The Secret of the Gwigung Craze! Why is Everyone Falling for Gwigung? 🏯

From a Hidden Space of the Joseon Royal Family to a Healing Spot for Modern Individuals! The Aesthetic of Space Revived After 500 Years

What is Gwigung? Why is it Suddenly Trending?

These days, opening Instagram reveals hashtags like #Gwigung popping up frequently! Initially, I wondered ‘What is this new term?’, but it turns out this is a space concept derived from royal architecture of the Joseon Dynasty. Gwigung (閨宮) traditionally refers to private quarters for queens and concubines, but it has recently been reborn with the new meaning of ‘a cozy and discreet personal space’. 🏮

It’s especially popular among the MZ generation. The reasons include:

• ✅ Increased desire for personal space after COVID
• ✅ Preference for analog sentiments on social media
• ✅ Interest in spaces that capture Korean emotions

An architectural expert analyzed, “The psychological comfort that Gwigung provides to modern individuals is a significant appeal.” I actually experienced a Gwigung-themed room at a Hanok cafe in Bukchon last week, and it was much more comfortable than I expected! 😌

The Hidden Stories of Gwigung in History 📜

Historical records in the Annals of the Joseon Dynasty reveal many interesting references to Gwigung. Especially according to the National Institute of Korean History, Gwigung was where royal women’s daily lives unfolded. Contrary to what modern people think, it was not just a simple hiding place but a space of various activities!

Some fascinating facts are:

• 🎎 Used as a space for the education and artistic activities of concubines
• 📚 A place for mental growth through reading and poetry creation
• 🍵 A semi-official area where the queen would meet the wives of her officials

Professor Kim Young-mi from Seoul National University’s Gyujanggak Korean Studies Institute emphasized that “Gwigung was a cradle of female intellect beyond just a living space.” It seems that young people are intuitively feeling this historical significance when they visit Gwigung! Hehe.

Three Gwigung Styles Dominating Instagram

Searching for the #Gwigung hashtag yields about 120,000 posts! Let’s introduce three representative trends.

1. Gwigung Corner in Hanok Cafes
Gwigung concept seating is at peak popularity in Hanok cafes around Bukchon and Ikseon-dong. They create a private atmosphere by arranging low tables and folding screens in a corner of a small room. The sunset light filtering through the windows during dusk was particularly stunning! 🌇

2. Home Gwigung Project
The trend of decorating a small space at home to make it look like Gwigung, called ‘mini Gwigung’, is in vogue. A friend of mine sets up a traditional tray and spoon holder in their 2-pyeong balcony space and enjoys tea every morning… Isn’t that enviable? 😢 Check out the #HomeGwigung tag for inspiration!

3. Digital Gwigung
Interestingly, the Gwigung trend is also gaining momentum in virtual spaces. Game homes decorated with East Asian-inspired interiors or VR experience areas are becoming popular. My favorite is the traditional Hanok filter on Zepeto!

Social Significance of the Gwigung Trend Analyzed by Experts

Cultural critic Choi Min-jeong pointed out in a recent column that “The Gwigung craze reflects three desires of modern individuals.”

The first is the longing for ‘digital detox’. Modern individuals tired of smartphones are finding comfort in spaces with analog sentiments. In fact, many people tend to refrain from using their phones in Gwigung-style spaces. (Give it a try! I succeeded for 2 hours haha.)

The second is the exploration of ‘personal identity’. There is a growing tendency to prefer traditional elements that express individual taste rather than mass-produced modern interiors. A friend of mine learned woodworking to create a tray! 👍

The third is unexpectedly linked to ‘environmental consciousness’. This is because Gwigung style aims for eco-friendly materials and energy-efficient structures. The efficient utilization of small spaces also aligns with sustainability trends!

Tips for Creating Your Own Gwigung Space!

I’m going to share tips for making a Gwigung-style space that you can easily follow at home!

1. The Art of Choosing Space
The misconception that you need a large space is a NO! In fact, a small space of around 2-3 pyeong is perfect for achieving the true Gwigung vibe. A corner next to your bed or a little spot on your balcony can work well too. I transformed a space less than one pyeong next to my wardrobe, and surprisingly, I was very satisfied! 😊

2. Essential Item Checklist

• Folding screen or partition: Essential for privacy!
• Low table: A small table for sitting on the floor
• Soft lighting: Mood lamps or traditional lanterns are recommended
• Natural material decor: Bamboo, Hanji paper, ceramics, etc.

Among these, just having a folding screen can change the entire ambiance of the Gwigung space. Nowadays, many modern folding screens are available, so check them out!

3. Budget-Saving Tips
Buying traditional furniture from second-hand apps is also a good method. Especially during moving seasons (March, September), many Hanok items are available. Search for ‘Hanok’ on my favorite Bunjang app!

Is It Okay to Rediscover Traditional Korean Spaces This Way?

The growing interest in traditional spaces due to the Gwigung craze is undoubtedly a positive thing. However, there are still some concerns.

The first is the issue of ‘inauthentic commercialization’. Some businesses indiscriminately provide poor-quality services with only the name ‘Gwigung’ attached. Mimicking forms without truly understanding traditional aesthetics is dangerous. 🚫

The second is the potential for ‘historical distortion’. Ignoring the original meaning and function of Gwigung and exaggerating modern sensibilities can undermine its historical value. A Culture Heritage Administration official warned, “The contemporary reinterpretation of tradition and distortion is separated by just a piece of paper.”

Nevertheless, it is encouraging that the younger generation shows active interest in traditional culture! According to a survey conducted by the Seoul City, 68% of people in their 20s responded that they “want to use Hanok spaces more often.” I hope the Gwigung craze will become an opportunity to revive Korea’s unique spatial culture beyond just a trend. 🙏

Epilogue: The Allure of My Gwigung Day Experience

At the end of last month, I decided to spend a ‘Gwigung Day’ with a friend. Our destination was a small Hanok cafe near Anguk Station. The entrance, with its tightly packed shoe rack, reminded me of a traditional attic!

As I climbed up to the second floor, I found a small room at the end of a quiet hallway. Upon opening the door, what captured my attention was a Hanji lantern hanging by the window, radiating warm light as the sun set. 🌟

While sipping tea and reading a book, I suddenly realized something. What modern individuals truly need is not ‘large space’, but ‘a space where they can clear their minds’. Temporarily setting aside smartphones and work talks to simply gaze outside while enjoying a cup of tea… Such simple happiness seems to be the most precious gift to us.

Why not take a moment this weekend to plan your ‘Gwigung Day’? Even a small space at home is fine. What’s important is having time to truly meet yourself in that space! If you already have a Gwigung-like space, please share it in the comments—I’m looking for good references! ✨