History according to wikipedia:
Deoksugung was originally the residence of Prince Wolsan, the older brother of King Seongjong. This residence became a royal 'palace' during the Imjin war after all of the other palaces were burned in 1592. King Seonjo was the first Joseon king to reside at the palace. King Gwanghaegun was crowned in this palace in 1608, and renamed it Gyeongun-gung (경운궁, 慶運宮) in 1611. After the official palace was moved to the rebuilt Changdeokgung in 1618, it was used as an auxiliary palace for 270 years and was renamed Seogung (West Palace).
In 1897, after the incident when Emperor Gojong took refuge in the Russian legation, he returned to this place and named it Gyeongungung again. Expansion of the facility followed after his return. After Emperor Gojong abdicated the throne to Emperor Sunjong, he continued to live in this palace. The palace was then renamed Deoksugung, as a reference to a wish for longevity of Emperor Gojong. Emperor Gojong died in Hamnyeongjeon.
The Changing of the Royal Guard is in front of Daehanmun Gate. It is a very popular event for many visitors. The royal guard was responsible for opening and closing the palace gate during the Joseon Dynasty. Outside of the palace is a picturesque road with a stone wall. source: wikipedia
After you enter the main gate, there is a long road edged by trees ending at yet another gate— Gwangmyeong, a gate to nowhere (originally the entrance gate of Hamnyeongjeon). The gate is currently used to shelter an exhibit. The items on exhibit include a singijeon rocket launcher, an early Joseon bell from Heungcheonsa Temple and the Borugak Jagyeongnu water clock.
Even in late fall, early winter the colors are lovely.
Junghwajeon Hall, the throne hall, seen thru the Junghwajeon Gate.
The ceiling of the building and the emperor's exclusive pathway to it are adorned with
dragon figures, and the window frames are golden. Dragons and gold are symbols of an emperor.
A dragon adorning steps to the throne hall.
The markers along the path to the gate from the throne hall are not grave markers
but stations for servants—the closer to the throne room, the higher the station.
Korean girls in traditional gowns.
Deokhongjeon Hall once served as a reception hall for foreign diplomats.
The exterior of the hall is traditional Korean style but the interior is western style.
Time for the Changing of the Royal Guard again.
That's our exit cue!
That is very interesting. It looks like you had a great time, even though it was cold! Beautiful costume and colors!
ReplyDeleteInteresting and such detail to the architect.
ReplyDelete