Arts and Craft (Post#8) : The Pietà of Hagåtña
One of the sculpture that can be found while following the Hagåtña Heritage Walking Trail is “The Pietà of Hagåtña” stands at Skinner Plaza. The statue serves as the memorial for fallen heroes of Guam. These photos are part of Guam Adventure Photo Collection April 2017.
Another more than century old and historical building that I had a chance to tour during Open House Melbourne event last July 2013 was Queen Victoria Women’s Centre. It was built in 1848 as Melbourne Hospital and undergone different era (different names) which become part of the colorful history.
Here’s a bit history of the building.
Former “The Melbourne Hospital”
When it was opened in 1848, the building become older than the Victoria state since Victoria just separated from New South Wales in 1851. Even though started on its humble beginnings, the hospital grew and become the famous The Royal Melbourne Hospital.
Old The Royal Melbourne Hospital
Photo courtesy of The Royal Melbourne Hospital Organization
Former “The Royal Melbourne Hospital” (1912-1944)
Melbourne Hospital has been rebuilt due to demands are growing tremendously as the city of Melbourne became populous. After it was rebuilt, the building changed its name to The Royal Melbourne Hospital. At that time, the hospital occupied the entire city block bound by Swanston, Lonsdale, Russell and Little Lonsdale Streets which shows how the hospital is really huge shown from photo above.
Entire Block has been occupied
Former “The Queen Victoria Memorial Hospital” (1944-1987)
When The Royal Melbourne Hospital move to another site, the building was occupied by The Queen Victoria Memorial Hospital wherein based in history, the work pioneered were more on women’s and children’s health.
Current “Queen Victoria Women’s Centre” (1986 – present)
The only building left which supposed to be for demolition is Queen Victoria Women’s Centre. The rest of the building has refurbished and become commercial space. The building still standing today because women in Victoria fight and claim the site. And with that I got a chance to see this building that main goal is all for women like me.
The Building Tour
I was walking along Lonsdale Street to see if I can still discover another building before I end my Saturday. And there I found Queen Victoria Women’s Centre. It attracted me as I thought that its another historical building based on its exterior design. I crossed the road and went inside the building.
Queen Victoria Women’s Centre
I decided to visit the building as I know that I had more than an hour left before the event be over for the day. During the open house event, the building’s ground floor, rooftop and 4th level with balcony had been open to the public.
At the hallway, I found exhibits in both sides to enjoy. Then, I went straight to the rooftop as I followed other visitors. It still kind of refreshing to be in a rooftop of the building again even though I had been in Council House 2 rooftop, though QVWC (Queen Victoria Women’s Centre) has just 4 floors and not so high, visitors and myself still enjoyed the scenery. At the rooftop I saw the dome of State Library of Victoria not far from the building, some view of the city from the top and the two cupolas of the building.
State Library of Victoria Dome
Cupolas closely visible at the rooftop
Street View
At the Rooftop
4th Level of QVWC – The Original Ward
Model of the building
After touring the building, I ended my day with lots of learning and discovery. This is one of the reasons I love Melbourne, the city has rich history through its building. The event helped me understand how the city developed to the way it is now.
Queen Victoria Women’s Centre
Notes:
1. Plan to visit Queen Victoria Women’s Centre ?
Address : 210 Lonsdale St, Melbourne, AustraliaGround Floor with Exhibits are open to public during opening hours 9:00am – 5:00pm / Mon – Fri
If you really wanted to see other parts of the building for free, the right opportunity is during Open House Melbourne which happens in one weekend of July every year, to check if the building is participating in Open House Melbourne event please check here.
2. Public Transportation Ticket – Use Myki (Melbourne Ticketing System), please check here for more details.
3. Directions
Using tram
Use tramTracker Apps or even just Google Maps (use directions) and there are tram routes available
Route: 1, 3/3a, 5, 6, 8, 16, 64, 67, 72 –> get off at Stop 10 Bourke Street Mall/Bourke Street or Stop 8 Melbourne Central Station RouteUsing train
Visit the official Public Transport Victoria website to be able to use the Journey Planner for the next train schedule.
