Miniature Replica of the Wanggung-ri Site

As you can see, there is an elaborate miniature replica of the Wanggung-ri site at the center of this exhibition hall. The actual archaeological site is twenty times larger than a soccer field. So take a look at the miniature replica, and you will understand the general layout of the Baekje royal palace when you visit the actual site.

There are three entrance gates on the front part of the replica, and traces of a large building behind the central entrance. Historians believe that these architectural remains are related with the main building of the Baekje royal palace.

You can easily spot a five-story stone pagoda standing behind the remains of the main palace building, which is now regarded as the landmark of the entire historical site. A pagoda is a crucial architectural element of Korean Buddhist temples. This particular pagoda, therefore, reveals that there was once a Buddhist temple on the site, though it was probably built after the collapse of the palace.

The palace site contains the ruins of a carefully landscaped garden. The front section contained facilities related with the king's official activities, whereas the rear section was reserved exclusively for his private family life.

Why don't we now take a look at the boundaries of the site? They form a rectangular shape, with walls built to protect the palace, and gates to connect the palace with the outside in all four directions. Similarly, most buildings were rectangular and laid out in a proportional relationship.

Among the most important discoveries made at the site are the remains of a large public toilet located in the northwestern part of the palace. Because experts regarded the discovery as extremely significant, the museum displays a separate exhibition focusing entirely on this public toilet. So, let's move on and learn more about Korea's early toilet culture.