Consider this: Gwangmyeongmun Gate is not just an entrance but a time capsule holding echoes of Korea’s past. This gate before you has a unique story. It’s a tale of relocation, repurposing, and the preservation of national treasures.
Originally, Gwangmyeongmun Gate was the south gate of Hamnyeongjeon Hall. Hamnyeongjeon Hall was where the king resided. But this was before 1938. During the Japanese occupation, the gate was moved. It was shifted to its current location near Seokjojeon Hall. This move transformed Gwangmyeongmun Gate into an exhibition space.
Today, Gwangmyeongmun Gate houses remarkable artifacts. Inside, you’ll discover an early Joseon-Dynasty bell. There is also a singijeon rocket launcher from around 1377. Parts of a water clock are displayed here as well.
Let’s start with the singijeon. This weapon was invented by Choe Museon in the late Goryeo Dynasty. That was around 1377. It’s essentially an iron-tipped bamboo arrow. A paper-gunpowder rocket is attached to its rear. When lit, the rocket launches. The small singijeon had a firing range of about 100 meters. The one you see is a reproduction. But it is accurate because blueprints from that time exist.
Next is the Heungcheonsa Bell. King Taejo, founder of the Joseon Dynasty, established Heungcheonsa Temple in 1397. It was to pray for Queen Sindeok’s soul. The Heungcheonsa Bell was installed in 1462. The temple burned down in 1510. The bell then moved to Gwanghwamun of Gyeongbokgung Palace in 1747. It then went to Changgyeonggung Palace. Finally, it arrived here. The bell features an inscription mentioning royal donors. Its hook is shaped like an elaborately coiled dragon. Like most East Asian bells, this one is clapperless. To ring it, you would strike its side with a pole.
Finally, there’s the Borugak Jagyeongnu water clock. It’s classified as National Treasure No. 229. This is the original instrument. Only three water bowls and two cylindrical water containers remain. The cylindrical vessels are decorated with climbing dragons. The clepsydra was made in 1536. Water poured into the largest vessel flowed into smaller vessels. These then flowed into long water tanks. As the water level rose, a floating rod triggered a lever. This caused a ball to roll and strike another ball. That triggered a gong, bell, drum, and even a wooden puppet. These marked the hour with a placard.
Gwangmyeongmun Gate stands as a testament to Korean ingenuity. It also reflects resilience amid historical upheaval. Take a moment to appreciate the treasures it holds. They connect us to a vibrant and complex past.