Today, I learned about Duksu palace. Actually, it was called Gyeongun palace but during Imjim war, Japanese changed the name to Duksu palace. Gyeongun palace was the house of King Seongjong, and was empty until King Gojong moved in. Empror Gojong lived in the palace for 12 years and died in there.

There are many buildings in the palace and each of the building were used for different purposes, and had many stories. One of the most interesting was Japsangs.

If you see the top of the buildings, you can find japsangs. Japsangs are the  sulptures of character from Seoyugi, Priest Samjang, Sonogong, Jeopalgye, and Saojung.

When you go to the entrance of the palace, you can see Daehanmun. Daehanmun is the main gate.

Junghwajeon is the building in the middle of the palace. It is the most important building because it was the place for official events.

Seokeodang is the only two-story building in the palace. It has one sad story. Inmok the queen mother was locked in there for a long time.

Jeukjodang was the place for coronation. The next building is Junmyeongdang. King Gojong received foreign ministers in there. Two buildings were connected by wooden corridor. It was very unique and beautiful.

Kings slept in Hamnyeongjeon.  

King Gojong loved coffee. King Gojong enjoyed his coffee at Jeonggwanheon.

In October 1897, Gojong changed the name of the nation Joseon to Daehan and made himself an empror.

Gyeongun palace also had other beautiful buildings and places that I did not mention. It also had many sad stories, too. The palace looked so beautiful and sad at the same time to me. It is because we lost our country to Japan for 36 years and our King Gojong in there.