Gyeongbokgung stands as a symbol of South Korea’s past and present.
Once the main palace of the kings of Korea during the Joseon dynasty, it was devastated by the Japanese during the years of invasion. Now, its restoration is a symbol of national sovereignty.
First built in 1395 by King Taejo, the founder of the Joseon dynasty, the Gyeongbokgung, or Palace Greatly Blessed by Heaven, is still opposite the seat of power in Seoul now, as the Blue House or Cheongwadae now sits on one of its former gardens.
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Photo provided toShanghaiStar.
The Blue House is the executive office and official residence of the South Korean head of state.
Gyeongbokgung is situated on a site with excellent fengshui, with Mount Bugak providing a backdrop to its elegant emerald green buildings. Fengshui is the art of geomancy that defines the flow of natural energy.
Guards flank Gwanghwamun, the main gate, and the hourly changing of the guard ceremony from 10 am in the morning till 3 pm is one of tourists’ favourite sights.
The atmosphere in the palace is serene and peaceful as tourists are absorbed into the spacious surroundings, scattering to different parts of the complex.
Walking past layer after layer of gates and courtyards, one is faced with a gradual ascent to where the king would have held court in imperial times, even as Mount Bugak looms in the distance.
The curved, tiled roofs with distinctive emerald green woodwork are imposing, their air of gravitas reminding you that they have weathered time and history to greet you today.
The intricate woodwork has been meticulously restored with bright paint and traditional motifs. Great stone slabs in the middle of staircases depicting phoenixes and other mythical beasts grow more and more impressive as you measure your ascent towards the seat of power at Geunjeongjeon Hall.
Geunjeongjeon Hall houses the intricate red throne under a massive roof with layers of green wooden rafters.
It used to be where the king conducted most of his business, and features a couple of seven-clawed dragons right in the center of the ceiling, symbols of imperial power and majesty.
An icon of the Joseon dynasty and Korea’s national sovereignty, the Gyeongbokgung has seen its share of turbulence and devastation.
The complex was the largest of the Five Grand Palaces completed by the Joseon dynasty and was burnt to the ground by the Japanese between 1592 and 1598. It was laid to waste for nearly 300 years, then rebuilt in 1868 on a grand scale when 330 buildings were rebuilt.
Unfortunately, this second version was not to last, for the 20th century saw another invasion by Japan, and in 1915 nearly 90 percent of the buildings were torn down.
The Japanese erected the building of the Governor-General on the site to drive home the point.
Since 1990, the South Korean government has been restoring the palace to its former glory as a matter of national pride, with the Governor-General Building built by the Japanese removed in the 1990s.
The ambitious 40-year reconstruction effort has been successful, with about 40 percent of the original buildings now standing and a steady stream of visitors from all over the world coming to take in Gyeongbokgung’s beauty.
Of particular note is the beautiful Gyeonghoeru Pavilion, which rests on a large artificial lake and makes an impressive photographic subject.
Imperial banquets for foreign dignitaries used to be held here, particularly in the summer, with strains of soothing music complementing the breathtaking views of the mountain mirrored in the lake.
The complex is also home to traditional Korean gardens, including Hyangwonjeong Pavilion, which rests on an artificial island in the middle of a small lily pond and accessible via a long wooden bridge.
The pavilion is a two-story hexagonal building with a name which means “Pavilion of Far-reaching Fragrance”. Its bewitching beauty conceals a horrific history, for it was here that Queen Myeongseong was murdered and burned by the invading Japanese in 1895.
Apricot trees display their orange fruit in the courtyards of the palace, and you may chance upon an old well or chimney while exploring the various corridors and small wooden doors.
Gingko and pine trees also subtly scent the air with their distinctive fragrance, making a stroll around the palace a relaxing and pleasurable experience.
Entrance to the palace costs KRW 3,000 (19 yuan), and your ticket also includes entry to the informative National Palace Museum and the National Folk Museum located on the grounds.
While you are there, don’t miss out on the photo spot facing the Blue House as well, for a record of your close encounter with the present South Korean seat of power.
How to go
Take subway Line 3 to Gyeongbokgung Station and proceed to Exit 5. The palace grounds are open from 09:00 -18:00 (March - October) and 09:00 -17:00 (November - February). Gyeongbokgung Palace is closed Tuesday.
Airline Info
Many airlines fly between major Chinese cities and Seoul, but we took Asiana Airlines, which leaves Shanghai at 11:40 am daily and arrives in Seoul at 2:30 pm.
Where to Stay:
The Shilla Seoul offers a uniquely Korean luxury experience both palatial and welcoming at the same time. The hotel has a resort feel while being conveniently located near all the attractions. Address: The Shilla Seoul 249 Dongho-ro Jung-gu, Seoul 100-856 Korea
The serene Hyangwonjeong Pavilion. Above: Mount Bugak stands sentry behind Gwanghwamun.
Intricate woodwork, lustrous neowa (shingles) and giwa (tiles) are characteristics of Korean imperial architecture.
The throne room in Geunjeongjeon Hall was the seat of power in the Joseon dynasty.
Gyeonghoeru Pavilion hosted royal banquets.
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