Changdeokgung Buyong Pavilion

Basic information

Designation

Treasure No.1763

Category

Architecture

Era

조선시대

Designated year

2012

Location

종로구, 서울특별시— 서울특별시 종로구 율곡로 99-0 (와룡동, 창덕궁)

Coordinates

37.581592, 126.993202

A passage from the throne hall to the rear garden of Changdeokgung Palace runs along the walls on both sides with a complex of buildings now referred to by Naeuiwon (Inner Royal Infirmary) on the left. The passage slopes slightly upwards and then downwards again after a left turn, overlooking a square pond called Buyongji. Buyongjeong Pavilion, situated to the south of the pond, has a name plaque hung under the eaves of its front facing the east, and is surrounded by gentle hills on three sides. On the southern hill there is a terraced flower bed, while in the north there is a pond with an islet at its center. Buyongjeong Pavilion provides a fine view of the exquisite gates, garden pavilions and various monuments including Eosumun, Juhamnu, Seohyanggak, Jewolgwangpunggwan, Huiujeong, and Sajeonggi Bigak. According to Gunggwolji (The Chronology of Royal Palaces), the pavilion first appeared under the name of Taeksujae in 1707 and was rebuilt under its current name, Buyongjeong, during the reign of King Jeongjo (r. 1776-1800). According to Dongguk yeoji bigo (Reference Materials of the Geography of the Eastern State), King Jeongjo liked visiting the pond to the south of Juhamnu Pavilion, where he would admire the flowers, enjoy fishing and feasting, and recite poetry with his ministers. The book says, more specifically, that the king would hold banquets for those who passed the state examination with excellent results, and that he enjoyed a spot of fishing after a visit to Hwaseong Fortress in today’s Suwon in 1795. Ten poetic passages praising the beauty of its natural surroundings can still be seen on the columns of the pavilion. The garden pavilion standing at the entrance to the rear garden of Changdeokgung Palace, Buyongjeong, was built on one side of Buyongji Pond. The pond with a round island in the center was designed according to the Korean traditional ideology that heaven is round while the earth is square. It is now widely praised as a masterpiece of Korean traditional architecture due to its perfect harmony between nature and humanity. The architectural style, layout, and decorative elements of the building display outstanding proportions and balance, making it one of the most beautiful and precious garden pavilions remaining in Korea today, as well as a great source of information on palace architecture.

Location