Historical Adventure – Page 2 – The Hidden Panorama

Home : Capones Lighthouse

Home (Post#22) : Capones Lighthouse

During summer of 2009 (March 2009), the mountaineering group where I belong used to schedule summer adventure every year and that year was quite a lot. One of the itinerary we had that time was Capones Island where historical lighthouse built. It was historical because it is one of the oldest light station exist in my country. It was first lit last August 1, 1890. The light station still active until today and its lenses has been replaced, but the sad things about it is its surrounding area was left ruined and as far as I know it still the same as of this writing. We took a boat to reach Capones Island to visit this historical site from Anawangin in San Antonio Zambales.

View At My Window : Sungai Melaka (Malacca River)

View At My Window (Post#20) : Sungai Melaka (Malacca River)

The photo above was Sungai Melaka or Malacca River. The snapshot was captured during the adventure in Malaysia together with my youngest sister last January 2013. My impression in the town of Malacca was like an old town, which truly reflecting its own history of time. The river has important role at the height of economic boom of Malacca Sultanate which depicted on its history during 15th century.

This post has been updated to participate for Monday Mellow Yellows – February 8, 2016 and Wednesday Waters – February 10, 2016

Adelaide – A Green City Named After A Queen Consort

Last May 2013, I planned a quick holiday in South Australia and Adelaide City was just one of the itinerary included in one of the tours that I had while I was in my two days holiday. One of the things that I learned while traveling as solo is the location of the hotel where I will be staying so I can walk around and discover the city coming from my accommodation without worrying about transportation.

Adelaide is the Capital City of South Australia. I lookup where its name come from until I learned that it was came from a queen consort of King William IV of United Kingdom named Adelaide of Saxe-Meiningen. The city is also considered one of the greenest city in Australia. Since it was my first time visit, I had a lot of curiosities towards the city. I booked two nights in Ambassadors Hotel which can be found along King William St within CBD area. I got a flight to Adelaide with Virgin Australia airline and I bought two tours which include Grand Adelaide and Kangaroo Island.

I filed one vacation leave which was Friday and I continued my holiday to Saturday. I flew from Melbourne Friday morning past 7AM and arrived past 8AM in Adelaide. The flight was just an hour since the cities are near with each other. My Grand Adelaide tour was scheduled the same morning at 9AM. It means that after arriving in the airport I need to go straight to the Coach Terminal in Franklin St in Adelaide CBD. Because of time constraint I took the cab to the city. Before the time of my tour I was already at the bus terminal. My tour was divided into two: one was morning tour and one was in the afternoon.

I sit in the waiting area of the coach terminal, when the schedule time of the tour arrived, I went at the bus bay area where each of the coach tour are waiting and other bus that goes around Adelaide. I hopped on the bus and relax myself until our driver and tourist guide climb the bus. We left the terminal few minutes after the said schedule. We drove around the city itself and our driver/tour guide explained places that we passed on.

From Grote St which is the other road of the coach Terminal, we drove straight to Wakefield St until we reach Victoria Square or Tarntanyangga. At the time of the tour, the square was being renovated. Victoria Square is located at the heart of Adelaide CBD. It is the park that you immediately noticed while in the city.

Inside the bus at Wakefield St near Victoria Square in Adelaide CBD currently being renovated during my tour

Inside the bus at King William St to Rundle Mall

After Victoria Square, we turned left to King William St and we saw the major parts of the city as the street is in the middle of CBD where Victoria Square road extended to the said street. Then, we drove straight to King William Rd, next, turned left to Pennington Terrace until we reached Montefiore Hill where we found the statue of William Colonel Lights whom the First Surveyor General fixed the site and laid out the City of Adelaide. I learned that William Light was the one chose and designed the street of Adelaide as well as the parklands.

Statue of Colonel Lights in Colonel Lights Lookout at Montefiore Hill

Messages in the Status of Colonel William Light

From the same hill, we had a great view of the Adelaide CBD with the overlooking of some of the structure of the city such as the ongoing Adelaide Oval (at the time of the tour, the Oval was being redeveloped, right now the Oval was already finished and opened for business again).

View in Colonel Lights Lookout at Montefiore Hill, Adelaide Oval under constructions

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After spending time at the hill, we drove down back through Montefiore Rd, turned left at War Memorial Drive and turned right to King William Rd. We left at North Terrace and turned right to East Terrace straight to Hutt St and Hutt Rd. Next we turned right to Greenhill Rd where Haigh’s Chocolate Factory are located. We spent some time at the factory by watching the process how the chocolate are being processed and by listening to some of the history of almost 100-year-old chocolate brand.

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After the factory, the next location we visited was Glenelg, Mount Lofty Summit and Hanhdorf. The detailed story of these places will be published in a separate posts.

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After being busy in a day tour, wherein our last destination was Hanhdorf. I arrived at Ambassador Hotel. I rested for a while and I had my dinner. After dinner, I went out for a walk. From the hotel, I walked few blocks away and arrived at Rundle Mall where majority of shopping areas, malls, boutique stores, restaurants and food courts are located.

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–At Rundle Mall Street

At first I didn’t really know where my footsteps led me until I just follow where most of the people were going. While at Rundle Mall, I started to like the area because most of the famous stores and markets in Australia can be found along Rundle Mall and they are close to each other within the same street. I like the place better than other cities in Australia. I spent at least more than an hour walking in the area before I decided to go back to my hotel to conclude my night that day as I have another tour the next day.

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–At Rundle Mall St

Discovery : Banff Spring Snail Pond

Discovery (Post#2) : Banff Spring Snail Pond

The photo above is previously a hot spring pool that people used before but because of endangered species of Banff Spring Snail, it has been preserved since then for the benefit to preserve the said species. Banff Spring Snail is only to be found here in Cave and Basin National Park Historical Site located in town of Banff in Alberta Province of Canada. This national park is one of the great place to discover whether you are in Banff or just around the corner of Canadian Rocky Mountains. Photo captured last May 2008.

Enriching Viewpoint : Camp John Hay – Historical Figures Totem Pole

Enriching Viewpoint (Post#2) : Camp John Hay – Historical Figures Totem Pole

The Totem Pole consist of historical figures which has influence or roles for Philippines and US military relations which happened during the first half of 20th Century. We found this totem just beside the Bell House which was a historical site within Camp John Hay in Baguio City. Photo snapshots last May 2010.

