Donggungjeon (East Palace)

Now let’s take a look around the reproduction of Donggungjeon, which was the center of the kingdom’s administration. Baekje is known to have had twenty-two administrative ministries. Approximately 1,500 years ago, the kingdom had already established a number of different administrative divisions, each one specializing in the control of a particular branch of government such as finance, religion, law, defense, diplomacy and education.

Baekje also convened a council composed exclusively of noblemen each time there was a need to discuss government affairs or elect a new prime minister. Since the council was held near Jeongsa Rock in a temple close to Sabi Castle, it was known as the Jeongsa Rock Council. The gathering of noblemen would decide matters by a majority vote system. This systematic administration organization and political institution helped Baekje grow into the dominant kingdom on the Korean Peninsula.

If we now leave the palace and walk to the right, you will see the famous Five-story Wooden Pagoda, the pride of Baekje Cultural Land. Shall we go?