Ryongwang Pavilion
There
are many cultural relics in Pyongyang with a long history, like Taedong
Gate, Ulmil Pavilion, Pubyok Pavilion and Pyongyang Bell.
One
of them is the Ryongwang Pavilion that was built in the mid-6th century
during the period of Koguryo (277 BC – AD 668), the first feudal state
in Korea. At that time it served as an eastern military commanding post
in the inner walls of the Pyongyang Fort.
The present pavilion was rebuilt in 1670 when the Ri Dynasty existed (1392-1910).
The
two structures and their gabled roofs are distributed a bit slantwise,
demonstrating excellent architecture of the Korean nation.
Colourful
paintings and design patterns that decorate the beams draw the
admiration of the people. The pavilion built on a rock protruding
towards the Taedong River and the cliff beside it blends well with the
surrounding environment.
Well
known as one of the eight scenic spots in western Korea for its unique
architectural beauty and scenic landscape, the Ryongwang Pavilion was
also called Sansujong, Jeilrudae and Manhwaru.
The
bird’s-eye view that the pavilion commands is so beautiful that in the
period of the Ri Dynasty a foreign envoy from a neighbouring country
wrote, the most beautiful place in the world. The board of the calligraphic letters is fixed to the beam of the pavilion.
It
is also associated with the patriotic struggle of the Korean people who
defeated the foreign aggressors. It is told that Kim Ung So and Kye Wol
Hyang killed a Japanese general at this pavilion in the days of the
Imjin Patriotic War (1592–1598).
During
the Fatherland Liberation War (June 1950–July 1953) the pavilion was
severely damaged by the atrocious bombings of the US aggressors but
restored to its original state after the war. It is now preserved as the
valuable cultural asset of the Korean nation and frequented by the
Pyongyang citizens for recreation.