From the excerpts beside the totem the following information are found regarding the faces in the totem from top to bottom:

1. Admiral George Dewey whom led Battle of Manila Bay
2. General Emilio Aguinaldo was the first President of Republic of the Philippines
3. President William Howard Taft whom the first governor-general of the Philippines and later the Secretary of War who took great interest in the development of Baguio City and Camp John Hay
4. Secretary John Hay was Secretary of State when the Philippines became of colony of the United States. He died as the construction of the camp named in his honour went into full gear.
5. William Cameron Forbes was a governor-general of the Philippines who is credited with the development of Baguio City
6. President Theodore Roosevelt signed the order that designed 535 acres as the military reservation that became Camp John Hay.
7. Major General Franklin Bell was commander of the Philippine department and designer of Italian Garden as well as Bell House and Amphitheater.
8. Lt Col Lyman W. Kennon oversaw the completion of the road that facilitated the construction and development of Baguio City and Camp John Hay which just so happens to be named Kennon Road.
9. Mayor James Halsema was the last American mayor of Baguio City.
10. General Douglas MacAuthur was the famous liberator of the Philippines during WWII.

Enriching Viewpoint : General Douglas MacArthur Room

Enriching Viewpoint (Post#1) : General Douglas MacArthur Room

When I did the two days visit in Brisbane during Open House season in the city last October 2013, there was a museum that I never expected that it will be familiar to me. Yes I went to MacArthur Museum but I never thought that the name of MacArthur will be the same person that I was familiar back to my country’s history. During rudimentary and intermediate school, I learned about the notable quote that American General made during Japanese invasion and I am referring to General MacArthur whom announced to the Filipino and Allied forces “I came through and I shall return” during his great escape from Philippines as Japanese forces able to control the country during that time. Since I learned the history quite a long time ago, I was reminded or probably learned that MacArthur went to Australia after leaving Philippines to think again how to retaliate the enemy which made him able to come back to my country and able conquer Japanese forces.

Chromatic Outlook : Disneyland Hotel

Chromatic Outlook (Post#20) : Disneyland Hotel

Even sleeping in Disneyland Hotel quite expensive than the normal hotels that I used to booked every time I was out of the country, I reserved an overnight to that hotel. Because I was with my mother for the first time out of the country, I wanted to gave her a lot of memories in our travel together. And one night in Disneyland Hotel in Hong Kong was just one of them. The photo above was a snapshot of the hotel from the sea side area. Photo captured last January 2012.

Name Of The Place : Royal British Columbia Museum

Name Of The Place (Post#16): Royal British Columbia Museum

This was the second royal museum that I visited in Canada. Without checking the net it seems that Canada has one royal museum on its provinces. The first royal museum I saw was in Alberta province. Photo captured last June 2008. I like museum since I like knowing and discovering something, the only challenge is time because for me, standard time to spend to a museum is from half a day to one full day, but even myself saddened if the museum is part of a tour because it means I had limited time to see and learn more, because tour is always time bounded.

Korean Demilitarized Zone (DMZ) – At the Border of Korea

It’s our last day in South Korea and because we just had less than 24 hours, what we planned before the night of our return flight to Manila was a tour in the most heavily militarized border in the world which is the border between North Korea and South Korea called Korean Demilitarized Zone (DMZ).

As I am aware that security is the most important factor for me for this tour, I booked the one and only tour we had during our trip in South Korea. For me even I knew that we can go to the said border by just jumping to the KORAIL train, I still planned it with a tour guide because of the main reason that we must at least knew someone who knows how to speak English and who will guide us in one of the tourist friendly but heavily guarded area and maybe dangerous place in the world. There are lots of travel company that offers DMZ tour and I just selected one of them. We got the half-day tour of DMZ as we still need to go to the market to shop a little so we can bring something when we return from our 9 days trip abroad.

The night before Saturday, we arranged all of our things in our luggage as it was our last night in the hotel. We decided to leave our stuff at the hotel before our tour the next morning so we were hands free while traveling to Korean border. And then we will return to the hotel then straight to the airport.

Even we were tired from the past days of adventures, we still woke up early because the tour was time-sensitive and we do not want to miss our tour.

From our hotel, we jumped-in again to our favorite and nearest train station which was Non-hyeon. And then, we took train going to Bupyeong-gu and went out at Isu (Chongshin University) station. From Isu, we took Line 4 going to Seoul station.

We arrived at Seoul station 10 minutes before 8AM. We met our tour guide after some difficulties of understanding where to meet at the station because Seoul Station is one of the busiest station as it is centralized to metro and provincial trains. Our tour guide bought the ticket for our train and we waited until we go down to the platform to board the train.

When the time has arrived, we go down and walked straight to DMZ train. At the back of my mind, I knew that our trip was safe but still I guarded myself as I was with my youngest sister and with my mom. As we mount the train, I was amazed at the ambiance inside the train, because outside, train color are plain white and black and some people potrait, which is opposite of what is inside. The wall color inside the train was so warm that made the passengers feels relaxing and joyful, the wall displays flowers, ceilings colorful heart shapes and the floor painted with lively color of water-lily leaves. The seat covers were flashy and vibrant flower shapes.

Our ticket has seat number and one of our ticket has gaps with the other two tickets, but our guide told us that if the seats were empty, we can seat together which what happened as the train started to desert the platform.

At the time we were waiting inside the train, I already felt the tour was quite exclusive as I can sense that the crew were most likely part of South Korean military which guarded the train with its strict implementation, one requirement on the tour is the passport, without it, you will not be able to join the tour. Within our trip, the crew that we saw inside the train, checks our passport and tickets.

It was the first train that I experienced where you can see the front or back view of the railway of the train. And while we were on our way, most of the views that I saw after we left metro area were farms in between. So I can imagine that most likely the place near DMZ are agriculture oriented places which I understand because how a government plan to developed a place which near in most threatening place in their country which is their border.

