Byeongpung are Korean folding screens made from several joined panels, bearing decorative painting and calligraphy, used to separate interiors and enclose private spaces, among other uses. It has been used for a variety of purposes, including preventing drafts, displaying paintings, displaying calligraphy, and separating spaces.[1]
Byeongpung have been used since the Han dynasty in China and were widely used during the Tang dynasty. And Korea exported folding screens to Japan during the reign of King Sinmun.
In Korea, folding screens were first used during the Goryeo dynasty. In the Goryeo Dogyeong written by Seo-gyeong, an envoy from the Song dynasty who visited Goryeo, there is a record that the Goryeo royal family placed folding screens on all sides of the banquet hall.[2]
Byeongpung was also widely used during the Joseon dynasty. The initial form was a single-seat model made from a single board. The connection screen connecting two or more boards appeared later. Usually, a byeongpung has 2 to 12 panels.
When there is a major event such as a summit or award ceremony in the Presidential Residence, photos are taken with byeongpung as the background.