Hello everyone, my name is Stella and today, I went to the Unhyeongung Palace. Unhyeongung Palace was the personal house of Heungsun Daewongun, who is the father of king Gojong. King Gofong lived in this house until the age of 12,when he became king.

   First, I will talk about Heungsun Daewongun. Andong Kim's clan had a lot of power from the time of King Sunjo's reign. However, the Andong Kim's clan didn't harm Heungsun Daewongun because he pretended to be a fool, and because he hung out with gangsters. When his son, Gojong became king, he had a lot of power, and he ruled on behalf of him.

   Second, I will talk about Empress Myeongseong. She was the wife of Emperor Gojong. Empress Myeongseong tried to have a close relationship with Russia. But the Japanese didn't like that, so they murdered her and burned her body in the Gyeongbokgung Palace.

   Third, I will talk about the Sujiksa, Noandang, Norakdang, and Irodang. The Sujiksa has very many small rooms, It was used for guards and the servants Noanddang is the men's living area. (Sarangchae) It means "living comfortably in old age.' The Norakdang was the women's living area  (Anchae). Empress Myeongseong received lessons here to become queen. Also, the wedding ceremony of King Gojong and Empress Myeongseong was held here. After the ceremory, the wife of Heungsun Daewongun was not able to stay here. So Heungsun Daewongun built another Anchae, and this is anchae is called Irodang.

   Fourth, I will talk about the ondol. The ondol is a traditional Korean heating system. When we make a fire in the fireplace, the heated air goes under the floors, and it makes the room warm. The smoke goes out through the chimney. The chimney is high because if it is low, the smoke will go into the rooms.

   Lastly, I will talk about the walls of Unhyeongung Palace. On the walls there are Chinese characters. these are not just for decoration. It is also for goodd fortune and blessing. These characters mean seven things. Watery spring day, long life, wealth, peacefulness, glory, million years of life, and enjoy.

   From today's visit, I think the Unhyegung palace is beautiful and  I want to visit here again to learn more. Thank you for listening to my speech.