The arrival of a new royal baby was a joyous occasion, celebrated not only by the royal household but by the entire nation. us, the process of the pregnancy from conception and prenatal care to delivery was monitored with utmost care, and newborn royals were raised by a group of dedicated court attendants and ocials. Tae, the placenta and umbilical cord, which had helped the baby grow in a mother’s womb was handled with special attention after the birth.

The royal baby’s tae was carefully cleansed and placed in a set of jars before it was buried in a stone chamber constructed on auspicious sites. If the baby was a future heir to the throne, the chamber occupied the most propitious site available. After the baby ascended the throne, the chamber was enhanced with stone structures to demonstrate the dignity of the head of state.

Today, this tradition involving tae is almost forgotten. Nevertheless, the birth of a new life is still much connected to our future and continues to draw societal attention. is exhibition hopes to refresh the importance of new life in contemporary society by introducing the birthing culture of the Joseon court with a focus on the practices related to tae.