Gyeongbokgung

Hyangwongjeong 1
Hyangwongjeong: a beautiful reconstruction.

Gyeongbokgung 경복궁 (Hanja: 景福宮) is a historic site in downtown Seoul, the site of an opulent palace built by the Joseon Dynasty. Few, if any, of the structures in the photographs below are original; the palace was more or less razed by the Japanese occupiers in the colonial period or during the Korean War. Nowadays it is a major tourist attraction and a curiously contrived window into traditional Korea.

Gyeongbokgung Detail
A closer look at the woodwork.
Korean Drum Of Defense
A language of signs and symbols pervades my dreams.
Gyeongbokgung Detail
A close look at the ersatz palace.
Gyeongbokgung Detail
Wood detail.
Gyeongbokgung Throne Room
One of the rather modest-looking thrones at Gyeongbokgung.
Gyeongbokgung Gardens
Apparently the pavilion is original.
Hyangwongjeong 2
Hyangwongjeong, the pavilion of far-reaching fragrance.
Gyeongbokgung Jar Storage
Jar storage at the old palace.
The Gate Of Plenty
The gate of receiving plenty.
National Folk Museum, Seoul
National Folk Museum, Seoul.