When you're on a packaged tour, you're at the mercy of the tour guide who wants to stick to the given itinerary. So, when I was in Jeonju in 2003, I was dismayed to find that no time was given for even a quick peek at National Treasure No 308. Hence, this posting is to make up for what I missed in this city, the birthplace of the Joseon Dynasty.
Pungnammun, the symbol for Jeonju, can be found in the southern part of the city. It is the only remaining gate from the original four that were part of the city walls built during the Joseon Dynasty(1768). Partially destroyed during the Japanese invasions (1592-1598), Pungnam- mun ( gate) was finally reconstructed in 1978.
Take time to admire the double pavilion structure with its eight-layered roof. There are four old pillars on the first floor which continue up as pillars for the second level. Apparently this is an unusual characteristic for Korean gate pavilions. Decorative carvings, such as the heads of dragons, here are typical of the late Joseon period.
Pungnammun may be even more attractive at night if you're lucky enough to see it lit up like this!
sources:
http://www.knto.or.kr/cms/resource/71/167071_image2_1.jpg
http://www.knto.or.kr/enu/SI/SI_EN_3_1_1_1.jsp?cid=264412&nearBy=tran&
