Three Museums on a Rainy Day

We enjoyed another day around the city, despite some pretty persistent rain (perhaps monsoon season has finally reached us?) and managed to get in some cultural fun.

First we stopped to see the King Sejong and Admiral Yi Sun-Sin Museums, which are hidden beneath the huge statues in Gwanghwamun Square. I wrote another article for Korea Ye! and you can read the full thing by clicking here.


A few more pictures from that first stop and some details about each:

Entrance artwork showing the time of King Sejong

Some of the artwork in the museum inspired by the Korean alphabet, Hangul, 

which was created by King Sejong.

Portrait of King Sejong "The Great"

The certificate Admiral Yi Sun-sin received after passing the military exam in 1576.

 The head piece on the "Turtle Ship"  - so cool!

Inside the ship model - a display of how it would have looked during battle.

Hmm...looks like Admiral Yi Sun-Sin was not happy with Michael.  ;)

We surfaced (happy to find that the rain had let up a bit), crossed the street to the Gyeongbokgung Palace entrance, and headed inside to the National Palace Museum of Korea on the left.

Inside the museum are countless displays of artifacts - we only made it to one floor on this trip, but here are a few of our favorites: 

Ceiling decoration - called Bogae - mounted directly above the King in the palace.

A stone dragon

HUGE incense burning urn - gorgeous!

A beautiful example of Korean wooden cabinetry

Ceremonial Hairpins of the Consort of Imperial Prince Yeong

 

Seal of the Emperor

Two vehicles of Emperor Sunjong and the Empress Consort

This Horseman statue was actually in the Gyeongbokgung subway station - 
art is everywhere!

Our "royal portrait" in front of a replica of a 6-fold screen with the sun, moon, and five peaks.