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Along the way we saw few stations before we arrived at the Dorasan (tour destination station), the nearest station where the border is and the last station of South Korea, because the train line (Gyeonggi) is connected to the next station that already belong to North Korea. The following stations in Gyeongui line in Southern Korea are: Neunggok, Munsan, Uncheon, Imjingang and Dorasan.

Before the Dorasan station, we had been told to leave the train at Imjingang station for our identity check. All the passengers left the train and queued for the passport verification. After our passport validated, we returned to the train and went to the last station. Before arriving at the last station, there were some military personnel jumped-in to the train and some of them talked with tourist. One of the officer went to our table and sit together with us. I was glad he knows how to speak English. He was friendly and he asked some information in amiable way until he realized we are Filipinos. He seems happy that some foreigners are curious to their border. He actually took pictures of our passport cover and told us that was his souvenir that we came from Philippines.

After leaving Imjingang Station, we passed Imjingang Bridge and Imjin River. Here I saw structure but I was not sure during the trip but when I searched internet for DMZ, I realised that the one that I saw were the ruins of the bridge that had been destroyed because of war as Imjingang Bridge was two-way bridge before, but now it just only one way.

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At Dorasan Station, we already felt the military presence as we enter the station. There were Korean soldiers assiting visitors when entering the station. At the station we waited a little as our guide arranged our seats for the bus to the DMZ. And in few minutes we hopped on the bus that will bring us to the border. At the bus, some checks has been done as well and then we hit the road to the border.

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I cannot explain what I felt while we were in the road and awaiting to arrived in our destination, I thought things about the separation of Korea, as I saw its historical drama, both part of Korean peninsula contributed to its development as one country. I am familiar of their dynasties and kingdoms, even aware how it became one country. While watching historical dramas and reading historical notes of Korea, I learned how it was divided. I remembered that there is another country with similar case with North and South Korea before, I am referring to Germany. Germany had been divided into two during World War II, but now it is a united country and in our time, it is one of the country that considered progressed country. I thought Korea divided because of the same war and my mind flew of thinking what if Korea has been united like Germany? Maybe, it will be the same as Germany which is rich and fully developed country. As I saw the side of South Korea and how it is at the moment, though I am not aware about the North Korea as the news are the only medium to know about that country. I am quite sad of division happened to the peninsula.

We had two stops in our DMZ Tour: First, was the “Third Tunnel – Third North Korean Infiltration Tunnel” and last, the Dora Observatory.

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There are two ways to go inside the Third Tunnel: One is using a sled rails (blue caps) and the other one is from the lobby (yellow caps) where people will walk all the way to the tunnel. Our guide led us to the group that used the sled which was really cool for us since we were just sitting in the sled until we reached the end of the rails. Then we continued walking to the tunnel which quite easy. We knew it’s not allowed to take photos but we did a little snapshots at the end of the sled rail as the tunnel trail was too narrow to be able to take photos and because the flow of people coming in and out of the tunnel was non-stop.

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Dora Observatory is located at the top of Dorasan (Mount Dora) where you had a chance to see North Korea border from a distance using telescope and binoculars.

With the two places we stopped, there were lots of tourist like us that visited DMZ, I can say that most likely the reason of coming to that places were curiosity and experiencing the atmosphere of being in Korean Border.

After buying postcards which I usually does in every travel I was in, we returned to the bus and came back to Dorasan station where our train to Seoul was already waiting.

I knew that there were more to see in DMZ but because of limited time we had, the half-day tour we had in the border was really worth the time.

Name Of The Place : National Museum of Australia

Name Of The Place (Post#14): National Museum of Australia

One part of the itinerary that we had during Canberra Day Tour was National Museum of Australia where most of the history of continent country down under are being showcase. My gateway to this tour was through Sydney airport as the flight to Sydney from Melbourne was comparably cheaper than flying to Canberra. Since there was available Canberra Day Tour, I chose this option than other. Photo captured last June 2013.

Home : Crashed Japanese Plane At Jack’s Ridge

Home (Post#11) : Crashed Japanese Plane At Jack’s Ridge

During my three days holiday in Davao after climbing Mount Apo, one of the itinerary was to visit Jack’s Ridge in Davao City. Jack’s Ridge was historical place during World War II, the time when Japanese retreated at the said place until they lost their fight against Americans. Photo captured last March 2009.

Old posts related to my Davao Adventure:
Davao – Adventure All In One
Mount Apo and the Boulder Challenge

Changgyeonggung – One of the Five Grand Palaces – Back to the Past Adventure (Part 6)

–Angbuilgu Sundial

The last palace that we visited was Changyeonggung, though we still have ticket for our fifth palace, I knew for myself, that we will not able to visit it because the next day was our last day and we were booked for another tour. Anyway, though there were still few raindrops when we were at Changdeokgung, we were unstoppable to continue our walk. We entered in the gate of the palace from Changdeokgung which is called Hamyangmun.

–Hamyangmun (near the stair)

–bridge

–Tongmyeongjeon

–Yanghwadang

Since our tour did not start at the main gate of the palace, we saw the buildings in not particularly order. We started to walk in the area of Tongmyeongjeon and Yanghwadang. Based from handbook guide, Tongmyeongjeon was the queen’s bed chamber. Beside the building, there is a pond, with a bridge in the middle of it. While reading the information, I felt ecstatic because it was mentioned in the footnote in the guide that it was near the area of Tongmyeongjeon where Jang Ok-jeong (maid-in waiting become queen, deposed as consort and killed herself by poison, queen of King Sukjong in Dongyi historical drama) buried a puppet of the Queen together with dead animals which was the curse she laid for Queen Inhyeon (the current queen of King Sukjong in Dongyi). That piece of information is interesting. While the other building beside Tongmyeongjeon which is Yanghwadang where King Injo stayed.

–Gyeongchunjeon

Another area nearby Tomyeongjeon is called Gyeongchunjeon and Hwangyeongjeon. Gyeongchunjeon was sleeping quarters of King Seongjong (son of Queen Insu who become a regent for some years when his son was still young). It was the place of queens and princesses because future kings such as King Jeongjo and King Heonjong, King Jeongjo himself wrote a plaque which means “Birth Hall” and hung above the entrance. Hwangyeongjeon was the residence of kings and princes.

