A traditional Korean dance is performed during the opening ceremony for the "Dances & Music of the Joseon Royal Court" exhibition at the Korean Cultural Center in Sweden, Nov. 1. Courtesy of National Gugak Center

The Korean Cultural Center in Sweden, in collaboration with the National Gugak Center, presents an exhibit titled "Dances & Music of the Joseon Royal Court," shedding light on the rich history and ceremonial grandeur of the 1392-1910 Joseon Kingdom's court music and dance.

Poster for "Dances & Music of the Joseon Royal Court" exhibit at the Korean Cultural Center in Sweden / Courtesy of Korean Cultural Center Sweden

The centerpiece of the exhibition is the "Imin Jinyeondobyeong," a folding screen depicting a royal banquet held to celebrate the 51st birthday of King Gojong. This exquisite artwork serves as a window into the festivities of the Joseon court, capturing the refined aesthetics that defined the royal cultural heritage of Korea.

Alongside the screen, a collection of 22 rare artifacts are on view, including musical instruments, traditional costumes and historical documents from the era. Each instrument on display is accompanied by videos of performances that recreate the ceremonial use of these pieces, offering a comprehensive sensory experience that enriches visitors' understanding of their role in Joseon-era rituals.

The opening ceremony on Nov. 1 showcased two traditional Korean performances — "Chunaengjeon," a court dance featured in the "Imin jinyeondobyeong," and "Suryongum," an instrumental music with saenghwang (reed instrument) and piri (small flute). Over 100 local guests attended the event, underscoring the growing interest in Korea's cultural legacy.

This exhibit marks the final stop of a series of touring gugak (traditional Korean music) exhibitions at the Korean Cultural Centers in Spain in April and Belgium in July, following previous installations in Poland and Japan in 2023. These global exhibitions are part of the National Gugak Center's ongoing efforts to promote Korean traditional music worldwide, including distribution of gugak experience kits abroad to engage and educate people around the world.

The National Gugak Center plans to expand these initiatives in 2025, with themed exhibitions planned for Indonesia and other locations, aiming to broaden the impact of Korean traditional music.

“The overseas Korean Cultural Centers serve as a platform for expanding the reach of K-culture globally. We will continue to promote Korean music through more exchange programs with Korean Cultural Centers across the globe,” said Kim Myeong-seok, acting director of the center.

The exhibit in Stockholm runs through Jan. 31, 2025.