december-2011

US$150 million has
been spent to restore
125 buildings to their
former glory
A return to glory
Sunjong became the last emperor,
and 101 years after he bowed out,
the renovation of Gyeongbokgung
has fi nally entered the second half
of its 40-year plan. In 1990, when
work commenced, just 36 of the 500
buildings of King Gojong’s palace stood.
The majority had been destroyed or
defaced during the 35-year Japanese
colonial rule that ended in 1945, and
others were lost during the Korean
War in the early 1950s. So far,
US$150 million has been spent, with
125 buildings restored. A legion of
craftsmen — carpenters, brass workers,
tilers, painters and stonemasons — has
been assembled to work on another
253 buildings over the next 20 years.
Many of these artisans possess such
expertise in their fi eld (for example,
daemokjang traditional carpentry or
dancheongjang ornamental painting)
that they are considered “Intangible
Cultural Properties” by the South
Korean government!
Like a phoenix, Gyeongbokgung
has once again risen from the ashes of
destruction — sometimes accidental,
often planned. Despite a history
darkened by storm clouds and bonfi re
smoke, it seems that fi nally The Palace
of Shining Happiness is able to live up
to its name.
Cebu Pacifi c fl ies to Incheon (Seoul) from
Manila and Cebu. www.cebupacifi cair.com
S EOUL’S GRAND PALACE
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HOW TO
GET THERE
Craftsmen will also
work on the palace’s
other 253 structures
for the next 20 years.
GYEONGBOKGUNG
22 Sajingna, Jongno-gu, Seoul 110-050
Tel: +822 3700 3900
Visit www.royalpalace.go.kr
Open
March–October: 9am–6pm
November–February: 9am–5pm
The palace is closed on Tuesdays.
Tickets
Adult: KRW3,000 (PHP114)
Children: KRW1,500 (PHP57)
Nearest subway
Gyeongbokgung station: line 3, exit 5
Gwanghwamun station: line 5, exit 2
PHOTOS MARK PARREN TAYLOR