–Hwangyeongjeon

–Haminjeong

We moved to another area and look again what’s the building mean and the guide-book mentioned that it is called as Haminjeong which used by king to receive officials and hold banquets. Then we found as well the Sungmundang, its name written by King Yeongjo (son of King Sukjong and Dongyi in the drama) still hang. Here the king threw banquets for state affair discussions and classical literature.

–Sungmundang

–Binyangmun (near Sungmundang)

Next building we checked is called Munjeongjeon which is a council hall where king usually dealt with routine state affairs. One interesting information found in the footnote of the guide, that the courtyard in front of this building, the most tragic incident of the century happened. Prince Sado (father of King Jeongjo) was reported to be mentally ill and King Yeongjo were so furious that he ordered to put the prince in rice chest and sealed alive (where the prince died after 8 days).

–Between Munjeongjeon and Muyeongeonjeon

Then we move to another area called Myeongjeongjeon and vicinity. Here we found the main hall of the palace which is Myeongjeongjeon. Here most of the state affairs such as royal coronations, royal weddings, royal banquets were held.

–Myeongjeongjeon (back)

–Myeongjeongjeon

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–Inside Myeongjeongjeon

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–Myeongjeongjeon Vicinity

–Myeongjeonmun

–Okcheongyo(bridge) and Myeongjeonmun(gate)

Next area we passed by is Honghwamun and vicinity. Here we found the gate to Myeongjeonmun to Myeongjeongjeon. Then the famous Honghwamun, this gate where King Yeongjo went out to gather the opinions of peasants and scholars alike for Equalized Tax Law where most of his ministers opposed. Another interesting fact that I learned from the handbook guide was the footnote telling us that it was the same gate where people crowded to rally for the crown prince, he is Prince Sohyeon (oldest son of King Injo who become hostage for years during Qing dynasty but died through poison few days after returning in from Qing). I remember he is the same prince that I am currently watching historical drama right now entitled The Three Musketeers. Let’s wait and see what I am going to learn in that historical drama once it’s finished airing.

–Honghwamun

After coming from Honghwamun, we went out at the right side door and moved to Yeongchuncheon and Jipbokheon area. I learned that the area was residences of concubines. Jipbojheon building was where Crown Prince Sado and King Sunjo were born. Yeongchuncheon was unknown building before but become King Jeongjo’s study room and sometimes for handling routine state affairs.

–Yeongchuncheon

–Chundangji

We passed the Inner Palace site where court ladies live here. Some of the royal princesses also lived here. But currently we saw the place as wooded area full of trees and gardens. Probably the site was not yet restored. We continue our walk until we found a beautiful and large pond, and based from map, the pond named Chundangji. The large pond was not the original pond, it was the site where the king did engaged in farming while the queen engaged in raising silkworm. The original pond is the small pond which is not visible in the photo that I tool while I was at the front of the pond.

Because its getting dark and we are aware that the palace is open until 6PM, we hurriedly went back in Honghwamun area so we can exit easily. In this walking tour we missed three areas namely: Gwandeokjeon and Jipchunmun, Eastern Palace Site and Gwolnaegaksa. Those three are more on sites as of that time, probably South Korea has still plan to restore the site in due time. I enjoyed another walking tour in the palace. While inside the palace and seeing historical buildings makes me feel that I was returning in the past time of Joseon. I enjoyed the tour because I am somewhat familiar with their history, maybe to other people, these are just mere buildings but for me, they are truly treasures that South Korean must keep it for more many years to come so next generation will appreciate their history again.

Chromatic Outlook : Melbourne City Town Hall

Chromatic Outlook (Post#10) : Melbourne City Town Hall

When I stayed in Australia, specifically in Melbourne, most of my travel plans were outside Melbourne or outside Victoria state as the city itself and nearby suburbs or towns will be easier to plan than traveling outside. And when Melbourne Open House event had been scheduled, I grabbed the opportunity to see the city because I have freedom to enter different buildings for free. One of the historic building I visited was the Melbourne City Town Hall which captured last July 2013. Melbourne City Town Hall as per Wikipedia is a municipal building of Melbourne City where the office of local government area is located.

This post has been updated to add the link of and to participate in the following:
Black and White View – May 30, 2016
Black and White Wednesday – Jun 1, 2016
The Weekend in Black and White – Jun 3, 2016

Changdeokgung “Ideal Place of Capital City – King Sejong” – Back to the Past Adventure (Part 5)

It was Friday and we were set to visit two palaces in Seoul. The two palaces are: Changdeokgung and Changgyeonggung. The original plan was to visit first the Jongmyo Shrine, but unfortunately, we missed the English tour at the time we arrived at the gate and it is not allowed to go around the area on our own, tour guide is a must while inside the shrine. Because we wanted to maximize the time and not just waiting outside, we decided to go back after the two palaces.

From Jongmyo Shrine, we walked at the road at the right side of the shrine named as Seosulla-gil and then we turned left after we saw the rooftop of Changdeokgung Palace gate called Donhwamun. Same what we did in Gyeongbokgung Palace, before we entered, we bought the map guide. We have the tickets already for the said palace as we bought combine tickets (integrated tickets) when we were in Gyeongbokggung.

–Donhwamun

–Open space after Donhwamun

–Geumcheongyo and Jinseonmun

We entered the Palace via Donhwamun, as per the handbook guide, this gate is a two-story, pavillion-type wooden structure and the largest of all palace gates. After passing the said gate, what we saw was a huge space. And then we turned right where we saw the small bridge called Geumcheongyo. This bridge is known as the oldest stone bridge remaining in Seoul. After passing the bridge, the way leads to another gate called Jinseonmun. Based from handy guide, on this gate has once installed a drum called Sinmungo where anyone can strike the drum to file a petition to address grievances but striking the drum requires approval to a lot of government official and this system did not serve its purpose and been useless to many. It’s sole purpose is by the name only.

–Sukjangmun (Front) and Injeongmun (Left)

–Injeongmun

–Injeongjeon

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–Inside Injeongjeon

–Injeongjeon

After passing Jinseonmun gate, another open space welcome us. From where we stand and looking at the map, another gate in front of us called Sukjangmun and the gate in our left side is called Injeongmun. As we reached Injeongmun, we saw Injeongjeon area. Injeongjeon is the throne hall of Changdeokgung Palace. Based from the guide, major state affairs took place here such as coronation of new king and reception of foreign envoys. Next area we visited is Seonjeongjeon, this building where king worked at his convenience to discuss routine state affairs with high-ranking officials. And this is the only building in the palace with blue-tiled roof.

