By Honorary Reporter Lalien Guillen from Philippines
Photos = Lalien Guillen

The many festivals and cultural events held in Korea from spring to early summer are one of many reasons I love these seasons in the country, aside from beautiful flowers blooming everywhere. One memorable event I attended was "A Night at Seokjojeon Hall" on June 4 at Deoksugung Palace in Seoul.

I felt lucky to have received a reservation to attend this highly coveted event. The following is a description of my tour of the hall.

Seokjojeon Hall was the first Western-style building in Korea.

I attended the 7:30 p.m. session and 15 people were in a group. A staff member wearing traditional palace attire and holding a lantern greeted us and gave out round stickers, which visitors had to attach to their masks. I also got an official invitation letter, booklet about Seokjojeon and pouch containing a Bluetooth gadget with earphones. And surprisingly, they gave me a coffee coupon since I wore a modern Hanbok. 

After receiving everything, the guide took the group to the hall. On the way, I saw a breathtaking view of the sunset from the palace. 

Sunset in Deoksugung Palace.

Guards at the hall wore Western-style uniforms. Seokjojeon was the first Western-style building in Korea whose construction began in 1900 and ended in 1910. The design was done by Welsh architect J.R. Harding under Joseon Dynasty King Gojong's pursuit of modernization. 

The hall was the king's sleeping quarters, administration office and reception venue for foreign VIPs. Today, it houses the Daehan Empire History Museum featuring the rooms used by the Korean imperial family.

The guide led the group to the rooms on the first floor. The most memorable part was seeing a picture of the imperial family, with Emperor Gojong in the middle. Moving up to the second floor, we saw the bedrooms, bathrooms, dining room and meeting room used by the imperial family along with antique furniture and unique architectural designs. We also learned the symbolism behind them. For example, the Korean imperial seal featured the plum blossom because it symbolizes courage, transition and perseverance.

The queen's bedroom features the plum blossom, the symbol of the Korean imperial seal.

After touring the room, we went to the balcony for tea or coffee and snacks. I loved the ambience of the vintage-style cafe in the balcony and view of Deoksugung Palace. Lastly, we watched the musical performance "Sontag Hotel" set in the Daehan (Korean) Empire.

Tea time at the balcony of Seokjojeon Hall saw drinks and snacks with a great view.

"A Night at Seokjojeon Hall" was one of the best cultural events I have attended in Korea. I saw a glimpse of life for the Korean imperial family, had a great tea time in the palace and watched an emotional musical performance. So visitors to Korea shouldn't miss this walk down memory lane of the Korean Empire.

enny0611@korea.kr

*This article is written by a Korea.net Honorary Reporter. Our group of Honorary Reporters are from all around the world, and they share with Korea.net their love and passion for all things Korean.