GLOBAL TREASURES: South Korea (Gyeongbok-Kung)
Global Treasures: Gyeongbok-Kung
Television Director: Ullman, Frank
Producer: Scarson, Peter O.
Catalogue Number: GTR-DVD-1266
UPC: 883629689210
Global Treasures - History's Most Protected Monuments - Heritage is our legacy from the past, what we live today, and what we pass on to future generations. Our cultural and natural heritage are both irreplaceable sources of life and inspiration. Places as unique and diverse as the wilds of East Africa's Serengeti, the Pyramids of Egypt, the Great Barrier Reef in Australia and the Baroque cathedrals of Latin America make up our world's heritage. Join us as we explore one of these protected monuments.
No other building demonstrates the power of the great Joseon Dynasty more impressively than does the Gyeongbokgung Palace in Seoul. The palace is a place of calm amid the hustle and bustle of South Korea's capital city. Yet the history of the Gyeongbokgung, meaning Palace of Happiness, was quite often far from being a place of peace and contentment, as it suffered many devastating fires caused by the Japanese. Fortunately, most of the palace buildings have now been completely rebuilt.
A total of 330 buildings were reconstructed within the 40-hectare area of the palace grounds, and the palace architects managed to unite Chinese influence with traditional Joseon architecture in a most harmonious way.
The Gyeongbokgung continues to attract sightseers, as it is without a doubt a fine example of the architecture of the Joseon Dynasty.
