Joseon Relics, Seoul 2009
This spring, I joined the Royal Asiatic Society for their walking tour of Joseon-era relics in Seoul, led by the imminently knowledgeable Peter Bartholomew. Around the same time, I also went to the National Folk Museum at Gyeongnbukgung. |
 At the National Folk Museum, Gyeonbukgung. |
 Jangseung, or Korean totem poles, at the National Folk Museum. |
 At the National Folk Museum. |
 At the National Folk Museum |
 A gable at Deoksugung. |
 At Deoksugung. |
 At Deoksugung. |
 Roof figurines on a gable. They represent protecting spirits and reflect the occupants or importance of the structure. |
 At Deoksugung. |
 A wasll gate in a garden at Deoksugung. The stonework is highly ornate, a style that was popular in late the late Joseon era. |
 Overlooking Deoksugung. |
 At Deoksugung. |
 Eaves and gables at Gyeonghuigung. This palace was rebuilt in the 1990s. The palace was unique in Joseon-era Seoul, high above the city and away from the stench of urban life before modern sewer systems were developed. During the Japanse occupation, the palace was torn down and a middle school was built on the land. A massive bunker still exists deep under the earth here. |
 At Gyeonghuigung |