–Seonjeongjeon and Huijeongdang

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–Seonjeongjeon

–Huijeongdang

Beside Seonjeongjeon is Huijeongdang. Huijeongdang is the king’s bed chamber. This bed chamber became king’s workplace and become the actual main hall of the palace instead of Injeongjeon.

–Entrance to Secret Garden

As we are awaiting for the English Tour schedule to Secret Garden, we went out the area of Huijeongdang and we waited at the entrance of the garden. Time had come and the tourist guide arrived. The guide made introductions and reminders while touring the secret garden.

Secret Garden or rear garden (Huwon) was a forbidden place for the purpose of the sole use of royal family. Since the palace was built at the base of the mountain, in the rear end of the palace, the garden was placed. And after seeing the garden at the tour, I can say that the design of the secret garden is still in harmony of the nature. This kind of place, I can think that any king can reclaim peace of mind because it is surrounded of nature. Our guide led the group at first stop which is Buyongji and Juhanmu.

–Buyongji (Pond), Eosumun (Gate) and Juhamnu (Main hall at the top), Seohyanggak (library) left hall in the top

–Buyongjeong

–Buyongjeong (left) and Sajeonggibigak (right)

–Sajeonggibigak

–Seohyanggak (only roof) as I can’t go beyond where I was standing

–Seohyanggak (left most hall) , Eosumun (gate) and, Juhamnu (right most hall)

–Eosumun

–Seohyanggak(left), Eosumun (gate), and Juhamnu (top)

–Juhamnu (second level), Gyujanggak (first level) and Eosumun (gate)

–Juhamnu (second level), Gyujanggak (first level)

–Yeonghwadang

–Stairs to Cheonseokjeong (not visible – not sure of the building still stand at the top)

I like the setting of the area. There is rectangular pond called Buyongji and most of the building built here surrounds the pond. The main building we saw is called Juhanmu Pavilion. Two libraries are nearby as well called as Gyujanggak and Seohyanggak, another pavilions exist are Yeonghwadang and Buyeongjeon. The said area is in the heart of the Secret Garden.

–Buyongji (Pond) and Sajeonggibigak

–Buyongji (Pond), Eosumun (Gate) and Juhamnu (Main hall at the top), Seohyanggak (library) left hall in the top

Our next stop was Aeryeonji and Uiduhap. Here we found another pond, this time, the pond shape is square. It was mentioned that it has islet in the pond with pavilion but now it was disappeared but the pavilion still there. The pond named by King Sukjong (I know he is the King in love with Dongyi) “Aeryeon” that is why the pond is called Aeryeonji. The grandson of King Jeongjo which is Crown Prince Hyonmyeong built Uiduhap Pavilion near the pond. I remember that the guide told us something about one passage way in the area, it was called Bullomun (or Bulromun) gate wishes whoever passes it will have long and healthy life which originally meant for king.

–Uiduhap vicinity

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–Aeryeonji (pond) and Aeryeonjeong (pavillion)

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–Uiduhap

Then, moved to Jondeokjeong area, here the landscape seems to be more natural, because the ponds looks great together with different pavilions surrounding it. There is pavilion which stands on the brim of the pond which is called Gwallamjeong, there is one near on the hill – Pyomusa, Sungjaejeong which stands on the highest ground in the area and the oldest pavilion which is Jondeokjeong.

–Sungjaejeong

–Pyomusa

–Gwallamjeong (Gwanramjeong)

–Jondeokjeong

We continued our walk in the next area called Ongnyucheon. Ongnyucheon is a brook flowing through the deep valley north to the Secret Garden of the palace. And he we found a large flat rock called Soyoam Rock. As per our guide, the story of the rock is related to poetry composition, where cup of wines are afloat while making poems, I checked the handbook guide and I learned that it was from Chinese when having parties, they composed poem by a floating wine cups in the waters and if they are not able to create poems, they drink 3 cups of wine as punishment (for me it’s not really punishment, they are still having a good time). There are five pavilions surrounded the brook, namely : Soyojeong, Taegeukjeong, Cheongguijeong, Nongsanjeong and Chwihanjeong. In that five pavilion, the one caught my attention is Cheongguijeong, because it has unique roof which is thatch-roof.

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–Soyoam Rock

–Soyojeong

–Taegeukjeong

–Cheongguijeong

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–Nongsanjeong

–Chwihanjeong

We moved to the last stop which is YeonGyeongDang. When we went inside the area, there is part where it seems one of the building is being used for shows during night-time. Then, the guide walk us around the area. Based from handbook guide, the area become an audience hall, the guide shows us separated quarters of for men and women. It was mentioned that during King Gojong, the area become a venue to received foreign envoys.

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–YeonGyeongDang Vicinity

The tour ended well and for me I had a great time. I enjoyed the tour in the garden because it is like a nature trek which I really enjoyed doing. Historical sites in a natural settings is amazing for me. Before we ended the tour, while we were on our way to exit the Secret Garden we found a tree called Chinese Juniper. The tree believed to be 750 years old and aromatic which provide incense for ancestral rituals at Seonwonjeon Shrine.

We parted ways with our tour guide in the Secret Garden. Then we continued our walk in other parts of the palace. We moved to Gwolnaegaksa area. Based from handy guide, the area are mostly used as government offices.

–Gyujanggak

–Geomseocheong

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–Gwolnaegaksa and vicinity area

Next was Old Seonwonjeon Site, it was called Old because there is a New Seonwonjeon Site, but we were not able to visit the area, it seems the area are still restricted from the public. Old Seonwonjeon was the place for royal ancestral rites performance. Former king’s portraits were enshrined here.

–Jinseolcheong

–Seonwonjeon

–Seonwonjeon and Naechaldang

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–Seonwonjeon and Vicinity

Then we moved to Daejojoen Area. As per guide book, the area are the scene of tragic history. Here was the place where the last meeting of the cabinet was held to discuss the Japan’s annexation of Joseon and the bed chambers of the last king and queen are still remaining in the area.