Ride from any station and get off at Flinders Street Station or Melbourne Central Station
From Flinders Street Station, get off at St Kilda Road Exit and continue walking along Swanston Street and turned right at Lonsdale Street, walk few more meters and the building can be found.
From Melbourne Central Station, get off at Swantons Street Exit and continue walking along Swanston Street and turned left at Lonsdale Street, walk few more meters and the building can be found.
Chromatic Outlook (Post#30) : Opera House – Opera Box Style Balcony (No 138 Powlett Street)
Because of opera-box style balcony, the building has been called as Opera House which was built in 1868, don’t make this one mistake with Opera House in Sydney, that one is different. Photo is part of East Melbourne Historical Houses and Building Collection 2013.
Chromatic Outlook (Post#29) : Queen Bess Row (corner Simpson and Hotham Streets)
It’s a three four storey houses of red brick with sandstone dressings and the first fully developed example building built in the Queen Anne Revival style. The building initially became The East Melbourne Trained Nurses’ Home and private hospital from 1890 until 1894. Then, it become apartment – first apartment block in Melbourne.
In 1920’s, the building were known as the following: Rubra Flats (72), Angus McArthur’s boarding house (74), and Cregh Flats (76). In 1936 No. 74 was known as Tudor Guest House.
In 1989, the building stop as boarding house and were sold in three separate houses in 1990.
Photo is part of East Melbourne Historical Houses and Building Collection 2013.
Chromatic Outlook (Post#28) : Georgian Court (No. 21 George Street)
Built as apartment in 1860, currently the building becomes Georgian Court Bed & Breakfast. The building survived for more than 150 years now. Quite impressive historically. Another discovery for this building is, it was city base home of famous Australian operatic soprano named Dame Nellie Melba (Melba was pseudonym from Melbourne). Photo is part of East Melbourne Historical Houses and Building Collection 2013.
Structure (Post#7) : The Gothic House (No. 157 Hotham Street)
An 1861 bluestone home dubbed The Gothic House. It was designed by architect Joseph Reed (who designed Melbourne Town Hall, State Library and Royal Exhibition Building) for deputy surveyor-general Clement Hodgkinson (who designed the Fitzroy and Treasury gardens). Photo is part of East Melbourne Historical Houses and Building Collection 2013.
By just learning the year the houses and buildings were built and seeing these houses still standing today is already a proof they survived more than a century. Now I understand how state of Victoria able to preserve these houses. Though there are some units that already demolished and we cannot see them today, there are still building and houses that survives, a truly treasure that should be kept and maintain.
Another Saturday of June 2013, I did a walking experiment while living in Melbourne. That time the one that I did was taking the stroll of what they called Melbourne Walks – Elegant Enclave. The word it used is quite intriguing because it used ‘Elegant’ which pretty much sure that it also connotes with wealth and luxury.
From the people who I had met and made friends in Melbourne, they told me that East Melbourne is part of Melbourne where rich and wealthy people lives. And with that said I became curious in this part of the city and after the walk, I can say that there is evidence of what my friends are telling me, and its historically.
I brought the map brochure that I got from Visitors Centre at Federation Square as my guidance to see and discover the ‘Elegant Enclave’. I started my discovery after passing Fitzroy Gardens and Clarendon Street.
Hepburn Terrace (No 199–209 George Street)
Not far from the corner of Clarendon Street and George Street, I found Hepburn Terrace – a six two-storey terraced houses. These houses were built in 1855, 1867 and 1872.
Along George Street, there are many mansions that can be found here according to the map and to be honest, I myself got confused which one was really mentioned in the map. So spare me if not all photos of the buildings in the map was not here as I am not able to capture them all.
1920s Post Office (No. 24 George Street)
Former post office built in 1920s and stands at 24 George Street. This building seems to be the youngest building that I am including in this post, even though this one is more than 80 years old.
