Royal Silk Flowers Revive Joseon Dynasty's Life-Respecting Philosophy

The Chosun Ilbo · Kim Sung-yoon · 2026-11-06 12:29 UTC

Royal Silk Flowers Revive Joseon Dynastys Life-Respecting Philosophy Hwang Su-ro and son Choi Sung-woo preserve Gungjung Chaewha, showcasing Joseons artistry and philosophy at Korean Royal Court Flower Museum

2,000 white peach blossoms bloomed profusely. A large wall painting (white peach blossoms) tree stood at the center of the audience hall at Heejeongdang in Changdeokgung Palace, where the ‘2026 Autumn K-Royal Culture Festival’ was held last month. Visitors, puzzled by the spring flowers in full bloom during the clear autumn, approached closely and only then realized they were artificial, marveling at their intricate craftsmanship.

The silk flowers, more vibrant and beautiful than real ones, were handmade by Choi Sung-woo, 66, a National Intangible Heritage holder of Gungjung Chaewha (Royal Court Flower). Gungjung Chaewha was an indispensable element in royal banquets and rituals during the Joseon Dynasty. The court even had a dedicated position called Hwajang (flower artisan) to oversee their production and management. However, with the fall of the Joseon Dynasty and Japanese colonial rule, royal rituals were abolished, and the Hwajang scattered.

The person who revived the nearly lost tradition of Gungjung Chaewha was Hwang Su-ro, 91, the first-generation National Intangible Heritage holder. Last June, Choi, Hwang’s eldest son and director of the Korean Royal Court Flower Museum, was recognized as the second-generation holder, following in his mother’s footsteps.

Read the full story at The Chosun Ilbo · All coverage of this story