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–Daejojoen Vicinity

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–Inside Daejojoen

–Daejojoen

And the last area we visited inside Chandeokgung palace was Seongjeonggak. The area was the crown prince residence and has been home of many buildings. Seongjeonggak was also used as royal hospital during Japanese occupation.

During the time of our walking tour between Daejojeon and Seongjeonggak area, it rained so heavy and we waited for sometime until rain was over. While waiting at the stair in the doorway of entrance to Huijeongdang, we met a Filipino which touring around the palace as well. And we talked to him for a while, until we discussed the next palace which is ChangGyeongGung which can be found beside Changdoekgung. He mentioned that the palace is small and can be finished in 1 hour. Because of that conversation, we hurriedly decided to visit ChangGyeongGung as well. We have at least 1.5 hours left before closing time.

Hwaseong Fortress – A Home Town of King Jeongjo – Back to the Past Adventure (Part 4)

After the show of martial arts at Sinpungnu, we looked at the map in our hand again to check what else we can visit in Hwaseong Fortress heritage site. We decided to go around the fortress without being aware how long it will take for us to finish the tour. From Hwaseong Haenggung, we turned left until we reached Paldalmun one of the four main gates in the fortress. Paldalmun is the south gate and based from Wikipedia, it houses a bell called Paldalmun Dongjong but we were not able to see the bell since we were not able to come inside the gate. This gate was not damaged during Korean war.

Paldalmun (South Gate)

From Paldalmun, we did some trek in Paldal Mountain using the road halfway and stair on the other half. On the way, we stopped in different fort, post and secret gates in the fortress namely: NamChi (Southern Turret), NamPoru (Southern Cannon Fort), SeonamiChi (Yongdodongchi – Turret East of Yongdo), SeonamGangnu (Southwestern Pavilion), SeonamilChi (Southwestern Turret), SeonamAmmun (Southwestern Secret Gate) and SeosamChi (Western Turret III). Along the way, we stopped as well in Memorial of Korean Independence to check the area and to have rest a bit. We continued our walk until we reached SeoJangdae Tourist Information Center. Then, we found the Bell of Hyowon for Filial Piety. Based from the guide that we have, the bell represents Suwon as a city of filial piety. I found out as well that King Jeongjo has a desire to move the capital from Seoul to Suwon.

Namporu

On the way to SeonamGangnu

SeonamGangnu (Southwestern Pavilion)

SeonamAmmun (Southwestern Secret Gate) From SeonamGangnu

SeonamAmmun (Southwestern Secret Gate)

Memorial of Korean Independence

March 1st Independence Movement Memorial

Entrance to SeoJangdae Tourist Information Center

Bell of Hyowon for Filial Piety

The walk and trek continue until we saw other post, fort and secret gates at the top of Paldal Mountain such as Seoporu (Western Sentry Post), SeoAmmun (Western Secret Gate), SeoJangdae (Western Command Post) where we have a great view of Haenggung from the top, SeoNodae (Western Crossbow Platform), SeoiChi (Western Turret II), Seoporu (Western Cannon Port), SeoilChi (Western Turret I), SeobukGangnu (Northwestern Pavilion). Another main gate we passed which is called Suwon Hwaseomun (West Gate).

Seoporu (Western Sentry Post)

Surounding Views From SeoJangdae (Western Command Post) Area

Hwaseong Haenggung Views From SeoJangdae (Western Command Post) Area

SeoJangdae (Western Command Post)

Seoporu (Western Cannon Port)

Some snapshots of Fortress Trail

SeoilChi (Western Turret I)

SeobukGangnu (Northwestern Pavilion)

Snapshot From SeobukGangnu (Northwestern Pavilion) area

Trail View From Suwon Hwaseomun (West Gate)

Suwon Hwaseomun (West Gate) Snaphots along Fortress trail

SeobukGangnu (Northwestern Pavilion) From Ground

View From Suwon Hwaseomun (West Gate)

SeobukGingsimdon (Northwestern Watchtower) and Suwon Hwaseomun (West Gate)

Then, we passed as well the following: SeobukGingsimdon (Northwestern Watchtower), BukPoru (Northern Sentry Post), BukseoPoru (Northwestern Sentry Post) and BukseoJeokdae (Northwestern Gate Guard Platform). Next main gate we saw was the north gate which is called Janganmun (Bungmun – North Gate) which is the largest such gate in South Korea. Janganmun gate is part of the fortress that has been destroyed and reconstructed.

SeobukGingsimdon (Northwestern Watchtower)

BukPoru (Northern Sentry Post)

BukseoJeokdae (Northwestern Gate Guard Platform)

Janganmun (Bungmun – North Gate)

From Janganmun, we passed the following: BukdongJeokdae (Northeastern Gate Guard Platform), BukdongChi (Northeaster Turret), BukdongPoru (Northeastern Cannon Fort), Hwahongmun (Buksumon – Northern Floodgate) where we had a great view of Suwoncheon (stream), DongbukGaknu (Suwon Banghwasuryujeong – Northeastern Pavilion), BukAmmun (Northern Secret Gate), DongbukPoru (Northeastern Sentry Post), DongAmmun (Eastern Secret Gate), DongJangdae (Eastern Command Post), Yeonmudae Tourist Information Center and the last of the four main gate which is Changnyongmun (East Gate). This gate was destroyed during Korean war as well and has been completely restored. We also found from a far the DongbukGongsimdon (Northeastern Observation Tower).

Rooftop View of Hwahongmun and DongbukGaknu

Hwahongmun (Buksumon – Northern Floodgate)

Suwoncheon (stream)

DongbukGaknu (Suwon Banghwasuryujeong – Northeastern Pavilion)

DongAmmun (Eastern Secret Gate)

DongJangdae (Eastern Command Post)

Yeonmudae Tourist Information Center

Changnyongmun (East Gate)

DongbukGongsimdon

The western side of the fortress is a mountain side, therefore, we weren’t able to imagine that we completed at least or more than 75% of the fortress. The part that we weren’t able to see is the eastern side. We never able to finish it since it’s getting dark. I was surprised that my mother was able to survive in this walking tour with half of it were trekking, maybe because we enjoyed all the things we saw along the way. When we arrived at Janganmun gate, heavy rain fell and we rested a while in the said gate until someone from tourist office trying to lock the gate. We were surprised at first until the personnel told us that he is going to lock the gate, if we were not aware what is happening and if he did not saw us, we will be ended locked-up in Janganmun, the good thing, it did not happen.

