Gwanghwamun Gate

[Eunuch Officer Kim]
Welcome to Gwanghwamun Gate, where the king's great virtue shines across the country. Gwanghwamun Gate, the main gate to the south of Gyeongbokgung Palace, serves as a symbolic gate for the royal family of the Joseon Dynasty. During the Joseon Dynasty, there was Gyeongbokgung Palace on the inside of the gate, while the area of Hanseong City Administration (the department that now serves as Seoul City Hall), commonly referred to the 'Street of Six Ministries' as well as Jongno Street where the people lead their lives, were on the outside. Gwanghwamun Gate, which is in the center of everyone's passage, also served as a reminder of the time and the news by hanging a bell and a drum in the upper section.

[Lady Officer Kim]
"It's like the pair of Haechi (Haetae or mythical lion) at the gate are saying 'I defend justice!' with their stern stare.

[Eunuch Officer Kim]
"It is, isn't it? You may feel that because they were erected to denote that these Haechi are watching over the officials in the Street of Six Ministries and the king to conduct administrative affairs in a righteous manner.

[Lady Officer Kim]
"It's reassuring to have Haechi at both sides! Wow, Lord Kim! It's my first time to pass through this gate! There's a phoenix drawn on the ceiling!"

[Eunuch Officer Kim]
"How wonderful! Originally, Gwanghwamun Gate was used by envoys from China and the royal families for their official visits. I have passed through the side gates many times before, but this is also my first time to enter through the central gate. It feels amazing! For your reference, the left gate has Nakguibuseo, or the painting of a tortoise, and the right door has Hamabuseo, or the painting of a horse.

[Lady Officer Kim]
"We had to go to a lot of trouble to move Gwanghwamun Gate back here in 2010, so of course we have to dress it up nicely! Gwanghwamun Gate was pushed back on the priority list by the Japanese Government-General of Korea during the Japanese occupation, and having moved near the Geonchunmun Gate, it was bombed out during the Korean War. It was restored in 1968, but it wasn't until the Joseon Governor-General's building, called the Capitol building, was removed in the 1990s that it was returned to its original location.

[Eunuch Officer Kim]
"So during the restoration, 7 roof tiles with symbols (ten objects symbolizing immortality) were correctly placed on the hip! And the aesthetic elements that blend with the ridges of Bugaksan Mountain in the back were revived just right! Whether long ago or today, everyone probably knows how overwhelming it feels to have Gwanghwamun Gate here!

[Lady Officer Kim]
Wow, we finally agree on something! Well then, let's buy a ticket and begin our journey towards the Royal Court!