Imperial Palace "Radiant happiness" Gyeongbokgung and "Palace of Virtuous Longevity" Deoksugung

2014/07/03
Today was a round-up of Gyeongbokgung Palace. It took us 4 hours to walk around and observe all its beauty. Even though we could observe only the small part of it as the Palace's territory is really huge. 

Gyeongbokgung Palace or Gyeongbok (in short) is a complex built in 1394 and is located in the north part of Seoul. It was the main and the biggest of 5 Palaces that were built in Joseon Dynasty in which the Royal family lived. That's why this palace is of such a great scale and a magnificent view. The central part of it was constructed in accordance with the stars location. An important element of the landscape of the palace is a Square Pond, on which there are  three artificial islands. The Square pond symbolizes the sky, The round islands on the pond represents the Earth, and the three divine Mountains stands for Taoism.

The Pond

Now the palace is an open-air museum. Before entering the palace, we saw the colorful staging of guards changing, which are used to be held here during the Joseon Dynasty. It was really awesome. The guards stand in front of the Main Gates absolutely still in the 30C heat. seems like they don't even blink. Well, nothing to do with it, that's how they had to stand on duty more than 600 years ago.

Main gates. The guard are on duty

We were surprised by striking colors of their outfits. Bright red, blue, yellow, orange and turquoise.These clothes could be try on, what we, of course, did. We were given only 5 minutes. There were 3 of us girls and of course we took some photoes as they were very funny. We really had fun because we looked so silly in these outfits with our height (a little over 155 sm))). 

Kung-Fu Panda )))

We tried to pose a liitle)

The outfit of Jeoson Dynasty

After that we went to observe the palace itself and the territory in which it is located. The entrance ticket costs only 3000 won (3$). I would say it's rather cheap for this beauty. In fact, for all the 6 centuries while Seoul is the capital of the Korean kingdom, there were 5 royal palaces built on its territory: Gyeongbokgung, Changdeokgung, Changgyeonggung, Deoksugung, and Jongmyo palaces.Each of them represents not only the part of Korean kingdom history, but also the spirit of its age. BUT..... Their architecture is very similar to each other. That's why, in fact, one had better visit only one palace- Gyeongbokgung, as it is considered to be the most magnificent of all 5.

The emperor's throne

Statues representing Chinese horoscope

Totems protecting from the evil

The real beauty

I also visited Deoksugung ( "Palace of Virtuous Longevity"). It is known for its carefully laid out stone paths. Besides this is the only palace in which the constractions have been built in the western style, which gives a significant uniqueness to its external look. There even was one pavilion the facade of which was in the style of Russian wood carving. I even did not expect to see anything like this=)). Again, very beautiful, colorful scenery and views, but basically, nothing particularly new.

With my groupmates in Deoksugung Palace

Russian wood carving

Very specific arcitecture

So colourful

So beautiful, isn't it?

Korean architecture is very beautiful and specific. Almost from anywhere in the palace you can see the examples of architecture of traditional roofs. And look at the throne room jf the palace alone!!! Stricking beauty! Just a mere walking in the area is worth the time that we spent, even though, it was just awfully hot and stuffy. But, as they say, do not be lazy and do not miss a chance to enjoy the completely new country with its unique culture, traditions and way of life .... even if it's 35-degree heat outside the walls of the hostel  ...... Wow and humidity, just like in the bath =))).

The nature of Korea is amazing in its beauty. The traditional buildings and the palace itself look so great on the background of this nature , that takes your breath away.
 Also on the territory of the palace there is the National Folk Museum, which gives an overview of the Korean people's life in Joseon Dynasty. There you can find everything that relates to the arts, crafts, clothing and household items of that period.
In general I can say that the Gyeongbokgung Palace is one of the most amazing places, and it is definitely worth your attention.