Georgian Court (No. 21 George Street)
Built as apartment in 1860, currently the building becomes Georgian Court Bed & Breakfast. The building survived for more than 150 years now. Quite impressive historically. Another discovery for this building is, it was city base home of famous Australian operatic soprano named Dame Nellie Melba (Melba was pseudonym from Melbourne).
No 49 George Street
The building was once home of Melbourne’s first surveyor, Robert Russell in 1865.
Queen Bess Row (corner Simpson and Hotham Streets)
It’s a three four storey houses of red brick with sandstone dressings and the first fully developed example building built in the Queen Anne Revival style. The building initially became The East Melbourne Trained Nurses’ Home and private hospital from 1890 until 1894. Then, it become apartment – first apartment block in Melbourne.
In 1920’s, the building were known as the following: Rubra Flats (72), Angus McArthur’s boarding house (74), and Cregh Flats (76). In 1936 No. 74 was known as Tudor Guest House.
In 1989, the building stop as boarding house and were sold in three separate houses in 1990.
Dorset Terrace (No 114 – 120 Hotham Street)
Four terrace houses erected in 1883 with front doors unusually placed diagonally to the gates. This is notable terrace in the boom classical style.
Cairns Memorial Presbyterian Church
Presbyterian church built in 1895 but due to fire happened in 1988 where the shell of the building are the only remains, it was converted into luxury apartments.
Opera House – Opera Box Style Balcony (No 138 Powlett Street)
Because of opera-box style balcony, the building has been called as Opera House which was built in 1868.
Terrace House (No 130 Powlett Street)
Tuck-pointed terrace built in 1867 for Stephen Trythall, headmaster of Trinity Public School, corner Victoria Pde.& Hoddle St. – later National School.
Crathre House (No 118 Gipps Street)
The building was built in 1874 and has busy history over a century since then and along with it, the name Crathie became Crathre with no particular reason but due to confusion or misunderstanding.
1898-1902 – the Bungalow house function as family home at first, then become a lodging house
1902-1904 – Sir John Monash and his wife become residents of the house
1904-1914 – it become boarding and lodging house again.
1924-1933 – called as Crathie House Private Hospital
1933-1969 – the building become apartments
1969-1980 – it was intended to demolished but it provoked a storm of protest from the National Trust, the East Melbourne and residents where the campaign against it was successful
Nepean Terrace (No 128 – 132 Gipps Street)
A terrace of three two-storey houses in Regency style and built in 1863. While searching about the history of the building, there is one thing that caught my attention. One of the history owner of the residence was Frederick Baker, known professionally as Federici, singer by profession whom died in Princess Theatre in March 1888 after the stage act due to heart attack.
Townhouse (No 179 Gipps Street)
They described it as
“A fine two-storeyed house in the Italianate manner with delicate stucco detailing and well proportioned openings”
and was built in 1861. The building was the townhouse of Constance Stone, who became Australia’s first woman doctor in 1890.
Little Parndon (No 159 Gipps Street)
This building was built for the Austrian born, landscape painter, Eugene von Guerard in 1862 who was prominent artist and teacher in the late 1800s. Based from history, it is uncertain who named the house ‘Little Parndon’ but the name was in use by 1937. The original Little Parndon was a village in Essex, now incorporated in the town of Harlow.
No. 155 Gipps Street
This building built in 1863 and artist-author Norman Lindsay (who wrote The Magic Pudding) courted first wife Kate Parkinson in the 1890s.
Canterbury Terrace (No 82 – 112 Powlett Street)
A row of 16 terrace houses of five bays built in 1878, it is Melbourne’s longest terrace, with 16 homes. While reading its history, the one below got my interest.
“Local belief is that one of the houses held the lodgings of Brian Fitzgerald, the main character and early murder suspect in the best-selling book, Mystery of a Hansom Cab, written by Fergus Hume in 1886. The house is described only as being in Powlett Street near the Cairns Memorial Church.”
House (No. 85 Powlett Street)
It was home to Peter Lalor, who led miners in the Eureka Stockade uprising at Ballarat in 1854 and became Speaker in the Victorian Parliament, an interesting facts to learn.
