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Will it be happy having a life worrying about assassins killing you? It was a story of Gojong, the second last king of Korea. He stayed at Gyeongungung after his wife was killed by Japanese assassins. Also Gyeongungung is the only palace has western-style buildings. To go into Gyeongungung, you should pass through Daehanmun, the changed main gate of the palace. Before the main gate was changed to Daehanmun, it was Inwhamun. However Inwhamun was in front of a narrow street. So after Inwhamun is destroyed, Daehanmun became the main gate of the palace. As Gyeongungung is the only modernized palace, there are two western-style buildings. One is Seokjojeon. It is a 3 story building including a basement. the basement is for cocking, first floor for waiting rooms for servants, and second floor was used as a reception hall. Also Jeongkwanhun is a place which has both western and Korean style. Gojong was afraid when his wife was dead. So, he ran away to the Russian embassy. When he came back to his Gyeongungung, he stayed at Hamneongjung which has lots of rooms. The reason was that he didn't want to be killed by Japanese assassin. I felt I was in early 19th century in Europe due to its European style buildings. I am already pleased to visit Gyeongbokgung, the biggest palace of Joseon Dynasty.
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