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Today we went to Gyeongungung Palace, also known as Deoksugung Palace. Originally, Gyeongungung was the private house of King Seongjong's older brother, Grand Prince Wolsan. It became the main palace during the Imjin War(also known as the Japanese Invasion). After the buildings that were destroyed were rebuilt, King Gwanghaegun moved the main palace to Changgyeonggung. In 1987, King Gojong moved back to Gyeongungung.
The Daehanmun was the main gate of Gyeongungung. Originally, the main gate was Inhwamun, but it was too tight, so they changed the main gate to Daehanmun in 1902. The Junghwamun, the most important building in Gyeongungung, was where the king held official events. The throne was also in this building. The folding paper, called Irwolobongbyeong, behind the throne showed the dignity of the king, and it represented the existence of the king. Seokeodang was the only 2 story building in the palace. Also, Queen Mother Inmok was locked in here for 5 years by King Gwanghaegun. Jeukjodang was where coronations were held. Junmyeongjeon was where King Gojong stayed and received foreign ministers as guests. Seokjojeon was one of the first western-style buildings to be inside a Korean palace. Jeonggwanheon was where King Gojong rested and drank coffee, the drink he loved.
I really liked Gyeongungung because it had very interesting buildings and I was surprised to see western-style buildings in a Korean palace. Next time, I want to see the folding paper behind the throne more closely because I want to see the meaning in the drawing. I hope to visit Gyeongungung again in the future.
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