Now take a look inside the center of Joseon power and politics. From the outside, the Geunjeongjeon Hall looks like it can be two stories. But if you lean your head toward the inside of the building and look up, you will see that it is one story. Overhead you will also see a dragon. In the West, dragons are evil, but they mean something different in the East. Dragons in East Asia are gentle and are responsible for sending rain. The dragon is also a symbol of the king. The chair at the center of the hall is called the ‘eojwa.’ Because the king is seen as a dragon, it was also called the ‘yongsang’, dragon’s seat. The panel behind the chair symbolizes the king. And the panel is always with the king wherever the king goes. It is hard to see, but there is a secret door on the panel. The king enters and leaves through that door. Look for a moment at the eaves of the roof. Do you notice the net? This is to prevent birds from nesting. Acidic bird droppings can alter the bright color of the eaves. Now try standing in front of the Geunjeongjeon Hall and looking down at where the officials would be standing. You will get a sense of how difficult and serious a king’s job could be.