Over 20,000 royal relics from Gyeongbokgung Palace, Changdeokgung Palace, Changgyeonggung Palace and Jongmyo Shrine are housed at the National Palace Museum of Korea, located within Gyeongbokgung. Great place to visit on a rainy day. Rent the audio guide and explore the museum at your own pace.
Address: 161, Sajik-ro, Jongno-gu, Seoul
서울특별시 종로구 사직로 161 (세종로)
Free admission
Rental fee for audio guide at 1,000krw
Opening hours: 9am to 6pm (last admission at 5pm)
How to get there:
Gyeongbokgung Station (Subway Line 3), Exit 5. >> 5 min-walk.
Gwanghwamun Station (Subway Line 5), Exit 1. >> 10min-walk.
서울특별시 종로구 사직로 161 (세종로)
Tel no: +82-2-3701-7500
Fees:Free admission
Rental fee for audio guide at 1,000krw
Opening hours: 9am to 6pm (last admission at 5pm)
How to get there:
Gyeongbokgung Station (Subway Line 3), Exit 5. >> 5 min-walk.
Gwanghwamun Station (Subway Line 5), Exit 1. >> 10min-walk.
The permanent exhibitions include:
1. Kings of Joseon Dynasty
2. Joseon Palaces
3. Royal Court Life
4. State Rites of the Joseon Dynasty
5. Korean Empire and Imperial Family
6. Joseon Science I
7. Royal Court Paintings
8. Royal Court Music
9. Royal Procession
10. Joseon Science II
For more information, visit the palace museum website - http://www.gogung.go.kr/fgn/jsp/en/html/index.jsp
Taken from wikipedia, the water clock worked by having water poured into the largest bronze vessel which flowed into the smaller vessels which the flowed into the long water tanks. When the water level rose to the appropriate level, a floating rod touched a lever device which caused a ball to roll and hit another ball at the other end. The rolling ball would trigger the gong, bell, drum, and even a wooden puppet which marked the hour with a placard.
Tour of the museum took me about 2 hours, including photography (do remember that flash is not allowed as it may harm the exhibits). I went at 4pm, close to the closing time, and the security guard kept reminding me that I had to leave soon. I would probably have stayed longer if I could, so plan more time if you can!
Audio guide for rent at 1,000krw. Try to walk slowly though as the audio guide starts based on proximity to the exhibits.
Traditional Korean knots decorations
Royal robes
Formal military uniform of Imperial Prince Yoong
Access passes and royal seals
Talisman to guard against fire with the Chinese character for water 水
Jagyeokru - self-striking water clock (자격루 / 自擊漏)
This is the most interesting exhibit in the museum. Water is regulated within the structure, and once an hour is up, the wooden statues in the clock below rotate, showing you the hour of the day.Taken from wikipedia, the water clock worked by having water poured into the largest bronze vessel which flowed into the smaller vessels which the flowed into the long water tanks. When the water level rose to the appropriate level, a floating rod touched a lever device which caused a ball to roll and hit another ball at the other end. The rolling ball would trigger the gong, bell, drum, and even a wooden puppet which marked the hour with a placard.
The statues look quite scary if you ask me
The 2 storey high clock
Teukgyeong 특경(特磬) - Jade chimes, used in a percussion instrument in royal court music
From the special exhibition - Royal Embroidery
No comments:
Post a Comment