Yeonghwadang Hall is located east of Buyongji Pond. The signboard of the hall is known to have been written by King Yeongjo. It is the oldest building in the Buyongjeong Pavilion Area that was first built during the reign of King Gwanghaegun. The current building was restored during the reign of King Sukjong.
In front of the hall, there was originally a large courtyard called Chundangdae. It served as a place for the king to shoot arrows and hold banquets. Also, it used to be the examination venue for the “Chundang Daesi”, a special exam in the Joseon Dynasty. The king would come to the square and announce the questions himself.
The most frequently held archery event at Yeonghwadang Hall was King Yeongjo. A large awning is set on the eastern eaves towards the Chundangdae by hanging it on the tall bamboo branches. The king’s seat was in front of the hall, and the officials sat on the stone staircases.
Picture the Yeonghwadang Hall as the setting for a number of different events, attended by people who appreciated both the event and the stunning surrounding area. Let's take a moment to appreciate this stunning panorama before we move on.