The Gothic House (No. 157 Hotham Street)
An 1861 bluestone home dubbed The Gothic House. It was designed by architect Joseph Reed (who designed Melbourne Town Hall, State Library and Royal Exhibition Building) for deputy surveyor-general Clement Hodgkinson (who designed the Fitzroy and Treasury gardens).
Fairhall (No. 154 Hotham Street)
The house was built in 1860 and an elegant townhouse at the same year. One of the owner was William Robert Johnston, antique dealer and collector. He changed the name of the house to the more euphonious Fairhall. It is now now the home of The Johnston Collection.
Cyprus Terrace (No. 158 – 164 Hotham Street)
Built in 1867-68 and was designed to look like two grand houses but is actually four homes.
Bishopscourt
Bishopscourt is the official residence of the Anglican Archbishop of Melbourne. It is used as the residence for all of Melbourne’s Anglican diocesan bishops and archbishops. From 1874 to 1876, it was used as Victoria’s Government House.
Additional:
Below are the other buildings that I were able to capture some photos but not included in map. Here’s some information of it.
Mosspennoch (No 22-40 Clarendon Street)
The building become heritage building as the architect of this is the same who design Royal Arcade – Charles Webb (please see my post about Royal Arcade here).
Janet Terrace (92-96 Hotham Street)
Named after Janet Clarke, second wife of Sir William John Clarke. His father, ‘Big’ Clarke was allegedly the father of William Maloney. William Maloney was a medical doctor who became Australian Labor Party member of the Australian House of Representatives for 36 years.
Magnolia Court (No 101 Powlett Street)
A two storey, freestanding house with a modern extension to the southern side built in 1861. Now a boutique hotel.
It was Ormiston Ladies College. In the early 1900s, Magnolia Court was home to those involved in Melbourne’s theatre and the early days of the Australian Ballet.
In 1951 the property was re-named Magnolia Court after the impressive magnolia tree that once graced the front garden.
No 10-14 Powlett Street-Group
Three similar terrace type houses of 1886 with elaborate architectural treatment which includes a pedimented gablet in the balcony roof and ornamental iron brackets of unusual design.
Credits:
Historical research information are mostly came from East Melbourne Historical Society and Victorian Heritage Database
Notes:
1. Plan to visit East Melbourne or wanted to do the Melbourne – Elegant Enclave ?
Please visit Visitors Centre at Federation Square and pick the Elegant Enclave Walk or download the walking map tour here.2. The walk is free and can be done at your leisure time
3. Public Transportation Ticket – Use Myki (Melbourne Ticketing System), please check here for more details.
4. Directions
To Visitors Centre at Federation Square:
Using tram
Use tramTracker Apps or even just Google Maps (use directions) and there are tram routes available
Route: 1, 3/3a, 5, 6, 8, 16, 64, 67, 72 –> get off at Stop 13 – Flinders Street
Route 19, 59 –> get off at Stop 4 – Federation SquareUsing train
Ride from any station and get off at Flinders Street Station
To East Melbourne:
Using tram
From Townhall/Collins Street
Route: 112, 109 –> get off at Stop 16 – Wellington Street
Route: 48 –> get off at Stop 11 – Jolimont Station
From Swantons Street and Flinders Street
Route: 75 –> get off at Stop 11 – Jolimont StationUsing train
Take either South Morang Line or Hurstbridge Line and get off at Jolimont Station
Chromatic Outlook (Post#27) : No. 49 George Street
The building was once home of Melbourne’s first surveyor, Robert Russell in 1865. Photo is part of East Melbourne Historical Houses and Building Collection 2013.
Robert Rusell is an architect and surveyor, active in Australia. He conducted the first survey of the site of the nascent settlement of Melbourne on the banks of the Yarra River in 1836, and designed St James Old Cathedral, the oldest building remaining in central Melbourne (albeit not on its original site). He was also a prolific and talented artist and his work is held by major libraries and galleries in Australia.
