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Junghwajeon Hall

Junghwajeon Hall
Junghwajeon Hall was the most important throne hall in Deoksugung Palace. Each royal palace has Oejeon (Outer Halls), Naejeon (Inner Halls), Donggung (Crown Prince’s Quarters), Huwon (Back Garden), and Gwollaegaksa (Inside Palace Offices). This throne hall was the center of the Outer Halls where the Emperor officially met his subjects and greeted important envoys from overseas. It was also a place for ceremonies like a coronation. When King Gojong returned to Gyeongungung Palace and established the Korean Empire, he used Jeukjodang as the main throne hall and changed its name to Taegeukjeon. However, when his modernization projects were successful, he wanted to show his authority more greatly by building Junghwajeon In 1902. The name ‘Junghwajeon’ was also a prayer for the Korean Empire to maintain its independence and peace despite the attacks of the Great Powers.

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Changho means the ‘door of Jeongak (Jeongak is engraved mark)’. Other Royal Palaces used blue to paint their Changho however, ever since Emperor Gojong established the Korean Empire, Deoksugung has been using gold color to paint their Changho.This is a type of roof that is used for Korean traditional houses. It was named ‘paljak’ because of the roof looks like the number 8 (Pronounced ‘Pal’) in the Chinese Characters.Busi prevents birds from making their nests underneath the eaves to ultimately prevent damages that could be resulted from birds’ feces.Deumeu is a large earthenware pot. It was also used as a fire extinguisher but its main purpose was shamanic, as Deumeu was to scare away fire ghosts when they see their reflection in the water stored in a Deumeu.Jeong refers to a large bronze pot which looks like an incense burner. Junghwajeon has a Jeong in every corner and this shows the King’s power and area to rule.Junghwajeon has 10 Japsangs which have shamanic purposes to prevent ghosts from entering the Palace.This signboard shows the Korean Empire’s hopes to settle in the world amongst other Great Powers.Each Pumgyeseok represents that subject’s government title so that he can stand next to his Pumgyeseok during a Morning Assembly.Bakseok means rocks that cover the ground of the Palace. Because the surface of rocks is uneven, it does not reflect light and prevents slipperiness during rain.This is where Deoksugung’s first Geumcheongyo used to be. Before the expansion of Deoksugung, this was where Geumcheongyo was connected to Inhwamun. However, you cannot find any traces today.Junghwajeon’s King’s chair has a cover accessory that looks like a house. This is called a ‘house in a house’ thus named Datjip.Jeongjeon is where the King conducts official events of the Nation, meet and greet visitors from foreign countries and also where his subjects received a congratulatory celebration. Therefore, Jeongjeon was the center of the Palace.Junghwajeon’s ceiling has two Golden Dragon sculptures. These Golden Dragons have five toes.‘Oak’ means Mountains in the North East West South and Center therefore, means the whole Nation. The Sun, Moon and Pine Trees mean the Above, Below and the areas where the King’s power touches.중화전영건도감의궤-중화전도

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