We ended the tour at the front of Changnyongmun which is the East Gate. From there, we took bus going back to Suwon station and followed the same route we did when we come to Suwon.

We had a very tiring day that day but for us it was another great walking adventure tour in South Korea.

Chromatic Outlook : Queen Victoria Women’s Centre

Chromatic Outlook (Post#7) : Queen Victoria Women’s Centre

When I stayed for a while in Melbourne City, one of the event that I experienced was Melbourne Open House which happened once a year. During the event, many government, private, historical, church, commercial and even office buildings and structures are open for public viewing. I loved Open House because the event gave me a chance to enter to different buildings openly and for free. One of the building that I visited was Queen Victoria Women’s Centre which was a former Queen Victoria Hospital. The centre is a non-profit organization that provides information, support and resources for Victorian women and women’s organization. I captured this photo last July 2013 during Melbourne Open House.

Hwaseong Haenggung – Temporary Palace of King Jeongjo – Back to the Past Adventure (Part 3)

For this day, we planned to go to another historical site of South Korea which is outside Seoul, that is Suwon Hwaseong Fortress which is part of Gyeonggi-do province. As I preferred our way to go to this place without getting tour, we ended the tour with pride because we accomplished something in this fortress and here’s what happened to us.

From hotel, we took metro train which was our usual mode of transportation while touring around Seoul. And that time, we did the same thing when went to Suwon. We started at Non-hyeon station which is Line 7 going to Bupyeong. We transferred in Line 1 at Gasan Digital Complex (GDC) and then we got off at Suwon station where AK Plaza is also located. At the front of the plaza I tried to inquire how to go to Hwaseong Fortress and they mentioned to us to take a bus. The people at information center gave us the bus number. When we were out of the Suwon station, it seems the front of the AK Plaza are like crossing roads which means it’s a busy road since it’s near in the mall and you can find as well some public transport terminal around the area and we are confused where to find the bus that will bring us to the fortress. After inquiring with one of the passing students, she helped us and we crossed the road Maesan-ro. We found our bus and we were able to use our T-money card. It took us few more minutes until we were dropped off at the front of Hwaseong Haenggung Square. Here we found Hwaseong Haenggung information center at the front of the main gate. We bought tickets that combined overall access to the Hwaseong fortress. Our adventure started at lunch time and it’s a beautiful sunny afternoon. Using our mapping tour we started our walk from the gate of Haenggung.

Sinpungnu (outside view)

Sinpungnu (from inside Jwaikmun)

Haenggung sometimes called as temporary palace or detached palace, because this palace serves as palace of the King when the King was not at the capital during Joseon dynasty. The famous king who requested this fortress to build was King Jeongjo (or widely know as Yi San in historical drama). Once we entered in Haenggung, the first thing we noticed were two famous characters played in Daejanggeum (Jewel in the Palace) drama standing in the corner which located at Jwaikmun (the area after you entered the main gate or entrance called Sinpungnu). They are Lee Young Ae (Seo Jang-Geum) and Ji Jin Hee (Min Jung Ho) in their character outfit. Since they are famous, people visiting the place will stand either between them or at the side to have souvenir shots even though it’s just photos of them and not real. We took photos of ourselves as well when it’s been our turn.

Lee Young Ae (Seo Jang-Geum) and Ji Jin Hee (Min Jung Ho)
Daejanggeum (Jewel in the Palace) historical drama

Then, we turned right and found Jipsacheong, based on the map that we have in our hand, Jipsacheong was an administrative office for jipsa, specialist for royal rites and reception at temporary palace. Here we saw dolls displayed covered with glass. Those dolls portray different kinds of clothes wore by Royal family (like King and Queen) and other Joseon court officials.

Jipsacheong

Dolls displaying Royal Dress and Court Official Dress (Joseon Dynasty)

There was a tree standing near the entrance to Jipsacheong and we found some information displayed there about the said tree. And it’s amazing information we found, the tree is called as “The Zelkova Tree” is more than 600 years old and been there even before building the Hwaseong Fortress.

The Zelkova Tree

Next, we went to Jungyangmun area which is the next area after Jwaikmun. Here we saw Royal Guard standing in the middle at the front in the entrance to Bongsudang. We walked until we reached Bongsudang. From the map guide that we have, Bongsudang is the main hall you can find in Hwaseong Haenggung. And here, the 61st birthday of the mother of King Jeongjo was held. Based from the information displayed near the building, Bongsudang was the most important building of the temporary palace and it was where King Jeongjo stayed when he visited Suwon.

Gyeongnyonggwan

Bongsudang Vicinity

Some displays that can be found inside Bongsudang

Feast Model at Bongsudang (during 60th birthday of Lady Hyegyeonggung – mother of King Jeongjo)

Bongsudang

After looking around the area of Bongsudang, we turned right and went out at the right side, where we found Naknamheon. It is said that this building was the only building in temporary palace which was not destroyed and remain intact on its original form. This building was specially designed facility for various events such as state examinations and banquets for old people during Lady Hong of Hyegyeonggung’s (mother of King Jeongjo) 61st Birthday Ceremony. Beside the building of Naknamheon, is Noraedang and I learned that this building were created as King Jeongjo wanted to live here in his old days after abdicating from the throne. Next building in Noraedang is called Deukjungjoeng. At the front of the said building, King Jeongjo practiced archery, it was named after the king hits the bull’s-eye.

Naknamheon (side view)

Naknamheon (rear view)

Noraedang (rear view)

Naknamheon and Noraedang

Deukjungjeong

Naknamheon, Noraedang, and Deukjungjeong

Naknamheon

Afterwards, we found a way to the hill-side (which is part of Mount Paldal) just behind Hwaseong Haenggung. Out of curiosity, we followed the track to the top to check if we can see something there. On the way to the top, we saw Naeposa – a facility acted as beacon informing impending danger for residents in the fortress and Mirohanjeong – a place to live retired life quietly.

