Gucci Teams Up with Korean Cultural Heritage Administration to Replicate Gyeongbokgung's Gyotaejeon Bubyeogwa.
In a groundbreaking collaboration, luxury fashion brand Gucci has partnered with the Korean Cultural Heritage Administration to recreate and install a replica of the Gyeongbokgung Gyotaejeon Bubyeogwa.
Announced during a recent meeting of the Cultural Heritage Committee, the project entails the production and installation of two copies of the Gyeongbokgung Gyotaejeon, currently housed at the National Museum of Korea. Bubyeogwa, a delicate painting executed on paper or silk and affixed to the wall, offers unique preservation challenges compared to traditional wall murals, yet boasts the advantage of being easily removable.
The initiative, reviewed by experts in December, aims to produce a faithful Bubyeogwa replica while reimagining the exhibition to conserve the original form of the Gyeongbokgung Gyotaejeon, thereby enhancing the visitor experience.
Gyotaejeon Hall, historically utilized as the queen's quarters since the Gyeongbokgung Palace's reconstruction under King Gojong, underwent transformation following its slated demolition by the Japanese in 1918. Salvaged materials contributed to the restoration of the Daejojeon Hall in Changdeokgung Palace, culminating in its current iteration after extensive efforts by the Cultural Heritage Administration in 1995. The Gyotaejeon Bubyeogwa now resides in the collection of the National Museum of Korea, having been repatriated to the Korean government from the Museum of the Japanese Government-General of Korea post-liberation.
In November 2022, the Cultural Heritage Administration and Gucci formalized their partnership through a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU), pledging joint efforts towards the preservation, management, and utilization of cultural heritage. This collaboration encompasses various projects, including the "2024 Cruise Fashion Show" held at Gyeongbokgung Palace in May of the previous year.
Anticipating the project's impact, the Cultural Heritage Administration expressed optimism that visitors, both domestic and international, will soon access an authentic representation of the Gyeongbokgung Palace Gyotaejeon during King Gojong's reign.
As preparations unfold, the selected company is poised to commence production and installation of the simulated map. Following 240 days of meticulous work, Mosa-do will adorn the inner wall of Gyotaejeon, slated for public viewing as early as December of this year or as late as January or February of the following year.
This collaborative endeavor with Gucci marks just the beginning, as the Cultural Heritage Administration looks to co-develop diverse initiatives leveraging national heritage. Together, they aim to establish exemplary models of public-private cooperation, poised to captivate audiences both at home and abroad.