Korean Traditional

Korean Traditional

Korea, Seoul, Changdeokgung Palace, Korean palace, Joseon Dynasty

If you plan on visiting Seoul, one thing that's not to be missed is a walk around one of the metropolis's ancient palaces. These architectural gems were not only residences of kings and queens, but were also the center of politics and city life during the Joseon Dynasty (1392-1910).

 

Changdeokgung Palace, in particular, is the perfect destination for those interested in the palaces. Designated a World Heritage by UNESCO in 1997, Changdeokgung Palace is said to be the most traditional and authentic of Seoul's five palaces. It has been praised for its architectural sensitivity to its natural surroundings and lauded as a representative masterpiece of East Asian Palace Architecture. The palace is also believed to have the perfect geographical location according to ancient philosophies similar to that of Feng Shui.

 

Amazing as the palace is in daylight, it's even more magical when you stroll the grounds under the light of the full moon. In the past, the moon held great significance for Koreans. Most people believed that the moon had special powers; they even performed a ceremony, praying to the spirits of the moon to grant them their deepest desires.

 

‘Full Moon Day' on January 15th on the lunar calendar and ‘Chuseok: Harvest Moon Day,' on August 15th by the lunar calendar, are still days when people make wishes to the moon and preserve the customs of their forefathers.

 

Join in this time-honored practice by making your own wish from inside the palace during the Changdeokgung Palace Moonlight Journey! The Moonlight Journey will be held four separate times throughout September and October, but there is a limit of 100 people per outing, so sign up quickly to make sure you get a spot.

 

Changdeokgung Moonlight Tour Route
Donhwamun Gate(돈화문): Meeting place-> Injeongjeon Hall (인정전): Photo time -> Buyongji(부용지): Break + snack -> Yeongyeongdang (연경당): Korean traditional music performance -> Forest Stroll -> Back to the Donhwamun Gate (Total 2 hours)

 

Tidbits to make your Changdeokgung Palace Moonlight Journey even more enjoyable!

1. Donhwamun Gate (돈화문): The oldest front gate of palaces
Donhwamun Gate of Changdeokgung Palace is the oldest of the palace's gates. First built in 1412, it was burnt down during a period of conflict and restored in 1608. The gate is two stories high; its name (Donhwa) means ‘benevolently teaching and loving the citizens.' This is the landmark from which your Moonlight Journey officially begins.

 

2. Injeongjeon Hall (인정전): The place of the King's coronation and royal ceremoniesInjeongjeon Hall, located at the center of the palace, has been used as a reception room for foreign diplomats and was also the place of the King's coronation. By looking into this prestigious room, visitors will be able to see the King's throne, as well as ‘Ilwoloakdo' (a partition used to keep out strong winds), which is decorated with the sun, moon, and five mountain peaks. Not only a look back into the nation's impressive history, a visit to Injeongjeon Hall is also a chance for visitors to appreciate the moonlit view of Seoul's modern cityscape looming in the background.

 

3. Buyongji (부용지): The Beautiful Royal Backyard
Buyongji is the entrance to the backyard of Changdeokgung Palace and is known as one of the most beautiful and tranquil places in Seoul. This area is surrounded by trees that are hundreds of years old; there is also a small pond named ‘Buyongji' and a pavilion named ‘Buyongjeong.' Once inside the backyard, visitors are free to look around at their leisure. Korean traditional snacks of ddeok and sikhye will be served at this time.

 

4. Yeongyeongdang (연경당): The Best Stage for the King
Yeongyeongdang is a wooden building built in the same style as the houses of the noblemen during the Joseon Dynasty. The building was built in the 19th century and has since been used as a ceremony and performance venue. During your moonlit journey, Yeongyungdang serves as the venue for an array of Korean traditional performances including Pansori (traditional Korean opera), a style of music that has been honored by UNESCO as an official ‘World Heritage.' The wide yard of the building and temporary stage are complete with plenty of seating for the audience.

 

5. Forest Stroll: Enjoying the night scene of Seoul encompassing the beauties of both the past and the present
After the performance, visitors will be led into the forest of Changdeokgung Palace, which for centuries was off-limits to the common people and reserved exclusively for the use of the royal family. Now open to the public, guides in traditional hanbok will lead the way through the trees by the light of Cheongsachorong (lanterns from the Joseon Dynasty that are made of candles and cloth). Guided by the delicate glow of the Cheongsachorong and the gentle light of the full moon, you're virtually guaranteed an extraordinary evening you'll not soon forget.

 

About the Author

For more information about Korean palace at night you can visit http://english.visitkorea.or.kr/enu/SI/SI_EN_3_6.jsp?gotoPage=3&cid=1087481&out_service= or KTO's main homepage http://visitkorea.or.kr

 

Presents for a traditional 100th day of birth (Korean Tradition)?

I've been invited to a traditional Korean baek-il. A baek-il is the celebration of the 100th day of birth for a child. What is expected to be brought as presents for the child by guests? I tried to Google it, but not seeing much info at all. I just read that family members bring gold rings for the child? Is that all what is expected, or is there something else I can bring? Thanks in advance!

100 shots!

Na, in all seriousness I don't think it matters what you bring. I've been in your situation. The baby got ONE gold ring from the grandparents, but others just bought random things... It was like a birthday party gift. Teddy bears, those push cart things for babies, etc.

Korean Traditional Dance.wmv