Naeposa

Mirohanjeong

Hwaseong Haenggung view from the hill-side of Mount Paldal

From the top, we went down and found another site near Haenggung. Based from our map guide, the area is called Hwaryeongjeon and this is where King Jeonjo portrait is enshrined by King Sunjo (son of King Jeonjo). In the vicinity we found different building where more information can be found. Jejeong is one of the royal well. Woonhangak used for morning assembly and enshrined of King Jeongjo. Iancheong where portrait of King Jeongjo was keep every time it was removed in the main building. Pungwadang Guest Residence used as a living quarters for a specialist for the rite.

Hwaryeongjeon (side view)

Jejeong

Woonhangak

Iancheong (with corridor connected to Woonhangak)

Iancheong (front view)

Iancheong (side view)

Woonhangak and Iancheong

King Jeongjo in military uniform

A palanquin used to carry the portrait of King Jeongjo
(Shin-yeon – palanquin, Shin-baek – wooden sign representing a deceased king or queen)

Other side interior of Woonhangak

Pungwhadang

Hwaryeongjeon (from outside Naesamun view)

Then, we went back to Hwaseong Haenggung and continued our tour to the other parts of the temporary palace. We found Jangrakdang which beside Bongsudang. Hyegyeongjeong Hong stayed in the building. Here King Jeongjo celebrated the 60th birthday of her mother with the will to live with his mother after abdicating the crown to his son King Sunjo.

Jangrakdang

Some displays inside Jangrakdang and it’s interior

We went around behind Jangrakdang and Bongsudang. Here we found different servant’s quarters. Then, found Boknaedang where local officials’ family stayed. Bongnaedang Kitchen, where kitchen equipment in that period are displayed. Then, we moved along and found the display of different Korean dress used by Jang-geum in the historical drama (Jewel in the Palace). Then we found Angbuilgu which is a sundial and it was created in 1434.

Haenggak (Palace Servant’s Quarter)

Eunuch getting Ready for an outing

Reading Eunuch

Boknaedang

Boknaedang Kitchen

Korean dress used by Jang-geum in the historical drama (Jewel in the Palace)

Angbuilgu

Then, we moved to another area and we saw Yuyeotak. Here, King Jeongjo stayed here to interview his subjects during his honor visits. In the same area, I found interesting and familiar thing, it is the Rice Chest. It was familiar to me because I once saw it in the film of Yisan and Eight Days where the father of King Jeongjo, Crown Prince Sado were put to death by his grand father King Yeongjo.

Yuyeotak

Rice Chest

We continued our walking tour to the next area and discovered Oejeongriso. This is where events in Hwaseong Haenggung were arranged during the King’s honored visit. Another vicinity area beside Oejeongriso is Bijangcheong which used by officials’ assistants. Next is Seoricheong which served as office of seori, clerks and petty officials who record, issue and received documents. Namgunyeong which is a government office and the 100 cavalry soldiers of the Royal Guard stood on guard.

Oejeongriso

Teukgyeong

Pyeonjong

Teukjong

Jingo

Musical Instruments

Bijangcheong

Seoricheong

Namgunyeong

While touring inside Haenggung, in every part of the temporary palace, there are visitors like us that they go to each area with paper and they put stamp on it. I just realized that we never did the same thing. Since we were waiting for the Martial arts performance show at the entrance gate, I request the paper for Tour stamp from the information center and I go around again quickly in Haenggung to look for all the station where the stamp is located and immediately put the stamp in the paper. Then I went to Experience Tour ticket to laminate the paper as my souvenir in the palace. Well, when I did that, I felt like I am a kid receiving a reward because I finished the tour inside Hwaseong Haenggung.

Most of the tourist went outside Haenggung and stayed near Sinpungnu (entrance gate) because all of us were waiting for the 24 Martial Arts Performance which scheduled to play twice a day. The martial arts to be displayed were from the Martial Arts book created by Silhak Scholars and Baek Dong Soo (master of martial arts – I watched the historical drama too) which ordered by King Jeongjo. These martial arts are from Joseon Dynasty, China and Japan. The performance started and I watched intently until the show was over, I enjoyed the whole show.

At Sinpungnu (Preparing for the Martial Arts Performance)

Snapshots from Martial Arts Performance

The continuation of the walking tour along Hwaseong Fortress will be describe in another post following this one. Until then.

Chromatic Outlook : Australian War Memorial

Chromatic Outlook (Post#6): Australian War Memorial

Australian War Memorial is Australia’s national memorial to remember its military forces and other supporting forces who died for its country. I had a chance to visit this place last June 2013 when I visited Canberra which is the Australian Capital City (called as Australian Capital Territory).

This post has been updated to add the link of and to participate in the following:
Black and White View – May 2, 2016
Black and White Wednesday – May 4, 2016
The Weekend in Black and White – May 6, 2016

View At My Window : North Saskatchewan River

View At My Window (Post#6) : North Saskatchewan River

During my stay in Edmonton, one of the things that I tried in the city as experience and another way to look around Edmonton was riding the High Level Bridge Streetcar. The said bridge is located near Alberta Provincial Legislature Building. The photo captured when I got a chance to visit the capital city of Alberta which is Edmonton last June 2008. The bridge is now one of the tourist spot in the city because of its significant history.

As per Wikipedia, High Level Bridge links separate communities of Edmonton and Strathcona which combined to become Edmonton City today. The bridge was designed to accommodate rail, streetcar, automobile and pedestrian.

Other post related to North Saskatchewan River which published few years back
North Saskatchewan River – Edmonton (Part 5)

Name Of The Place : Fort Edmonton Park

Name Of The Place (Post#6) : Fort Edmonton Park

As I am looking for next photos to be posted in this series of categories under “Name Of The Place”, I found this photo which just right here.

Fort Edmonton Park is located in Edmonton City, Capital City of Alberta Province in Canada, I captured this photo when I visited the park last May 2008. The park is heritage park which opens late spring season to show case the old days of Edmonton from its beginning up to the times it became a city.

I wrote a post years ago about my visit in the park in other blog site and I transferred it here.

Fort Edmonton Park – Back To The Past Tour – Edmonton (Part 6)