Hyangwonjeong, Pavilion in Jongno District, South Korea
Hyangwonjeong is a hexagonal wooden pavilion standing on an artificial island within a lotus pond at Gyeongbokgung Palace. The structure features traditional architectural details and sits surrounded by water and aquatic plants that create a serene setting.
The pavilion was built between 1867 and 1873 during King Gojong's reign as a private retreat for the royal family of the Joseon Dynasty. Its construction occurred during a transformative period for Korean society and royal life.
The name means 'Pavilion of Far-reaching Fragrance', representing how Korean design seeks balance between buildings and the natural world around them.
Visitors reach the pavilion by crossing the Chwihyanggyo bridge, with access included in general palace admission. The site is best viewed during daylight hours when the surrounding lotus pond is most visible and the structure casts interesting shadows.
Excavations revealed an unusual ondol heating system along the pavilion's hexagonal edges, a feature that sets it apart from other traditional structures of its time. This sophisticated system allowed the space to remain warm during cold months.
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