Korea Chronicles: Gyeongbok Palace III

first posted on July 10, 2014

5th day continues with more walks inside the grounds of Gyeongbok Palace. At the far end of the compound are more clustered quarters, kind of like (very) small villages. From this point, you can actually see the blue roof of Cheongwadae, Korea's version of the White House. And from here on, you'd see lots and lots of green, a full view of a mountain, a pond and a pavilion; and feel like you are in a countryside and detached from the buzzing city that is Seoul. It's really amazing to find a space like this in a much urbanized metropolis. Truly awesome.

This last photo of the Hyangwonji Pond and Hyangwonjeong Pavilion is one of my favorites. I didn't find the need to edit this because it's just perfect -  a lovely view of a pavilion in a pond that is green, deep blue and mirrors the sky taken on a bright summer day. 

By the way,  Hyangwonjeong means the “Pavilion of Far-Reaching Fragrance”. The bridge that leads you to it is called Chwihyanggyo which means "intoxicated with fragrance". Chwihyanggyo is the longest wooden bridge ever constructed during the Joseon Dynasty. Unfortunately, crossing the bridge is prohibited. But you know, looking at this beautiful view is more than enough. Imagine this sight turning into different colors in Spring and Fall. Ah, lovely!