The largest of the ancient grand palaces in the South Korean capital, Gyeongbok Palace (Palace Greatly Blessed by Heaven) is one of my favourite places to visit in Seoul. It is also one of the most historically significant sites in Korea. I find that the palace is very reminiscent of the Forbidden City in Beijing, although on a much smaller scale.
It was a beautiful start to autumn when we visited the area. Leaves began to change from green to other beautiful colours and the leaves covering the ground was a sight to behold.
Entering through one of the inner gateways, the palace takes you through a large square where you can see a fantastic view of the beautiful backdrop of National Folk Museum of Korea. We managed to visit the place too but I'll post them another time.
Within the complex, there are tons of ornate buildings with elaborate colored paintings signifying the royal power.
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According to my research, the palace was built in 1395 and destroyed twice during Japanese occupation and were later restored 250 years later with additional buildings and architectures. Even now a little scaffolding can be seen.
It's kind of interesting to walk around the palace grounds and imagine how the royal family used to live hundreds of years ago.
Most of the buildings in the palace are quite small but the palace grounds are quite large. I wish I remembered more in detail about this particular building, but there was way too much to be taking in all at once just being there.
Moving along, it's also quite common to see these miniature statues standing on top of historical Korean buildings. Each of them represents a different animal, supposedly portraying an old folk story!
Another impressive building not to be missed is Guenjeongjeon, the main throne hall of Gyeongbok Palace. This is where the King formally meets foreign envoys.
Our World
It was a beautiful start to autumn when we visited the area. Leaves began to change from green to other beautiful colours and the leaves covering the ground was a sight to behold.
Entering through one of the inner gateways, the palace takes you through a large square where you can see a fantastic view of the beautiful backdrop of National Folk Museum of Korea. We managed to visit the place too but I'll post them another time.
Within the complex, there are tons of ornate buildings with elaborate colored paintings signifying the royal power.
IAccording to my research, the palace was built in 1395 and destroyed twice during Japanese occupation and were later restored 250 years later with additional buildings and architectures. Even now a little scaffolding can be seen.
It's kind of interesting to walk around the palace grounds and imagine how the royal family used to live hundreds of years ago.
Most of the buildings in the palace are quite small but the palace grounds are quite large. I wish I remembered more in detail about this particular building, but there was way too much to be taking in all at once just being there.
Moving along, it's also quite common to see these miniature statues standing on top of historical Korean buildings. Each of them represents a different animal, supposedly portraying an old folk story!
Another impressive building not to be missed is Guenjeongjeon, the main throne hall of Gyeongbok Palace. This is where the King formally meets foreign envoys.
Our World
Been to Korea 3 years ago. Been to this magnificient palace during winter. Like you said, very beautiful palace.
ReplyDeleteOh those animals on the rooftop can also be found in Chinese temples. Wonder if they are the same animals?
ReplyDeleteWe have quite different roofs in Europe so these forms are very interesting for us. Do you know the history of this roof form? If so then please share with me. Have a great week.
ReplyDeleteGreetings
as far as i can tell, the building was built in the style of the Joseon Dynasty in Korea.
DeleteThanks for additional info!
DeleteGreetings
Beautiful rooftop with such intricate art work. That's a great way to point camera upwards shooting nice piece of masterpiece
ReplyDeleteThe architecture and shapes are supremely lovely! Fabulous shots.
ReplyDeleteTerrific captures and incredibly beautiful architecture! Thanks for sharing! Enjoy your week!
ReplyDeleteWow, thanks for the lovely tour of the Palace. It is beautiful! Wonderful photos, have a happy week!
ReplyDeleteso many intricate details to enjoy and photograph.
ReplyDeleteAn interesting post and lovely photos.
ReplyDeleteGreat shots - I think that's the palace I saw when I was in Seoul in the '90s.
ReplyDeletethose pictures bring back fond memories..
ReplyDeletei wish to go there too~
ReplyDeleteBeautiful shots of the palace. I liked the architecture.
ReplyDeletethe details are incredible! another great post...thanks for sharing.
ReplyDeleteNice pictures, I love that exquisite oriental architecture! Greetings.
ReplyDeleteIncredible pictures.
ReplyDeleteTeautiful captures! In 2007 we visited the Forbidden City -and you're right - similar roof tops and decorative items (maybe it has to do with that Korea also has been occupied by China at one time, and China has been occupied by Japan)
ReplyDeleteInteresting history and great captures there to tell the story
ReplyDeleteThe craftsmanship applied on the roof are admirable. Awesome!
ReplyDeleteHappy Weekend! :)
I visited this palace too but it was under thick snow in Winter! The lake was frozen with ice too. LOL It is a pity that the Japanese invasion had destroyed too many ancient palaces and buildings all over Korea.
ReplyDeleteThe animals above the roof would show the status of the owners. That one in your photo has the maximum which certifies it was an Emperor's palace. Other ranking Royalties or high ranked officers would have lesser animals & symbols so forth. This also applies to ancient buildings in China.
Thanks for the history lesson sweetie, lovely photos as always. :)
ReplyDeleteMy SIL is crazy over anything Korea and she can't wait for a return visit. :)
ReplyDelete