Japsang and Gargoyles, Deoksugung

A splash of color around the more neutral creatures at Deoksugung Palace.

Hamnyeongjeon rooftop with japsang

Distant shot of Hamnyeongjeon pavilion

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Changdeokgung Moonlight Tour and Injeongjeon Hall

This past week, I went with a few colleagues on the Changdeokgung Moonlight Tour. Held for two nights during the months of April-June and once in March, it is an opportunity for expats to see one of Seoul's favorite palaces in a whole new way. The tour started at 8pm, with the participants (limited to 100 in number) being divided into a number of groups. It was raining a bit, so ponchos were handed out along with LED-illuminated lanterns. After crossing the stone bridge (where a brief intro was given) and through Jinseonmun Gate,  our soft-spoken guide gave us further information at the main Injeongjeon Hall. 

The light rain added some sheen to the stone courtyard in front of the hall. The status markers leading up to the hall were individually illuminated and its ornate exterior glowed in warm light. 

We had a brief peek of the interior, as seen through the opening. 

Ray streamed from beyond the japsang figures on the rooftop of one of the nearby buildings.

With a tight schedule and other groups behind us, we had to move on to the next section of our tour.

See more photos from the Moonlight Tour and other photos of Changdeokgung Palace in my Flickr album

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Always Look UP

Followed by the lush backyard of the Komozenji Buddhist Zen temple in Dazaifu, my second favorite thing required an upward glance. On its rooftop were more treasure troves for the eye. Roof tile ends were incised with various relief designs. The tiles appeared to ripple like water. Creatures reminding me of the japsang on Korean rooftops performed headstands, contrasting with the warm glow of early autumn leaves. I love to look up!

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Rooftop Palace Figures

Perched on the roof of Geunjeongjeon Hall of the Gyeongbokgun Palace are some simplistic, whimsical creatures. As in other palaces, the Japsang are small animal statues that guard palace buildings against evil spirits and ghosts. I wonder if each of these creatures have a name?

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