DAY 13 - GYEONGBOKGUNG PALACE - MONDAY 9 MAY

The underground system features a few cracking pieces

 

as we went one stop to another palace complex, Gyeongbokgung.  It was first built at this site in 1395 and is the largest of five palaces in the city.  After some damage by fire during the 1590s Japanese Invasions, were restored during the reign of King Gojong in (1852-1919). 
  

Gwanghwamun Gate is the main gate to the palace.  As you see, it has a double-roofed pavilion over three arched openings set into a high stone foundation (the king entered through the central arch and crown prince and officials though either side. 

Inside, the complex is vast and full of detail

There's the Hyangwonjeong Pond,with an an artificial islet in the centre, on which stands a hexagonal pavilion ("the pavilion of far-reaching fragrance")

 

the library now houses a cafe

 

There's been an urban renewal project through Cheonggyecheon, in downtown Seoul : an 11km modern stream has been restored (it was covered with an raised highway after the Korean War), with 22 bridges through the city before it joins the Hangang River.