sarm ● report
e d i t o r / S ANG- AA PARK w ri t e r / S HI N- Y OU NG J U NG
walking into the Palace
Korea’s history is one of turbulence and struggle. Gyeongbok Palace, which was the main palace of residence for the kings of the Joseon Dynasty (1392-1897), is a historical site that has suffered just as much as the rest of Korean history. The palace, Gyeongbokgung in Korean, was burned down in the late 16th century during Japanese invasions of the Imjin War. And after restoring the palace in the mid-1800s, several buildings were again demolished in the early 1900s during the Japanese colonial period. But this historic palace prevailed. After some renovations to Gyeongbok Palace’s main gate, Gwanghwamun, the palace’s grand entrance was reopened, showing its grace and grandiosity in addition to its past pain and suffereing.
Brief history of Gyeongbok Palace Built in1394under the Joseon Dynasty’s founding king,Taejo, Gyeongbok Palace was burned down in 1592 during Japanese invasions of Korea. Then in 1867, HeungseonDaewongun— a Joseon regent who wielded great power in the era— rebuilt the palace. The Gyeongbok Palace that exists today uses the 1867version as its model. Back then, Gyeongbok Palace was a grand complex, with 330 buildings scattered about like a maze. But during the Japanese occupation of Koreain the early 20th century, most of the buildings were destroyed and only a few remained. Originally, most of the gates within Gyeongbok Palace were designed in a straight line, but the Japanese moved the Gwanghwamun from its original location to make way for the Governor General Building. But after a major reconstruction project, Gwanghwamun has been restored to its original location and orientation.
novemver & december 2010