Last week, we went to a place in Seoul called Gyungbukgung Palace, the biggest of the palaces in Korea. I don't know much about Korean history, but from what I've learned, Korea used to be 3 separate countries, all ruled by different dynasties. This palace was the seat of the biggest country, called Chosun. It's about 1500 years old, and they maintain it all the time, using only the most talented craftsmen in the country. You'll notice that the painting on the buildings is incredibly intricate. It's pretty amazing! At one point, this palace was burned to the ground (about 500 years ago), and it's been rebuilt since then.
This is the main gate to the palace. It's guarded same way that Buckingham Palace is guarded, so we got to see a changing-of-the-guard ceremony.
Michael A. Hanes
Changing of the guard. The guy who is bowing got to beat that drum.
Eryn E. Hanes
This is the throne room of the room where the king conducted his official business. He had other rooms similar for common business and where women got to entertain him (of course!), but this was the biggest and most ornate.
This is Michael kissing one of the 12 zodiac animals that help guard the palace. It is crying birdpoop tears.
This pagoda is the roof to the National Folk Museum of Korea. Not sure if it's an original structure.
Ahh, one of my favorite photos. This plaque, located in the museum, is supposed to be talking about Roofing tiles. Just a representation of the valiant struggle to learn and use English in this country! ...Makes me laugh every time...
In the foreground, the throne room, in the background, the museum pagoda. Notice that it is raining. We were just leaving!
And more rain! We were soaked, and since the lightning was directly overhead, we thought it was a good time to get underground and take the subway home!
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