Reference: Wikipedia
Structure (Post#6) : Cairns Memorial Presbyterian Church
Presbyterian church built in 1895 but due to fire happened in 1988 where the shell of the building are the only remains, it was converted into luxury apartments. Photo is part of East Melbourne Historical Houses and Building Collection 2013.
I can say that people who got a chance to study world history definitely knows the place named Hiroshima. Every time I encountered the name, two things that comes into my mind: first was World War II and second was the atomic bomb that dropped in the city. The world was rocked when US and its allied forces decided to drop the atomic bomb in Hiroshima and Nagasaki when Japan ignores the calls of Allied forces to surrender. As the Second World War reaches its final stages, the atomic bomb triggered the end of Japan emperialism.
I knew that the there’s always debate about the atomic bomb whether at that time it was right or not. While visiting Hiroshima, I read some historical archives that Japanese regrets what’s happened in Hiroshima but they also accepted or acknowledged that their government was also responsible for what had been happened because they recognized the impact that the decisions they made at that time. This is one of the character that I admired in Japan. I remembered that integrity is a key character that Japanese really cares for. That is why when they knew they made mistakes, they took responsibility by taking their lives just to preserve their honor and integrity (Harakiri).
When we got a chance to visit Hiroshima, I was curious what the city looks like after seven decades that had been passed after the atomic bomb was dropped in the city and its surrounding areas.
We spent an overnight in our hotel in Hiroshima downtown. In the morning we prepared early and we packed our stuff back again to our luggages and left it in the hotel and we picked it up again before took train to Kyoto.
Because we have few hours left in the city before our train schedule to Kyoto in the afternoon. We grabbed our chance to see a bit of Hiroshima. From morning until early afternoon, a city famous of its historical structures and ruins left by World War II and destructive atomic bomb that still standing as of today and to continue exploring the downtown by combining the city bus tour and walking tour.
From the hotel, we went to Hiroshima Station where the bus tour – Hiroshima Sightseeing Loop Bus (Hiroshima Meipuru~pu) in the city starts. There are two routes available to tour around the downtown of Hiroshima. The first route is Orange Route – Peace Memorial Park and Art Gallery and the second route is Green Route – Peace Memorial Park and Okonomi-mura. We got a chance to take both routes but we haven’t completed the overall route because of limited time we had. When we got the Japan Rail Pass, the Hiroshima Sightseeing Loop Bus is included, that was why when we were in Hiroshima, we used the pass to get the bus tour.
The following places we had a chance to see in the city were:
1. A-Bomb Dome
2. Hiroshima Peace Memorial Park
3. Hiroshima Castle
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
–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
–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
–Aeryeonji (pond) and Aeryeonjeong (pavillion)
–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.
–Soyoam Rock
–Soyojeong
–Taegeukjeong
–Cheongguijeong
–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.
–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
–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
–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.
–Daejojoen Vicinity
–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.
One of the country that I dream to visit is South Korea. Main reason, I fall in love with their history through historical drama that I watched. I am not used to watch all Korean dramas, but if its historical, I definitely going to watch it. I can say that I am somewhat familiar with their history though I am aware that probably not all things shown in the dramas are all correct but at least some of the facts can be search online, especially people if they are real or imaginary character. These historical drama were aired as well in my country, and some seen online. I can sense that there is good relationship between my country and South Korea. One of the sign of this good relationship is the continuous visitation of the Korean actors/actress/artists in my country to either promote their albums or films.
When I came from Australia after my recent project assignment last May, there is at least two weeks left before our flight to South Korea. I booked the flight a year ago, without assurance that I will be able to visit this country. It was 1 peso sale in Cebu Pacific (one of the major budget airline in the Philippines), base fare is 3 pesos, but in reality the total airfare is not just that amount, it’s more than that.
I booked three tickets and I planned to go together with my mother and my youngest sister. And in less than two weeks, we don’t have yet the visa since I cannot apply it a bit earlier since I am not around in my country until I returned from Australia. I worked with all the paper requirements for the application of our visa and the three of us visited South Korea embassy, 5 days after I arrived in Manila. And we waited for a week for the result of our visa application. Our visa were approved released just two days before the scheduled flight which is very tight. Until we received our passport and visa, that’s the only time we were sure that we are really going to South Korea. I already accepted before, that the hotel and flight booking will be forfeited if our visa application was not approved. And we were lucky that everything went smoothly.
