KMK: Gyeongbokgung Palace

On Saturday a couple coworkers and me journeyed to Northern Seoul to check out Gyeongbokgung Palace. The trip for us consisted of a twenty minute subway ride on line Five. The station stop was Gwanghwamun exit 2 and then a straight shot north a few blocks to the palace’s front gate.

Wikipedia says:
Gyeongbokgung (Gyeongbok Palace) is a palace located in northern Seoul, South Korea. It was the main and largest palace of the Joseon Dynasty and one of the Five Grand Palaces built by the Joseon Dynasty.

I believe this is Geunjeongjeon The throne hall where state affairs were held.

I took this shot because of the angled layering of the roof tops. Like it?

Not sure what building this one is, but there I am enjoying the ambiance. My kiwi coworkers and friends who accompanied me on this field trip.

Here’s me sitting in front of Gangnyeongjeon and Gyotaejeon which served as the queen’s main residence and the king’s living area respectively. I’m pondering why they don’t hire actors to portray the royals, because that would really make the place come alive.

The Chimneys of Amisan

These chimneys serve as exhaust flues for the underfloor heating of the queen’s residence.

They are decorated with plum, chrysanthemum and ten longevity symbols.

Geoncheonggung is a palace within a palace, built for King Gojongand his consort. The building stands on a little island settled in a pond fed by a natural spring.

The building really was the most spectacular spot on the grounds.

Here is a shot of Geoncheonggung reflecting in the pond.

This building is named Jibokjae. It’s flanked by two smaller buildings that I didn’t quite capture in this shot. They are the Hyeopgildang Pavilion and Parjeong Pavilion used as a library and recption hall.

The first building on the left is a little clearer in this shot. It truly was quite beautiful. Next time: The National Museum and The Blue House