Lost in Gyeongbokgung

According to Asian beliefs, the main gate of every palace should face east. Dating bac to 1394, Gyeongbokgung Palace is no exception. The east was re­served for martial mandarins and the west for civil mandarins. The north gate was used by officials of low social status and for funeral processions. The gates were flanked by two stone Hechi beasts that served as guards, since they are sym­bols of protection.

Work on Gyeongbokgung place started in 1394. This symbolic building suffered two devastating fires, one in 1553 and the second in the early 1900S

The palace’s main gate has three arches. The highest central arch was re­served for kings, the left arch for princes and crown princes and the right arch for mandarins. The pathway to the palace was once covered. Today, the ancient stone path is uncovered.

Visitors entering Gyeongbokgung fed like they are traveling back in time. From 11 am to 3pm daily, the changing of the royal guard is reenacted. As well as watching the guards, tourists can pose for photos with them and admire their old costumes.

Korea’s key colors adorn the palace’s ceiling frescos: green, red, yellow, white and black. The interior of Gyeongbok­gung has many similarities to palaces in China, with planned spaces and symbolic gates facing the four directions. A small stream was built inside the palace to serve as a source of vitality. On its two banks stand animal statues that protect thl fountain from evil and keep it clear ane pure. The palace’s grounds are home te many stone animal statues, including fow animals guarding the four corners of the bridge across the fountain, which an among the 12 sacred animals of Korea, An interesting point is that all doorsteps leading into the palace are original.

Gunjeong Gate leads to Gunjeong­jeon, the main hall where the king chaired meetings and received foreign ambassa­dors. The pathway is divided into three main lanes: the central lane for the kin~ the left lane for civil mandarins, and the right lane for martial mandarins. Many stone steles line the two sides, denoting the ranks of mandarins. Mandarins would stand beside the stele that indicated their political status. The stone steles are rough, since it was thought that smooth stone steles would reflect sunlight and dazzle the mandarins’ eyes. These steles are completely original.

Surrounding corridors were used by officials oflower status to attend meetings with the king. One stone pathway leads straight to Gunjeongjeon Palace. Unlike many other glamorous palaces in the world, this palace is simple and consists of just one storey. The king’s throne was placed on a higher pedestal so that attend­ing mandarins were aware of his power and majesty. The palace’s interior ceiling features two seven-clawed dragons, since Koreans believe that seven-clawed drag­ons bestow power upon the king. The palace was built entirely of wood because Koreas winters are unbearably cold and wood helps to keep the interior warm. Visitors may view the palace’s floor-heat­ing system with its giant stove.

The south is guarded by two red phoenixes, the east by two green dragons, the north by a black tortoise and the west by a white tiger. These four sacred animals bring power to the palace. To express the king’s power on the outside, two three­legged urns were placed on the eastern and western sides.

The king treated foreign ambassadors and mandarins to banquets and enter­tainment in Gyeonghoeru Pavilion. Pre­viously, when the pavilion was used, the facing lake was full oflotus flowers. Un­fortunately, today only the lake and the pavilion survive. Gyeonghoeru is the best-known symbol of the Gyeongbok­gung Palace compound. At night, deco­rative lights are turned on and the pavilion is reflected in the lake.

Next comes Gangnyeongjeon Hall, the king’s bed chamber. Gangnyeong means “bringing health”. The king’s main residential quarters were designed to keep him healthy so that he could perform his administrative tasks. Two pavilions flanking Gangnyeongjeon Hall were used by the king’s servants.

The queens residential quarters were called Jagyeongjeon Hall. According to Korea’s Confucian beliefs, men and women were banned from living close to­gether. Hence, the queen’s palaces were lo­cated apart, but the king could visit at will. The residential quarters of the queens ser­vants lay beside Jagyeongjeon Hall. Un­fortunately, the quarters of the servants and concubines have not been rebuilt.

The most beautiful area in the com­pound lies behind the palace and is eas­ily missed. Gyeongbokgung is an artificial lake with a central pavilion, redolent with the scent of lotus flowers. The pavilion is called Hyangwonjeong. Here, the king would recite poetry, listen to music and relax.

Visitors should also seek out the storeroom used to keep kimchi and soy­bean stew (twenjang). Countless pots and jars are on display. The exterior gate is decorated with eye-catching chili and rice plants.

After two hours exploring Gyeong­bokgung we all shared a deep admira­tion for the ancient people of Korea. If we have another chance to visit Korea we will return to Gyeongbokgung to enjoy the solemn, epic ambiance of the guard change and to take some photos with the friendly guards.

 

Lost in Gyeongbokgung
First post at: Vietnam Culture