GYEONGGIJEON

This park houses the sanctuary dedicated to the Yi clan of Jeonju, the royal clan of Joseon (1392-1910). The park is in itself very pleasant, flowery and shaded. After passing through the Hongsalmun gate, the door that delimits the sacred space of any sanctuary, we cross 2 doors that open onto the very altar of Gyeonggijeon. Built in 1410 to house the portrait of the founder of the dynasty, the altar was destroyed in 1597 and rebuilt in 1614. The current buildings were restored in 1854. The interior paintings in the main hall are period paintings. Note the pear blossoms in the boxes (symbols of the Yi dynasty, used for the king only), as well as the ideograms of double happiness surrounded by bats (symbols of happiness). On the throne and canopy, pear blossoms surrounded by chrysanthemums, lotuses (with white inner petals) and peonies (the outside is white, it is a royal flower) can be seen. The ground bricks and roof tiles are also original, and they are special to royal palaces and buildings. This hall houses the only surviving portrait of Taejo, or Yi Song-gye, the founder of the dynasty. The king wears the founder's blue habit, a blue that also symbolizes spring and renewal. There are also paintings of his successors who wear the red habit. Mortuary tablets will also be observed.

The excellent tourist office kiosk in front of the sanctuary will give you all kinds of good brochures in English.