Bigak Pavilion (Seoul)

 place with historical importance, historic landmark

Bigak is a pavilion built in 1902 to house the Monument to Commemorate the 40th Anniversary of Emperor Gojong’s Coronation (Ginyeombijeon) and his 50th birthday, as well as the founding in 1897 of the Korean Empire.

The inscription on the monument reads that it was erected to commemorate the 40th anniversary of Gojong’s enthronement, his entry into Giroso, the change of the country\'s name to Great Han Empire, and his use of the title ’Hwangje’ which means Emperor. On the front of the monument, which is sitting on top of a stone turtle base, the letters reading ’Daehan Jeguk Dae Hwangje Boryeong Mangyuksun Eogeuk Sasimnyeon Chinggyeong Ginyeombi’ are engraved. King Sunjong, who was Crown Prince at that time, composed the inscription.

To protect the monument, a square pavilion was built and the ’Ginyeombijeon’ tablet was placed inside. The building is reminiscent of the traditional architectural style that disappeared in the early 20th century. To the south are some stone columns and a rainbow shaped gate on which ”Mansemun\" (Hope Gate) is inscribed.

In 1954, the pavilion was restored along with the Mansemun Gate and the fence. In 1979, the monument and pavilion were again restored.

Historic Site #171