Gwanghwamun Restored
August 22, 2010
Gyeongbokgung Palace suffered significant damage during the Imjin War (1592~1598). As a result, neighboring Changdeokgung and Changgyeonggung were renovated to serve as ruling palaces in its place. However, after King Gojong took the throne in 1863 he pushed to restore Gyeongbokgung in a bid to consolidate royal power. Gwanghwamun, the main gate, is both wider and longer than its original form, highlighting the authority and dignity of what remains the city’s principal royal palace.
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Thank you very much. Downtown Seoul is really starting to take shape. As for Gwanghwamun, the majority of the work was done to the gate itself, not so much, if any, to the concrete walling.
These photos are great. Restoration work being completed in Korea is always a treat and a feast for the eyes.
Although, I did notice that the walls immediately flanking the gate no longer are covered with ivy as they used to. Did they completely tear down the walls to build them with newer concrete/stone?
Thanks, Jason.
Love the shots! I love the framing of the one with the statue on the right side and the gate taking up the rest of the frame!