When you pass through the Geunjeongmun Gate, Jojeong will be the first to come into sight, which is a broad yard along the hall. It is a place where important state ceremonies in Joseon were held, such as coronations, king’s weddings, official morning assemblies, and welcoming ceremonies for foreign envoys.

Johoe was a morning ceremonial assembly that was held four times a month. The king and all the civil and military officials were required to attend. Everyone had their own place to stand or sit, which was strictly regulated. The king sat in the Geunjeongjeon Hall while the historiographers and the three high stated councilors, referring to the Chief, Left, and Right State Councilors, stood inside the hall or on the platform outside the hall. Below the platform, there are stones indicating the rank of officials in Chinese characters from Geunjeongjeon Hall to Geunjeongmun Gate. All the officials had to stand next to the stone according to their ranks, starting from the highest to the lowest.

Besides, we can see the ancient wisdom in the floor design. The floor is covered with rough-surfaced granite, which is cut into different sizes. The stones are called Bakseok, which reflects sunlight diversely to prevent the dazzling sunlight on sunny days and allows people to walk carefully to prevent any imprudent behavior in front of the king. Also, there is a slight slope from the hall to the ranking stones. This allows the hall to stand on the highest place to avoid flooding, and the rainwater flows out smoothly from the stone gaps on a rainy day. The rings used to tie the sunshade still remained in front of the court.

After exploring the Jojeong in front of the hall, shall we move on to look at the Woldae (the platform)?