Gyeongbokgung Palace

Ian and I visited the Gyongbokgung Palace today. It was absolutely beautiful. When we arrived we just happened to be right on time for the English tour that was about to start. We joined the tour group which was actually quite interesting...we also got our fill of Westerners.

Gyongbokgung was built by King Taejo, the founder of the Joseon dynasty and was the principle palace until 1592 when it was burned down during Japanese invasions. It was in

ruins for 300 years until it was rebuilt by Heugseon Daewongun started to rebuild it in 1865. However, during the Japanese colonial rule (early 1900's) 90% of the palace grounds and buildings were destroyed.

Well, today when we went it was like stepping back into the 1600's. The place is a vast area full of beautiful traditional Korean buildings and many ponds, pretty trees, and shaded walkways. It is so amazing how much status and hierarchy plays a role in Korean history and even present day Korea. Every walk way, building entrance, building, etc. had separate areas for the King, the royal family, and then the officials. Event he officials had to stand and walk according to rank. It is quite amazing.

Everyone also had their own buildings. There was the main building where official ceremonies took place, the King's living quarters, the King's studying building, the Queen's living quarters, the concubines' living quarters, the King's mother's building, etc. Everyone had their own space and never really went into buildings that were not intended for them.

Also, the queen had the worst job ever! She was chosen by the King's mother (via an application process of sorts) and then had to take care of everyone in the palace and could never leave or really even go outside. She had to care for the children, the King's concubines, and be the "lady of Korea." If she did not have any boys, she would have to raise the male child the King had with one of his concubines. The poor woman!! However, once she became the mother of the King, then she had a lot more power and a pretty nice building all to herself.

My favorite place in the palace was the Hyangwonjeong. It is a little pond with a beautiful little pavilion on and island in the middle. It is where the royal family go to hang out. Ian and I took several pictures here to add to my family's collection of pictures taken from the same site. All in all it was a pretty fun day.