hankyoreh

Visitors at the National Palace Museum of Korea’s special exhibition “Peonies: Flowers of Peace and Prosperity” listen as a docent explains the royal wedding dress adorned with embroidered floral designs on Tuesday. (Kim Hye-yun/The Hankyoreh)

The National Palace Museum of Korea is holding a special exhibition titled “Peonies: Flowers of Peace and Prosperity” from Wednesday to Oct. 31. The exhibition includes a royal wedding dress decorated with embroidered floral designs, which will be presented to the public for the first time.

Also included in the exhibition are 120 other articles ranging from everyday objects to ritual items, including clothing, vessels and furniture replete with peony-themed designs.

Visitors will notice the scent of peonies upon entering the exhibition, as the exhibition hall is scented with peonies collected from Changdeok Palace’s Nakseonjae residence. They will also hear the sounds of rain falling and birds chirping.

Visitors at the National Palace Museum of Korea’s special exhibition observe a lantern decorated with peony designs on Tuesday. (Kim Hye-yun/The Hankyoreh)

The exhibition is organized into three parts, with each explaining how peonies were used and appreciated in the Joseon royal court. The three parts are “Growing and Enjoying Peonies,” “Blooming Peonies in Designs” and “Peonies Embodying Wishes for a Peaceful Royal Court and a Prosperous Dynasty.”

A visitor looks at a folding screen at the special exhibition on Tuesday. (Kim Hye-yun/The Hankyoreh)

Visitors can make online reservations to see the special exhibition, but they can also purchase remaining tickets in person at the museum. Up to 100 visitors are allowed per one-hour time slot, and up to 1,000 visitors can visit the exhibition each day. No group tours are allowed due to COVID-19.

By Kim Hye-yun, staff photographer

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