NHA_Korean Gwanghwamun and Woldae&Haetae

National Heritage Administration (NHA)

Gyeongbokgung Palace 경복궁

Gwanghwamun 광화문 [景福宮 光化門]

In 1395 (the 4th year of King Taejo’s reign), the palace was built to create Gyeongbokgung Palace. It was destroyed during the Japanese Invasion of Korea in 1592 (25th year of King Seonjo's reign), and Gwanghwamun was also built with the reconstruction of Gyeongbokgung Palace in 1865 (2nd year of King Gojong's reign).

During the Japanese colonial period, when the Joseon Government-General building was built in the Heungnyemun area of ​​Gyeongbokgung Palace, it was moved to the north of Geonchunmun Gate, the eastern gate of Gyeongbokgung Palace. It was blown up by bombing during the Korean War and the entire gate tower was destroyed.

Gwanghwamun, built of concrete, was demolished in 2006, and in 2010, Gwanghwamun was restored to its original location as it was when it was rebuilt during the reign of King Gojong.

Woldae 월대 [月臺]

It was created by Heungseon Daewongun of the Joseon Dynasty to raise the status of Gwanghwamun, the main gate, while rebuilding Gyeongbokgung Palace, which had remained in ruins for 270 years after the Japanese invasions of Korea. Here, ‘woldae’ refers to a wide platform built higher than the foundation to enhance the quality of major buildings such as the main hall of a palace.

Haetae 해태상 [獬豸]

An imaginary animal that can judge right and wrong and good and evil. Haitai

It was considered a divine beast that warded off fires and disasters and was sometimes decorated in buildings such as palaces. It is placed in front of Gwanghwamun. It is presumed that this contains prayers for the fair and well-being of the king who takes care of government affairs within the palace.