5 days in Seoul, Korea-5/17-5/22/2023

Day 2:Gyeongbokgun Palace -5/18/2023

Donggung

Donggung used to be the living quarters for the crown prince and his wife.

Beautiful surrounding with Bugaksan Mountain in the background.

Hyangwonjeong Pavilion

Hyangwonjeong Pavilion is a two story hexagonal pavilion built on a small island in the middle of a lake on the northern grounds of Gyeongbokgung Palace. The beautiful pavilion was built on an artificial island in the middle of Hyangwonji pond by King Gojong during the 10th year of his reign in 1873. This was the same time Geoncheonggung Residence was being built.

The bridge which allows private access to the island, is known as Chwihyanggyo Bridge. The original bridge was located on the opposite side of the island and was constructed only of wood. At the time, it was one of the longest wooden bridges.  During the Korean War, the bridge was destroyed. In 1953, Chwihyanggyo was rebuilt and moved to its current location as seen today.

Geongcheonggung

Entrance gate to Geoncheonggung which used to be a private royal residence built by King Gojong within the palace grounds in 1873.

King Hoa getting in the royal private residence.

 King Gojong resided in Geoncheonggung from 1888 and the residence was continuously expanded, but on October 8, 1895, Empress Myeongseong, the wife of King Gojong, was brutally assassinated by the Japanese agents at the residence. Her body was burned and buried near the residence.

Jibokjae

Jibokjae is a two-story private library used by King Gojong.  Its name, Jibokjae, translates loosely in English as the "Hall of Collecting Jade".

On the left is Parujeopng, an octagonal two story pavilion and was constructed to store books.

The building uniquely shows heavy influence of Chinese architecture instead of traditional Korean palace architecture. Its side walls were entirely constructed in brick, a method commonly employed by the contemporary Chinese, and its roof formations, interior screens, and columns also show Chinese influences. Its architecture possibly was meant to give it an exotic appearance.

Park inside Gyeongbokgung.

The tour is pretty much over and we are now leaving the ground.

Walking by Geunjeongmun gate (the 3rd inner gate).

Walking toward Heungneyemun gate (2nd inner gate).

NEXT...Insa-Dong