This Should Be My Palace.
Written by Bessie on Sunday, May 24, 2009 in Korea, Republic of
Feelin' happy
Gyeongbokgung translates into Palace of Happiness, and it's hard to be anything but happy while you're there. Feelin' happy
An elated Seoul tourist.
Kyle at the main entrance to the Palace Complex with the essential Asian peace signs. Say kimchi!!
Gong - buck - what?
The Gyeongbokgung complex is a bit larger than 1 sq mile, and is filled with brightly colored buildings and beautiful green space. Many of the original wooden buildings have all been rebuilt, and were once spaces for greeting kings, hosting grand banquets, and living, royalty style.
450 years ago, there were 330 buildings with nearly 6,000 rooms. Not shabby. Here's how it looks today:
The king and queen had separate living quarters. It was suposedly because the king would receive late night government interuptions, but then again, his quarters were surrounded by the concubines' rooms, so you choose your own interpretation. At its height, the palace had over 3,000 staff; over 140 of those to serve the royal family. I only have Kyle to serve me. hmpf.
doors into a residential building; little dude on the corner of the building.
Come and knock on my door; building detail
monkeying around
A Brief History: Build...Destroy. Rebuild...Destroy. Rebuild...
Back in the 16th Century, this large palace complex was in the height of its glory until the Japanese invaded and burnt it all down. In the 1860s, Korean royalty began rebuilding it. History repeated itself, and the Japanese invaded again in 1911, and again destroyed the place.
WWII calmed the Japanese down a bit, and there's been huge efforts to rebuild the site again, supposedly finishing this year. There's no doubt it's a beautiful place, and definitely worth reconstructing.
My 3 favorite views of Gyeongbokgung:
Tradition contrasting with modernity.
What others are saying
I agree the photos are well composed and something about the asian architecture is both regal and peaceful at the same time. Keep up the sojourns....
(BTW, just got a postcard you sent from Argentina! hope the mail service is better in SK)
Stunning photos.....and we hope with, as you said..."the Japanese calmed down", that the North Koreans also remain "calm" and palace rebuilding will not be necessary again! Hummmm, government interuptions....a likely story! Loved, loved, loved the pond.
Super tour of an amazing piece of history. Nice day and you both look very happy. Thanks for all of the lovely photos. Peace and love..............
pretty cool place. thanks for checking it out. :)
hai, really eager to visit korea one day... i'm a teacher too...i am indonesian.
you guys seem to be having so much happiness together!!!
i really want to see lee min ho, boys over flowers cast!!!
^^v
so tell me how is life there??? is there any vacancy for indonesian teacher?
please add me in fb irineivone_2712@yahoo.com
^^v
my website is www.irinchan82.blog.com
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Hope you are both enjoying these beautiful sights. The pictures look like postcards. I just love the ornamental pond. Take care.
by Rose P. at June 12, 2009 02:22 PM