sabi palace

I finally got to visit Sabi Palace that was recently constructed. It was indeed an impressive site. Nevertheless, being the critic I am, two things bothered me. First, the palace was not built on the original site and secondly, it felt more like visiting an amusement park rather than a site from the past. The first problem I can overlook because it really doesn't matter, except to the few zealous historians and archaeologists. I did have issues with the second. Once inside, there are speakers blasting 'traditional Korean music' and large plasma televisions inside the buildings playing history lessons. Of course those who build these things have to consider the monetary returns or else they would go bankrupt. I can understand that. But I think they were only thinking of the returns. I personally don't think they should have built the palace. Instead, they should have rebuilt the long-gone Buddhist structures that we know existed during the Baekje Kingdom (e.g. Mireuksa) and actually have them function as places of worship. Like other temples in Korea, these sites could reach a point where they would be self-sustaining.

Still, it is better than having nothing at all and I would recommend this place to anyone interested in early Korean history. There is a museum next door where you can learn a bit about the early connection between the Baekje Kingdom and early Asuka Japan.

In the background, one can see Neung Temple and its pagoda. Unfortunately, it is not used as a place of worship but is just a small part of the entire complex.

This is suppose to be a replica of Wirye Fortress, the very first fortress that was located in Seoul. It is interesting to see that the tiled and gabled roofs have not yet become a part of Baekje architecture.