocated outside the hall. In addition, the
Manhwabangseok was replaced with Chaehwabangseok, indicating a reduction in the symbolic hierarchy of the royal toilets. These changes
appear to reflect the difficult political and social circumstances of the period, including famine and political conflicts between King Gojong
and Heungseon Daewongun following Gojong’s accession in 1873 and the conclusion of the Ganghwa Treaty in 1876. As the Gaga
configuration changed, existing structures were removed or newly established, while the scale of Gaga and Tangga spaces for food
preparation increased. This change is presumed to be related to the winter season in which the Jeongchuk Jinchan was held. The number of
female attendants was reduced, and guest spaces inside and outside the hall were removed. The reduced use of guest facilities suggests an
effort to simplify the Jinchan arrangements. Furthermore, the disappearance of the ranks of Heungseon Daewongun and his wife and the
establishment of the Crown Prince Sunjong’s rank reflect the political circumstances involving Queen Sinjeong, Heungseon Daewongun, King
Gojong, and Empress Myeongseong at the time. The detailed recording of the Manjeonyuchail wooden structure constructed above the Bogye
is a significant feature of the Jeongchuk Jinchan. However, the overall repair and installation process was simplified, revealing the influence
of the unstable internal and external conditions of the period, including Heungseon Daewongun’s absence. These characteristics demonstrate
how the palace stage configuration of the Jinchan reflected the political and social circumstances of late Joseon society. |