The Sonata Land
It has been a while and the invitation was extended many times. But it is always the time factor. It does seem to take a lot to have two people to agree on time and place. This time it was the "we don't care attitude "and so we booked premium price tickets for the long awaited trip. But it is an even better decision as the little sister is parked there.
Korea greeted us with the first pour after a long drought period. While we wished for a drier weather, the locals were grateful for the rain. So, in prayer and thanksgiving we decided to take in all forms of weather as there are many others who need the rain for livelihood.
Rain or shine, Korea in autumn is splendid. We were afraid we might just miss the colourful season but we were in the nick of time for a last minute treat. Korea still stood tall and beautiful in the midst of her picturesque splendor.
There are many palaces in Seoul but the largest and grandest is Gyeongbokgung; "The Palace Greatly Blessed by Heaven" with Mount Bukgasan to its rear and Mount Namsan in the foreground and River Han flowing pass it. Like the ancient Chinese belief, the most prestigious site of famous buildings will be built with mountains on its rear and a river in the front in anticipation for the best fortune to come by. Gyeongbokgung could not allow anything than the greatest fortune to happen to it.
Rain or shine, the tourists took the opportunity to tour the grounds of the palace.
The mountains in the background lent sturdy support to Gyeongbokgung and her subjects.
The exchange of guards on call was ceremoniously performed with classical Korean music.
We thoroughly enjoyed the walk around the grounds of the palace and we were informed that it was the tail end of Autumn and the start of Winter. the wintry draughts drove us to put on warm clothes in layers.
We had a pretty interpreter; a volunteer I believe who tried to explain the history of Gyeongbokgung and its palace stories; so akin to the Korean dramas we watch at home. The ancient times become real as we observe the intricacies of the site. My sister told me she could only catch 30 % of her explanation. I was better. I could understand 70% of what she delivered. But I could not help but cringe on the way she mixed up her pronunciation in the alphabet L and R. But in a country which hardly emphasizes on the use of the English Language, she was a major success.
At the entrance leading to the main palace grounds, she told us that 3 slaps of stone indicate the way the King and his subjects move. At the centre is the emblem of the phoenix; a symbol of dignity and status. At both sides of the walkway leading up the stairs are emblems of other animals denoting a lower status.
During ancient times, the royal officials would bow and kneel on cold, concrete granite in a bowing posture.
The stone markers are set up to allow officials of different rankings to prostrate before the King on occasions whether daily or otherwise. The highest ranking ones will be in the forefront. The granitic ground is not a joke; it's painful to put your knees on them. People of the past are resilient indeed and their respect for the royal ones is real.
The kingly throne is placed in the centre and the ceiling is engraved with royal emblems; the dragon.
The flawless-skinned guide related that the palace grounds were destroyed time and again and at the latest during the Japanese occupation from 1910 till the second world war. But nothing can beat the grit and perseverance of the Koreans as they pick up the task of reconstruction and rehabilitation at every appropriate time. They take pride in their motherland in one spirit. So the palace is kept in good stead all the time. The last time it was given another coat of paint was only a couple of years ago. The intricate works only reflect the artistry of the Korean people. Indeed as you observe further, every touch is done with creativity of the highest degree.
The king has a sleeping abode in the grounds and rest on wooden planks that are heated from below during the winter months. See that wooden opening? Apparently that's how heating materials are run underground to allow heat to circulate in the king's sleeping chamber.
In the royal grounds are numerous sections and annexes for different purposes; rest, conference, entertainment, chambers for the mother queen, queen and concubines. So after her rantings about the positions of queens and concubines I can only conclude that it was indeed a complicated mix up but that's royal living. It so reminds me of the soapy tales of Korean dramas alright.
The last site we were brought to was towards the back bordering the palace grounds and the outside world. There were 4 main chimneys each denoting summer, spring, autumn and winter and how they blend with nature. By that time I had lost some concentration and it took a great effort to understand the guide's diction and expression. So the story ended with that.
Perhaps the pavilion resting on reflective waters was the epitome of beauty as the autumn trees with their array colours caught our breath away, The pavilion is the favourite spot for kings, queens and consorts to taste tea, play chess and play the pipa and guzheng. We were grateful that we were still in time to savour in the autumn beauty, Totally picturesque and so beautiful; few words can describe.
The red leaved maple tree and yellow-leaved ginkgo tree contradict in colours but not beauty. It has to be autumn for this to happen.
Autumn sees the deciduous species dropping their leaves and fruits. It was ginkgo everywhere but not edible. When fallen and left to rot, the stench can be unbearable. There were stretches of the fallen leaves both in the palace grounds and the city. The ginkgo plant is endemic here just as the rambutan is to Malaysia.
Autumn leaves are full of hues.
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