Let's Learn about Korea: Gyeongbokgung Palace

This is a long post, but interesting (or at least I think so) and it's one of the places Nick and I plan to visit when we travel!

Gyeongbokgung Palace means Shining Happiness. It was built in 1395 by the Yi Dynesty when they moved the capital to Seoul. It was destroyed during the Japanese invasion of 1592 and left in ruins for over 250 years. Starting in 1865, it was rebuilt to its original grandeur. When Korea was annexed by Japan in 1910, most of the 200 building on the palace grounds were torn down by the Japanese, leaving only a dozen structures.

Keunjeong-jeon, the royal throne hall is Korea's largest surviving wooden structure. Kings conducted state affairs, held official functions, and received foreign envoys here. Built in 1394, high ranking officials assembled in this court to pay respect to their kings.

Chagyong-jon was the living quarters for Queen Dowager Cho. The present quarters were built in 1888 after the original structure burned down. This is the only building with a bedroom remaining on the palace grounds.

The chimney of Chageyong-jeon forms a part of the wall of the courtyard. It has ten exhausts on the top of the chimney, which is titled to resemble the beams and rafters of a wooden structure. The chimney is decorated with various designs for long life, wealth, and many offsprings, as well as signs to repel evil.

To the far north on the palace grounds sits Hyangwon-jeong, an attractive hexagonal pavilion surrounded by a lotus pond. When King Kojong had Hyangwon-jeong built in 1867, he had a pond dug to the south of it and the pavilion built on an island in the pond. Hyangwon-jeong was originally connected to the north shore of the pond by a bridge named Ch'wihyang-gyo and the King enjoyed strolling across it to the pavilion. Visitors are not allowed on the bridge or to the pavilion. Instead, they must content themselves with the serene view. This is one of the most painted and photographed places in Korea.

Kyeonghoe-ru is the largest pavilion in South Korea and has been designated National Treasure #224. Supported by 48 stone pillars and set in a lotus pond, the pavilion was a favored place for the King to entertain visiting dignitaries. King Taejo, founder of the Chosun Dynasty and builder of Gyeongbok Palace, had the pavilion erected on this man-made lake in the western section of the palace. He named Kyeonghoe for "joyous meeting."
During the Japanese invasion in 1592, the original Kyeonghoe-ru was burned down leaving only the stone supports. When Gyeongbok palace was rebuilt in 1867. The pillars were replaced with new ones that lack the splendor of the former. This pavilion was used for royal banquets during the Chosun period and is used today for special functions.

The National Folk Museum sits in the northern section of the palace. The museum has several exhibition halls which periodically change their exhibits, showing a wide selection of Korean culture and history.
So that concludes your 15 minute tour or the Gyeongbokgung Palace.

Trivia question: After looking at these pictures, do you know the difference in Korea architecture and Chinese architecture? Prizes for the winner! Tune in next week for the answer.