KOREA HERITAGE SERVICE [KHS]

This is components of Korean Gyeongbokgung Palace; the complex of Dongsipjagak.

Gyeongbokgung Palace 경복궁

Gyeongbokgung Palace, the main palace in the Joseon Dynasty, was built after King Taejo, founder of the Joseon Dynasty. He had the capital moved to Hanyang during the fourth year of his reign (1395). Its name, literally meaning “great fortune,” originated with a phrase of Sigyeong (Book of Songs), quoted by Jeong Do-jeon, an eminent scholar in the Joseon Dynasty: "I've already drunk and have been full with virtue, so I will help you get great fortune in my late year as a man of virtue.”

Dongsipjagak of Gyeongbokgung 동십자각

Dongsipjagak was originally connected with the wall of Gyeongbokgung. It is a watchtower on which the guards climbed to stand on guard. In the past, there were stairs for the guards to climb up and down from the watchtower. Because it has a roof for shutting out the rain and a protective wall called ‘yeojang’ to protect the guards from arrows and bullets, this was an excellent combat facility. However, the east wall of Gyeongbokgung was damaged during the Japanese colonial era. Because the front wall was also moved back to broaden the front road, this building was removed from the body of Gyeongbokgung.