It was Friday (June 6, 2014), my mom, my sister and I were waiting at NAIA (Ninoy Aquino International Airport), Terminal 3. At the time that we were boarding the plane, that made me realized that my dream will come true in a matter of few hours. I just thought about traveling South Korea, but never really planned it so well because of the concern regarding our visa. I am a citizen of the country with limited visa free entries to other countries. This is one of the main reason why my travel to other parts of the world are being limited.
After four hours of flight from Manila to Incheon, we finally arrived at Incheon International Airport. It was past 8 in the evening, we were not like other travelers that all things were arranged. The only thing we booked was our accommodation because we were not really sure if we will able to get a visa. After getting off the plane and passing the immigration area, I thought it still early, therefore, we tried to figure out how we were going to the hotel service apartment that I booked. After asking something at information center, we bought our transportation card called T-money card, this money card can only be topped up by cash (not sure if there is a way to top it online via credit card). We decided to take train to go to Seoul and the plan is to transfer to metro train in Seoul. After withdrawing some cash, we took the “All Stop Train” of AREX line (“Express Train” is the other type of train, which is non-stop, straight to Seoul but more expensive than the All Stop Train). We arrived at Seoul past 10:30 PM. Looking at the time, we hurriedly transferred to one of the Seoul Metro Subways which is Line 4 going to Oido. It’s past 11:30 PM, we got off at Chongshin University or Isu station, then we transferred to another line which is Line 7 going to Jangam. At this time, we never able to arrived at the right station where our hotel is just around because the train stopped its operation even before we reach the station we are intended to.
We stopped at Naebang station as the last stop which means the next train will be coming the next morning, 3 more stations to reached Non-hyeon where our hotel is almost near, we went out at Naebang station and tried to find a cab that will bring us in our accommodation for the next 9 days and it was past 12AM in the morning and we were still outside in a place that was foreign for us, quite adventure but risky as well. There are several cabs stopped but most of the driver rejected us, either they don’t understand the way I speak since I am asking them in English or they don’t really want us as their passenger. We waited until another cab stopped and agreed to drop us to the hotel. One disappointment on that situation was, the driver never helped us to fetch our luggage to put it in the trunk of the cab. While on our way to the hotel, the driver keep on checking and looking on the map and address that I have on my hand to make sure that he’s on the right track, I keep on talking to him in English but he usually smiled at me without other words to say, in that situation I understand that he does not really know how to speak English either.
At last we arrived at the hotel service apartment at Gangnam-gu and the name of the 4 star hotel is Inn the City Serviced Residence, Gangnam. The clerk at the lobby of the hotel accommodated us quickly, we went straight in our room after we got our key. My impression to our room is nice, it has two double bed and all the necessary appliances as expected were there. After few minutes of being familiar with the room, we knew it was really late like almost 2AM, we have a big day ahead of us for adventure and because of that we crawled in our bed and fallen asleep shortly.
I will tell stories of our adventures of each places that we visited in South Korea, most of the places were in Seoul and around Gyeonggi-do province. I enjoyed all of these places in our 8 days tours in this country, though I am aware there are more tourist destination to see and I promised myself that I will go back in this country.
Here are the places that we visited in South Korea.
1. Gyeongbokgung Palace (Seoul)
5. Hwaseong Haenggung (Suwon, Gyeonggi-do)
6. Hwaseong Fortress (Suwon, Gyeonggi-do)
7. Everland (Yongin, Gyeonggi-do)
8. Nami Island (Chuncheon, Gangwon-do)
9. Petite France (Gapyeong, Gyeonggi-do)
10. Changdeokgung Palace (Seoul)
11. Changgyeonggung Palace (Seoul)
12. DMZ – Demilitarized Zone (Yeoncheon County, Gyeonggi-do)
13. Seoul and Beyond – Random Moments
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