Got another chance to visit Gyeongbokgung at night — you’ll recall that they opened it up last November. This time, I got the Gyeonghoeru Pavilion in the blue hour, although it took a bit of waiting to get a spot. Fortunately, the nice lady in front of me gave up her spot for a minute or two so I could shoot a snap or two.
The folding screen in back of the throne, by the way, is called the Irworobongdo, which translates as “Sun, Moon and Five Peaks Painting.” This painting was always placed in back of the royal throne. There are a couple of theories as to its meaning:
There are no existing documents from an early period to explain the original iconography of the Five Peaks. Chadwick reports the findings of Dr. Yi Song-mi, Professor of Art History at the Academy of Korean Studies in Seoul. He has suggested that these screens were one of the most important elements in the throne hall, and that this formalized landscape illustrates the Joseon political cosmology. The “almost” red sun represents the king as the yang, the positive male principle, while the white moon represents the queen as the yin, the negative female principle. These two principles make the universe work.
An alternative explanation is that the screen might represent the blessing of Korea by Heaven, symbolized by the sun and moon in balance. When the king sat in front of this screen, he appeared to be at the pivotal point from which all force emanated and to which all returned. Thus, imbued with sacred power, the screen manifests a political cosmology as evidence of Heaven’s favour, mandate, and continued protection of the ruler.
If you’re going to visit the palace at night, the last night is Sunday (a.k.a. tomorrow), so clear your schedule tomorrow evening. Oh, and get there early — when it opens at 6:30, make a beeline to the Gyeonghoeru.
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That second photo is AMAZING.
Yes, it is!
Thanks, sir.
Are they making these nighttime openings a regular thing? If someone were to visit Seoul in the summer would something else of significance also be open?
Nice photos, and as usual, the accompanying explanation is a well-done nice touch.
Well, they’re getting a good response, so it seems they are opening them up more often. I believe Changdeokgung gets opened up next month.
Agree – that second shot is ‘the biz’. Terrific. It’s nice to see the colourful eaves illuminated like that – it’s really quite different to how they look in daylight.
It’s amazing how different it looks at night, isn’t it?
I like the third shot.
The second shot is really great with reflection!
Second shot – beautiful!
Thanks, guys.