I enter the palace grounds from the back, near the National Folk Museum and wander through the living quarters for the queen, the queen dowager (mother of the king), and the palace concubines.
Living quarters
Strolling toward the front of the palace, I next cross the king's astronomical observatory. Located near the king's sleeping quarters, the observatory allowed the king to track the movement of the heavenly bodies (important to an agricultural society) and, in the 15th century, King Sejong invented scientific devices to support the observations, including a rain gauge, sundial, water clock, and celestial globe and installed them at the observatory.
Royal observatory
Near the observatory, the living quarters of the king also contained halls for work, study, and discussion of state affairs with staff and subjects.
Living quarters of the king
Approaching the impressive main gate, I look back at the incredible architecture of the entrance courtyard and formal buildings surrounding it.
Main gate
Entrance courtyard
As I reach the main gate, I hear music and realize that I am arriving just in time to see the changing of the guard. The gate guards were established in the 15th century to guard the gates of the palace and manage the gate passes, signs, and keys.
Changing of the guard
After the change of the guard, guards are available for pictures at the gate with a stern reminder to not touch the guards!
Standing guard outside the main gate
Departing the palace, I look back at this fabulous complex, with the mountains in the distance and modern Seoul just outside.
Looking back at the main gate
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