DEOKSU PALACE WITH FUTURE ATTY.CESS
My college friend, Cess will be entering the UST Faculty of Civil Law this coming June. She had a tour here in Korea last week and so I accompany her on her Palace and historical sites tour. Good Luck Cess on your studies!
Located in downtown Seoul across the street from City Hall, Deoksu Palace vividly contrasts modern Seoul with traditional Korea. Built during the mid-fifteenth century, it is the smallest of Seoul's palaces. The palace contains many scenic areas and is a favorite among wedding photographers (who can overrun the area on weekdays!). Many local business men and women use the picnic area during lunch as a short escape from the hustle and bustle of downtown life.
Statue of King Sejong the Great: The Great Emperor and inventor of Hangeul
Cess with Ajussi
The main Throne Hall
Cess loves to take some pictures
The throne room and audience hall of Deoksu Palace has been designated Treasure #819. King Kojong used it after 1897 when he came to this palace (after leaving the Russian Legation where he had sought refuge after the murder of Queen Min). It stands on a broad, two-tiered stone terrace. In front is a courtyard paved in stone with stone markers that indicat the positions where officials would stand during royal ceremonies.
The throne is between the two center-rear pillars. Inside the hall, behind the throne, is a folding screen with a picture of the sun and moon and five peaks, one of the most famous scenes in Korea. A splendid wooden canopy rises above the throne. The building was originally double-roofed, but burned in 1901. It was rebuilt in 1906 with one roof.
The roof is hipped and gabled, the most ornate style of Choson period. There are double eaves and especially ornate multi claster-brackets. Recessed in the ceiling are two carved dragons. Bas-relief dragons and a Haet'ae (a mythical fire eating beast that guards from fire) decorate the center stairs and other portions of the building.
In 1593, after all the royal palaces had been burnt down during the 1592 Japanese invasion, King Sonjo took up temporary residence in a villa which had been built for prince Wolsan (1454-1488). The ruler, King Kwangaegun, named the temporary residence Kyongun-gung. In 1897, King Kojong expanded the palace to make it suitable as the seat of government. King Sunjong later stayed here, renaming itDeoksu-gung (Palace of Virtuous Longevity). This palace includes some of the best examples of royal architecture of the Chosun Dynasty (1392-1910) and has been designated as Historic Site #124 by the central government for preservation and protection. Sokchon-jeon Hall now houses the Royal Museum.
Brianna, my Texan bear that I bring wherever I go.
Hours:
Mar. ~ Oct. - 09:00 ~ 17:00 (Saturdays, Sundays until 18:00)
Nov. ~ Feb. - 09:00 ~ 16:30
Closed Mondays
Admission:
Adults (19 to 64 years old): 1,000 won (groups: 800 won)
Children (7 to 18 years old) and soldiers: 500 won (groups: 400 won)
* Children 6 and under, seniors 65 and over: Free
Directions: Subway lines 1 & 2, City Hall Station, exits 3 & 12, towards Deoksugung (Palace)
Mar. ~ Oct. - 09:00 ~ 17:00 (Saturdays, Sundays until 18:00)
Nov. ~ Feb. - 09:00 ~ 16:30
Closed Mondays
Admission:
Adults (19 to 64 years old): 1,000 won (groups: 800 won)
Children (7 to 18 years old) and soldiers: 500 won (groups: 400 won)
* Children 6 and under, seniors 65 and over: Free
Directions: Subway lines 1 & 2, City Hall Station, exits 3 & 12, towards Deoksugung (Palace)
Cess with some Korean tourists
Taehanmun Gate
Originally named Taeanmun, this main gate to the palace faced south. Later, it was moved to face the east and burnt down in 1904. Rebuilt in 1906, its name was changed to Taeanmun. The three Chinese characters for Taehanmun were written by Nam Chongchol, the Mayor of Seoul. Taehanmun is also the scene for the Changing of the Royal Guards ceremony.
Originally named Taeanmun, this main gate to the palace faced south. Later, it was moved to face the east and burnt down in 1904. Rebuilt in 1906, its name was changed to Taeanmun. The three Chinese characters for Taehanmun were written by Nam Chongchol, the Mayor of Seoul. Taehanmun is also the scene for the Changing of the Royal Guards ceremony.
In Royal Guard garb
Changing of the Royal Guard
When the unit watching the outer walls of the Royal Palaces arrives at the scene to relieve the unit watching the Palatial Gates, the ceremony starts. A combination of verbal orders, flags, and musical instruments is used. This ceremony is divided into three distinct parts, each of which is singled by corresponding drumbeats.
Date: Everyday (except Monday)
Time: 14:00~15:30 (July and August: 15:00 ~ 16:30)
Place: Maim gate of Deoksu Palace (Daehanmun)
When the unit watching the outer walls of the Royal Palaces arrives at the scene to relieve the unit watching the Palatial Gates, the ceremony starts. A combination of verbal orders, flags, and musical instruments is used. This ceremony is divided into three distinct parts, each of which is singled by corresponding drumbeats.Date: Everyday (except Monday)
Time: 14:00~15:30 (July and August: 15:00 ~ 16:30)
Place: Maim gate of Deoksu Palace (Daehanmun)
Check out other photos: http://mjse.multiply.com/photos/album/350/Deoksu_Palace_with_future_Atty._Cess
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