I really like pavilions. They are whimsical structures designed for entertainment and general pleasure-seeking. Their purpose is not to be serious or awe-inspiring, but rather to impart joy and good cheer. This entry only has photos of two pavilions from Gyeongbokgung.
Hyanwonjeong is a pavilion near the back of the palace built in 1873 by Emperor Gojong. It’s built on an artificial island in the middle of a man-made lotus pond. The wooden bridge is called Chwihyanggyo, where the Emperor often strolled. It’s actually a three storey building as it has an underground floor too. It’s a hexagonal pavilion and is probably one of my favourite structures in the whole palace.
Gyeonghoeru was originally built in 1412, and rebuilt in 1867 after the Japanese burnt down the whole palace. It is featured on numerous Korean tourism advertisements and bilboards, and is also on the 10 000 won banknote. [However, after I tried to google for an image of the banknote, it appears that new 1000 and 10 000 won banknotes are going to be issued in an anti-counterfeiting drive, with the result that Gyeonghoeru won't be on the 10 000 won banknote anymore. Oh well!]
In the airport I saw a large bilboard for the place. I saw the large mountain in the background and thought, “too bad I will probably never visit the place, looks like the paviliion’s out in the sticks.” But no, it’s right in the heart of Seoul!
According to the info board in front, this is the biggest pavilion in Korea. It was built in the Chosun Dynasty (the last dynasty of Korea). Important feasts were held here and foreign envoys were entertained here. It’s really quite majestic. [But I still like Hyangwonjeong better - I like delicate light buildings rather than solid majestic ones XD]
Oh and by the way, the museum situated on the palace grounds is actually called “The National Folk Museum”.