Bosingak, Bell pavilion in Jongno District, South Korea
Bosingak is a bell pavilion in Jongno District that houses a three-meter bronze bell weighing approximately 20 tons. The structure sits at a central location on Jongno Street and serves as a landmark in Seoul's historic downtown area.
The pavilion was built in 1396 during the Joseon Dynasty and originally contained a bell that signaled gate operations throughout the day. The original bell, cast in 1468, was eventually transferred to Korea's National Museum as a historical artifact.
The bell's design reflects traditional Korean cosmology through its three sections: heaven above, humanity in the middle, and earth at the base. These layers represent ideas about the natural order that remain visible in the pavilion today.
The pavilion sits next to Jonggak Station on Subway Line 1, making it easy to reach by public transit. Most days the site is open and features wheelchair-accessible facilities for all visitors.
The pavilion springs to life each New Year when a replica bell rings in front of crowds celebrating the start of the new year. This annual moment has become a significant gathering where locals and visitors mark the occasion together.
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