Hwaseong Haenggung

Today, we decided to catch the 98 Bus to my work so Katrina would know how to get there and also so I could refresh my memory. Training starts on Monday. However, afterward, we planned on stopping at a giant golden Buddha statue I had noticed after visiting work this past Monday. So, after we saw it on the way back, we got off and started walking back. Fortunately, it was only about a five minute walk and we found ourselves in a giant open courtyard. There was a funky statue greeting us which turned out to be a celebration of Buddha's 2,445th Birthday, or some number close to that. We headed towards some gates but were distracted by an information center and headed in to look around.

Honestly, there was not a lot of information in the information center but there were quite a few nice pictures. I still do not know the whole story about "The Best of detached Palace Architecture in the Joseon Dynasty" but that is where we found ourselves. Needless to say, the giant golden Buddha statue is going to have to wait until next weekend.

(Buddha's B-Day Memorial)

The admission fees were only 1,500 KRW or about a dollar fifty per person, not bad. From the map/brochure that I was given, the temporary palace served as a Suwon government office as well as a temporary palace after it was built in 1789. Sadly, the Japanese destroyed the original palace during their occupation. However, in its heyday, the palace had over 600 compartments, some of which are filled with exhibits depicting ancient lifestyles. It was also home of the feast for Princess Hong of Hyegyeonggung at which over 70 dishes were served.

(Traditional Room - Clerk)

(Palace Architecture)

(Bird's Eye view of Queen's Feast)

Luckily, during the weekends, volunteers dress in traditional garb. As a result, we got to see some interesting outfits. Also, there were several hands on areas where individuals could pay 2,000 KRW ($2) and wear the King and Queen's clothes, wear armor, cook and drink tea, make Korean paper, or make a ceramic ware. The paper making looked the sweetest but I decided not to participate. Also, there were a few guys hammering away on some rice to make rice cakes.

(Rice Cake Production)

(King & Queen's Quarters)

Although we did not make it up to the statue, it was still a fun day and my first Korean cultural experience. Every Saturday there are performances held at 2 o'clock and we caught part of one as we headed back for the bus. Regrettably, it started raining as we were leaving and without rain gear and with a camera in my pocket, we decided to head home. I do think next weekend or some time in the near future we will make it back for a performance and tackle the golden Buddha statue.

(Performance)

For more info: http://shfes-eng.suwon.ne.kr/html/03_tourist/tourist0103.asp