Korean Landmarks: A visual tour of heritage sites from the Silla and Joseon Dynasties

EXPLORING KOREA: Stories from Milwaukee to the DMZ and across a divided Peninsula. This special series explores historical sites and cultural traditions from across the Korean Peninsula, building a bridge back to the search for identity in Milwaukee. From the occupation of Korea at the end of World War II, to Korean War veterans in Milwaukee, veterans from Milwaukee who served in later years at the DMZ, adopted South Korean children who grew up in Milwaukee, different waves of the South Korean diaspora who moved to Milwaukee to raise their families, and even a defector from North Korea, their stories share generations of Korean and American experiences. https://mkeind.com/koreanstories

The Republic of Korea, known for its modern advancements in technology and popular culture, is equally celebrated for its deep-rooted heritage and rich historical sites that date back millennia.

The capital city of Seoul serves as the epicenter of a cultural intersection, where traditional Korean values and contemporary progress blend together. From bustling marketplaces to ancient palaces, the city tells the story of a nation that cherishes its past while racing toward the future.

Across the country, Korean heritage is a source of national pride, deeply significant to both its people and the global community. Cultural sites are not just remnants of a bygone era, or limited to Seoul. They continue to live on and stretch across the country, each cherished by the people of South Korea as symbols of their past, unity, and cultural foundation.

This photo essay focuses on some of the most iconic cultural sites in South Korea. Along with a visual exploration, short summaries are included for context about their historical significance for Korean heritage and the world.

Deoksugung Palace (덕수궁)

One of the “Five Grand Palaces” built during the Joseon Dynasty, Deoksugung Palace stands out for its blend of traditional Korean architecture and Western influences. Originally a residence for the royal family, it became a palace during the Japanese occupation in the early 20th century. The site is known for its stone-wall road and Seokjojeon, a neoclassical building that was added to the complex in the early 1900s.

What makes Deoksugung special is its symbolic representation of Korea’s tumultuous history during the late Joseon Dynasty and its forced opening to Western powers. Despite foreign influence, Deoksugung remains a monument to Korea’s independent spirit.

The changing of the royal guard ceremony that takes place in front of the palace each day is a reminder of the continuity of Korea’s royal traditions. Deoksugung stands as a reminder of Korea’s rich royal history and capacity to adapt and endure foreign pressures while maintaining a distinct cultural identity.

Gyeongbokgung Palace (경복궁)

Located against the majestic backdrop of Bugaksan Mountain, Gyeongbokgung Palace is not only the largest of the “Five Grand Palaces” built during the Joseon Dynasty (1392–1897) but also the most historically significant. Completed in 1395, three years after the Joseon Dynasty was established, the palace was the royal residence and the heart of government for centuries. It is an architectural masterpiece that symbolizes the era’s philosophy of governance, Confucian ideals, and reverence for nature. The name Gyeongbokgung means “Palace Greatly Blessed by Heaven.”

It was designed to embody both grandeur and harmony with the natural landscape, integrating the surrounding mountains and rivers into its architectural layout. The design reflects Korean geomancy or Pungsu-jiri, similar to the Chinese practice of feng shui which emphasizes balance between human-made structures and the natural environment.

Despite its beauty, Gyeongbokgung also bears the scars of Korea’s turbulent history. During the Japanese occupation of Korea (1910–1945), much of the palace was destroyed, and only about a third of its original structures remain today. However, the palace’s ongoing restoration, which began in the late 20th century, is an example of the country’s dedication to preserving its cultural identity.

Namsangol Hanok Village (남산골 한옥마을)

While Gyeongbokgung highlights Korea’s royal and political past, Namsangol Hanok Village offers an intimate glimpse into the everyday life of Koreans during the Joseon era. Located at the foot of Namsan Mountain in central Seoul, Namsangol Hanok Village features restored traditional Korean homes known as hanok, which exemplify the architecture and lifestyle of the aristocracy and common people from the 14th to the early 20th centuries.

Hanok are characterized by their elegant simplicity and functionality, designed to harmonize with nature. The structures incorporate ondol, a traditional Korean underfloor heating system, and utilize natural materials such as wood, stone, and clay. Each hanok in the village showcases different elements of daily life, from ceremonial spaces to the rooms where families dined and rested.

For many South Koreans, Namsangol Hanok Village represents a living connection to the way of life of their ancestors. It is a place where traditional crafts, performances, and cultural practices like tea ceremonies are regularly demonstrated. These activities help preserve age-old customs in an era of digitalization and globalization, serving as a cultural bridge between the past and the present.

Gyeongju Gyochon Traditional Village (경주 교촌한옥마을)

The Gyeongju Gyochon Traditional Village offers a unique chance to experience what life was like during the Silla Dynasty. Gyeongju, once the capital of the Silla Kingdom, is a living museum of Korean history, and the Gyochon Village features traditional hanok alongside crafts workshops where visitors can learn about Korean calligraphy, pottery, and traditional tea ceremonies. The village is not just a recreation, it is an active community where locals continue to live and practice traditions that have been passed down through generations.

Hwaseong Haenggung Palace (화성행궁)

Located in Suwon, just south of Seoul, Hwaseong Haenggung Palace was built during the reign of King Jeongjo in the late 18th century as a retreat and military base. What makes Hwaseong remarkable is its architecture, integrating military defense structures into its design, an innovation during its time. The palace is part of the Hwaseong Fortress, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and reflects the strategic and aesthetic advancements of late Joseon Korea.

Bulguksa Temple (불국사)

Located in Gyeongju, Bulguksa Temple is one of South Korea’s most famous cultural landmarks. Built during the Silla Dynasty in 528 AD, it remains an important site for Korean Buddhism and is home to several national treasures, including two stone pagodas: Dabotap and Seokgatap. The temple is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and represents the pinnacle of Buddhist architecture and art in Korea.

The temple’s harmonious blend with the surrounding nature represents the Korean philosophy of han, which emphasizes the interconnectedness of all things. Bulguksa’s architectural layout is a physical representation of the Buddhist journey towards enlightenment, with each structure symbolizing different stages of spiritual development.

The Meaning of Korean Heritage (한국 문화유산)

For South Koreans, heritage is more than just a series of landmarks or historic artifacts. It is a living, breathing part of their identity. In preserving these cultural sites, South Korea not only protects its history but also ensures that future generations, both Korean and foreign, can engage with the values and traditions that shaped the nation. In a rapidly evolving world, these landmarks stand as timeless reminders of the cultural wealth that lies at the heart of South Korea.