Located in northern Seoul, South Korea, Gyeongbokgung is a rather picturesque palace more so compared than the Forbidden City in Beijing, in my opinion. It looks newer than the ones found in Forbidden City mainly because of the restoration done to bring it to its former glory. Gyeongbokgung means 'Palace of Shining Happiness' and the name speaks for itself. It is one of the main and largest palaces of the Five Grand Palaces built by the Joseon Dynasty. The palace is also a good representation of traditional Korean design and architecture. Having been destroyed and restored several times, the historical integrity of the palace may be disputable but it is an admirable oasis away from the hustle and bustle of modern Seoul. The architectural buildings you'll find in this palace are just magnificently gorgeous and the restored paintwork on the eaves are absolutely stunning.
The above picture is the Geunjeongjeon or the Throne Hall which is constructed mainly of wood and sits on the center of a large rectangular courtyard, on top of a two-tiered stone platform lined with intricate 'balustrades' and adorned with numerous sculptures depicting imaginary and real animals such as dragons and phoenixes. This main hall was where the king formally granted audiences to his officials, greeted foreign envoys and ambassadors and gave declaration of national significance during the Joseon Dynasty.
The Throne Hall with me at the fore ground..
Snow on the ground...
Reminiscing Forbidden City...
Gyeongbokgung Palace was completed in 1935, three years after the founding of the Joseon Dynasty by Yi Seong-gye which also paved the way to the movement of the capital of the new dynasty from Gaegyeong to Hanyang (now known as Seoul). During the Japanese occupation, the palace was actually destroyed by fire along with most of other palaces; only a few buildings including Gyeonghoeru Pavilion and Geunjeongjeon Hall were left standing. Gyeongbokgung was reconstructed in 1868 and since then continued effort had been ongoing to fully restore the glory of this palace. The colonial Government-General building was removed, making way for the full restoration of Henggryemun Gate to its original state as well as the royal quarters and the East residence for the crown prince.
Give Gyeongbukgong palace a visit when you are in Seoul. This is definitely the best and the grandest palace to explore when you are in the country's capital, more so now that some of its original structures have already been reestablished and bring back to its former state.
