Wednesday morning brought another tour- this time I had a guided tour of Unhyeongung Palace. I figured it would be with a group, but when I got their, it was just me and the guide. (Well done again, Seoul tourism.) This palace is really a secondary palace of the young king's father (who didn't inherit the throne but was appointed as king by the wife of the recently deceased king). Gojong's father ruled for him until he came of age, then Gojong sent his father to live here in order to keep him out of the nation's affairs.
Yesterday was my history lesson; today was Korean architecture. My guide taught me about how every piece of the architecture, down to the size of the stones in the walls were thought out and related to Confusionism.
Here's another one for you: All of these traditional hanoks were designed to fit together without the use of nails or fasteners. This meant they could be disassembled and moved with relative ease.
After the palace, we walked to Cheondogyo Central Temple. This is the main temple for Cheondoism- a distinctly Korean religion. Per the wiki page, it is a "a synthesis of Neo-Confucian, Buddhist, Shamanist, Daoist, and Catholic influences." Now that's all-encompassing.
Finally, my guide Kim Yung Boo took me on a tour of Insadong- traditionally the heart of the artist district, now a great place to get souvenirs. (I went there often.)
On my own again, I visited Jogyesa Temple, the center of Zen Buddism in Korea.
They were also gearing up for the Buddha's birthday.
Inside, I sat for a while and took this quick picture of the largest indoor statues in Korea. (I love records!)
I ate a rice cake with the Buddha and opted to get Henry a tiny statue of the Buddha studying instead of the statue of the Buddha receiving a spanking.
This Baeksong tree is from China, over 500 years old, and was designated at Natural Monument No. 9.
I loved this place.
I grabbed lunch at a convenience store counter- pressed fish on a stick and cheese gimbap. I did not care for the velveeta cheese.
A storm was rolling in after lunch, so I took refuge in the Palace History Museum.
For other evidence that Korea is years ahead of us in technology, I got a free headset that automatically read me all of the English translations for every exhibit as soon as I stood in front of something. I'm very easily impressed.
And I love a palanquin.
And musical instruments shaped like animals.
And folding screens painted with symbols of longevity.
Outside the storm had blown over, thanks to the Haetae stationed around the palaces. They are shaped like a lion, with a horn on its forehead and covered in scales. These guys keep peace and order and protect from natural disasters.
I took a long walk home past King Sejong.
I love Bosingak Belfry- a bell tower tucked in amidst all the skyscrapers.
Including the massive skyscraper across the street, which is also a bell tower.
And in the shadows of the skyscraper, literally between two parking lots, is this fancy stupa.
All that walking works up an appetite. I ordered a soju with my supper and was surprised when the bottle contained some pretty strong rice vodka-like liquor. I made it through about 2 tiny cups of it and had to leave the bottle behind.
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