Hyomyeong:
Crown Prince and Patron of the Arts

The birth of Hyomyeong (1809–1830), the firstborn son of King Sunjo (r. 1800–1834) provided a ray of hope to the reigning monarch. After losing his father King Jeongjo (r. 1776–1800) at age ten, young Sunjo had struggled to rule effectively while Grand Queen Dowager Jeongsun (1745–1805) and his father-in-law Kim Jo-sun (1765–1832) controlled state affairs behind the scenes. Thus, Sunjo saw an opportunity to reclaim the monarchy’s authority through his son Hyomyeong, and the young prince was carefully groomed to be heir to

the throne.

The regency of Crown Prince Hyomyeong began in 1827 when he turned eighteen. During his regency, the crown prince who revered literature and the arts embraced humanistic philosophy as a ruler. Although Hyomyeong died suddenly three years after his regency began, his accomplishments in politics, literature, royal banquets, and jeongjae (court dance and music) were significant. Had he lived longer, Hyomyeong would have been extolled as another patron of the arts alongside King Jeongjo.

Hyomyeong: Crown Prince and Patron of the Arts focuses on Hyomyeong’s achievements and aspirations by introducing a wide range of objects, archival materials, and digital media. The National Palace Museum of Korea hopes the exhibition will give visitors an opportunity to appreciate the brief yet resplendent impression left by Hyomyeong, the regent and patron of the arts.



The Life of Crown Prince Hyomyeong

Hyomyeong: The Poet of the Royal Court




Crown Prince Hyomyeong and His Palaces


Royal Banquets and Jeongjae (Court Dance and Music)