Jul

Gyeongbokgung Palace

Do you know what is the difference between King and Emperor? Emperor is a ruler of an empire. King is a ruler of a Kingdom. Then the question is what is empire and what is kingdom? Empire is a domain ruled by an emperor while kingdom is a country with a king as state.

In other words emperor is the ruler of all kings. If king has one wife, emperor should proportionately have 1000 wives..hehe.. Staying behind the fortress is a symbol of power and authority. That is how I felt when I was in GyeongbokgungPalace.

Nonono.. I did not feel “the” 1000 wives but I felt the POWER! The power of becoming a ruler (tho it sounds like a measuring stick )! As usual, nothing is free and 3000 Won is the price to pay for the ticket.

Paying to feel sound a bit dodgy but experiencing the grandness of ancient architecture is definitely worth the money.Gyeongbokgung Palace is the survival of many invasions in 1592 but later restored to preserve the originality of it in 1968.

Does this look familiar? Yes.. you are right this is another Changing of the Royal Guard. This really comes with surprise as I didn’t know that the Beloved Residence of Later Joseon Kings also have this event.

It is very rare that you get to see the cultural event in the middle of colorful and vibrant city. One thing that I don’t quite understand, why all the guards are using fake moustache and fake weapons? AND they don’t smile at all .. is it a requirement to maintain the “cool”?

If Changdeokgung Palace was built in harmony with nature, GyeongbokgungPalace is known for its scale and architecture beauty, particularly the symmetric central part connecting the gates of Gwanghwamun, Heungnyemun and Geunjeongmun.

Ohh before I forget, this is the first palace that was built inKorea(est. as early as in 1395). So, please expect it to be slightly “newer “ than others.. Newer? Oh yea.. thumb up on the preservation team. I hardly spotted any spider web at all.

From the photos, you might notice that this place is like a deserted land. The place is always full with tourists but I spend a long time there to capture all those shots without homosapien. That is the beauty of photography.

Before you get to the rear garden, you will pass through a series of palaces, emperor and empress residence, Their “hangout places” etc. That is the beauty of spacious compound.

I’m not sure if you notice small sculptures on the roof top! That is the “guardian angels”. Is it true? Well, I am just quoting from the tour guide. The importance of the building is indicated by the number of guardian angels on top. 9 is the max number and normally are on the main palace.

“I read books in my spare time, away from the 10, 000 things I must do”. That is what King Jeongjo said when he in this rear garden. It is a site of Joys and Sorrow. I can understand on Joys but Sorrow? Hmm.. I think that is applicable to boy-king Danjong who was forced to abdicate the throne in favor of his uncle King Sejo.

When I was there, “I eat in my spare time, away from the 10, 000 calories I must burn”. If one day I get famous, I think all my quotes/sayings will be big jokes of the century.. No wonder, I am not born to be emperor but a civilian instead.

Relaxing? Yes. Nice scenery? Yes. Tired? Absolutely! The touring of the palace can take a whole day but of course that is depending on your walking speed too. Try to bring some lifesavings suppliers such as energy bars, drinks, Oxygen (if required) as you have a very big place to cover!

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Gyeongbokgung Palace, 5.0 out of 5 based on 3 ratings