Discover why Seoul's cultural landmarks like Jongmyo Shrine and Changdeokgung's Secret Garden captivate even the world's top architects, as explained by art historian Yoo Hong-jun.
Have you ever wondered what makes Seoul such a mesmerizing city, not just for Koreans, but for top global architects?
In a recent episode of "Invitation to Knowledge: EP.16," Professor Yoo Hong-jun—renowned author of My Cultural Heritage Exploration—takes us on a heartfelt journey through Seoul’s most profound cultural and architectural treasures.
"People Come to Korea Just to See This"
Even world-famous architects have been blown away by Seoul. According to Prof. Yoo, there are four must-see cultural sites that have left them speechless:
1. Jongmyo Shrine
Frank Gehry, the master behind the Guggenheim Museum in Bilbao, called Jongmyo “a miraculous space of solemnity.”
It’s more than architecture. It’s a blend of Confucian philosophy, royal ritual music, and sacred ceremony. Designated as a UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage, Jongmyo Jerye (Royal Ancestral Rites) continues to be performed today.
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Jongmyo Shrine |
2. Changdeokgung Secret Garden (Huwon)
Forget perfectly trimmed hedges. This garden respects nature’s original contours. Its 17 pavilions are placed like whispers within the landscape, melting into the hills and trees.
3. Byeongsan Seowon
Perched above Nakdong River, this Confucian academy invites visitors to meditate with the view. One sit at the Mandaeru Pavilion and you’ll understand what “Korean beauty” truly means.
4. Buseoksa Temple’s Muryangsujeon Hall
With its softly curving columns (called baeheullim gi-dung), it opens up to the breathtaking ridges of the Sobaek Mountains.
The Royal Palaces: Seoul’s Living Timeline
Did you know Seoul has five royal palaces? Each one tells a different chapter of the Joseon Dynasty:
Gyeongbokgung: The symbolic main palace.
Changdeokgung: A naturalist's dream and the royal residence.
Changgyeonggung: Home of queens and dowagers.
Deoksugung: Reflects Korea’s transition to modernity during the Daehan Empire.
Gyeonghuigung: Covered the western t
erritory of old Seoul.
Each palace has a central hall (Jeongjeon) and showcases different styles, ideologies, and history.
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Insadong |
Seoul’s Alleys Are Living Museums
Forget skyscrapers. The soul of Seoul lies in its alleyways:
Insadong: A cozy maze filled with galleries and traditional shops.
Seochon: Walk in the footsteps of legendary Korean artists like Jeong Seon, Yoon Dong-ju, and Lee Jung-seop.
Bukchon & Seongbuk-dong: Once home to literati and creatives, now filled with artisan cafes and Hanok homes.
Cultural Heritage Walks You Can Experience
Ready to explore on your own?
Ancient Seoul (Baekje Period): Pungnap Fortress → Seokchon Lake → Baekje Museum
Royal Palace Tour: Gyeongbokgung → Changdeokgung → Changgyeonggung → Deoksugung → Gyeonghuigung
Modern Seoul: Deoksugung’s Jungmyeongjeon → Manguri Cemetery (Resting place of Korea's great thinkers)
Spiritual Seoul: Bongeunsa Temple → Seonjeongneung Royal Tombs → Yangcheon Hyanggyo Confucian School
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Deoksugung |
Icons of Korean Aesthetics
Korean heritage is not just in buildings—it’s in the philosophies they reflect:
Moon Jar (Baekja Dalhangari): A simple, round white porcelain jar symbolizing humility and balance.
Mountain Temples: Quiet sanctuaries nestled in nature.
Nujeong (Pavilions): Timeless harmony of architecture and scenery, such as Chokseokru in Jinju, Gwanghanru in Namwon, and Yeongnamnu in Miryang.
A Message from Professor Yoo Hong-jun
"Great teachers are everywhere, especially at the site."
His message? Go see it for yourself. Cultural heritage isn’t just a subject—it’s a living experience that deepens with every visit.
So next time you're in Seoul, don’t just walk past these treasures—let them speak to you.
