Half day Tour in Seoul #01_Confucianism and Buddhism

about this course: If you only have 4 hours, I highly recommend a tour of Gyeongbokgung Palace and Jogyesa Temple. Gyeongbokgung Palace and Jogyesa Temple are iconic landmarks representing Confucianism and Buddhism, which have had a significant impact on the spiritual world of Koreans. Gyeongbokgung Palace offers free guided tours. It is advisable to check in advance and plan your schedule accordingly.

Recommended itinerary: National Museum of Korean History Observatory on the 8th floor > Gyeongbokgung Palace > Jogyesa Temple or Jogyesa Temple > National Museum of Korean History Observatory on the 8th floor > Gyeongbokgung Palace. You can follow this sequence to make the most of your time.

Gyeongbokgung- Confusianism

Just as the spiritual origins of Europe are closely tied to Christianity, the spiritual foundation of Koreans is deeply rooted in Confucianism. The establishment of the Joseon Dynasty in 1392 has had a profound impact on the current identity of Koreans. It is not an exaggeration to say that virtually all Koreans adhere to Confucian beliefs. Despite the significant modernization of Korean society, Confucian values remain strong, particularly in interpersonal relationships. The two most revered figures in Korea are from the Joseon era, and individuals depicted on Korean coins and banknotes all hail from that period.

Joseon was a highly centralized society, with the king at its pinnacle. The palaces in Seoul, where the king resided, numbered as many as five, with Changdeokgung historically being the most valuable. Originally, Gyeongbokgung was the main palace, and Changdeokgung served as the secondary one. However, due to the Imjin War in 1592, all palaces in Seoul were consumed by fire. Due to budget constraints, only Changdeokgung was restored, while Gyeongbokgung remained in ruins for an extended period.

During a time of weakening royal authority, King Gojong's father, Heungseon Daewongun, sought to restore the diminished royal prestige and reconstructed Gyeongbokgung in the late 1800s. However, the reconstructed Gyeongbokgung also suffered significant damage during the Japanese colonial period. While it has been extensively restored today, returning it to its original state would require a considerable amount of time. Gyeongbokgung hosts various events for tourists, and if timed correctly, visitors can witness the changing of the guard at the main gate.

Jogyesa-Budddhism

Buddhism has been the religion of the people for approximately 1,500 years. Before the Joseon era, it was the state religion during the Goguryeo, Baekje, Silla, Unified Silla, and Goryeo periods. Presently, about 20% of Koreans believe in Buddhism. Due to severe suppression during the Joseon era, Buddhist temples were not allowed in the central part of Seoul. The entrance of Buddhist temples into the central area occurred after the fall of the Joseon Dynasty.

Korean Buddhist temples differ significantly from those in Southeast Asia and also markedly differ from temples in China and Japan, which share the same cultural sphere. Much like the depictions of Jesus or saints in European churches, the main hall of Jogyesa Temple in Korea features depictions of the life of Buddha. If one is fortunate, they can directly observe Buddhist rituals taking place within the temple.

If you need a guided tour, please refer to here https://www.airbnb.co.kr/experiences/4467650