“It feels like I am in scenes from the popular soap opera ‘Daejanggeum’ [‘Jewel in the Palace’].”

So said Chinese First Lady Peng Liyuan, during her official visit to Korea with Chinese President Xi Jinping, as she looked around Injeongjeon, the main hall of Changdeokgung Palace, one of the royal palaces from the Joseon Dynasty (1392-1910), in Seoul, on July 3.

Injeongjeon hall, built in 1405, is a testament to the distinctive loftiness and aesthetic design of the Joseon era’s royal palaces.

Admiring the historical treasure, the Chinese first lady said, “It’s really striking to see the beautiful coexistence between the past and the present.”

Escorted by Cho Yoonsun, Senior Presidential Secretary for political affairs and Minister of Gender Equality & Family, and Administrator Rha Sun-hwa of the Cultural Heritage Administration of Korea (CHA), Peng explored the architectural characteristics of the palace, as part of her separate itinerary that includes an array of traditional cultural activities.


When handed a bouquet of flowers by welcoming children upon her arrival at the palace, the first lady greeted them with smiles, saying, “Come and study in China.”

When the female presidential secretary Cho said, “I was a bit worried about the hot weather, but fortunately the good weather seems to welcome your visit,” Peng replied, “It’s all thanks to President Park Geun-hye.”

“It’s a good thing that young people in both China and Korea like the soap operas from both countries and understand each other’s cultures,” she continued as she emphasized the importance of cultural exchanges between the two countries.


When she approached Huwon, the rear garden of the palace, Peng seemed in awe of its magnificence. “What a splendid sight it is with the beautiful nature and the traditional architecture in perfect harmony,” she said.


Next, the first lady was led to Yeonghwadang Pavilion. In this venue, the dynasty used to hold a national state examination called “gwageo,” to recruit officials.

There, Secretary Cho explained the historical word, “Deungyongmun,” which stems from the story of a big fish going through a strong current, jumping over a Chinese dragon gate and then becoming a dragon itself. It means, “A gateway to success in life.”

With that, the first lady said she was aware of its meaning and that shows how the two countries share the same cultural understanding, which brings the two nations closer.



CHA Administrator Rha Sun-hwa presented the first lady with a plaque engraved with Buyongjeong Pavilion, a work by painter Kim Yong-taek. Meanwhile, Cho presented scarves embroidered with colorful patchwork to the Chinese couple. The secretary also gave two bottle openers adorned with patterns of stars and flowers, and mentioned the soap opera “My Love From the Star,” a romantic comedy that has created a K-drama sensation across China.

“I hope Chinese President Xi Jinping will take the ‘star’ one and the first lady, the ‘flower’ one,” said Cho. Her comment made the first lady laugh.

In return, Peng handed over a large plate decorated with lotus flowers and a painting on silk featuring China’s Forbidden City to Cho and the administrator, respectively.



By Wi Tack-whan, Sohn JiAe
Korea.net Staff Writers
whan23@korea.kr