Layers of Meaning: Symbolism and Social Order in Korea’s Built Environment

Today we visited Changdeokgung Palace, which is known for how well it blends with the natural landscape. Located with mountains behind it to the north, the palace includes a Secret Garden that was designed to offer peace and reflection in harmony with nature. What stood out to me the most was how the architecture didn’t try to dominate its surroundings, but instead seemed to borrow from them in a really thoughtful way.

As we entered through the main gate, I noticed the center of the path was slightly raised. I later found out that this elevated section was designed specifically for the king. In traditional Confucian society, the king was not supposed to walk on the same level as others. Being physically above everyone else symbolized his high status and divine role as a ruler. This small architectural detail carried a huge amount of cultural meaning.

When we got to the king’s throne room, his seat was placed on an elevated platform, continuing the theme of hierarchy. Behind the throne was a painting filled with nature imagery like mountains, the sun, and the moon. These elements are often used to represent eternal life and balance, and the painting was meant to promote the idea of a long and stable reign. I also learned that color was used very intentionally in the palace. Bright, decorative colors were only allowed in areas connected to the king or religious temples. Everyday buildings or spaces meant for common use were kept much simpler, reinforcing the divide between different social classes.

One of my favorite details was the buildings that extend slightly into the water, supported by just two legs or pillars. This approach reflects a philosophy of engaging with nature without damaging it. The structures allow people to experience nature up close while still showing respect for it. It really shows how traditional Korean architecture values harmony over control.

It was also interesting to learn that the king valued poetry and literature. He would sometimes host gatherings where he and his guests would drink and write poetry together. This showed that intellectual and artistic pursuits were considered important enough to influence how spaces were used and designed. Even though the palace was clearly grand and meant to impress, it still flowed gently with the natural surroundings and reflected the personal interests of its royal inhabitants.

Later in the evening, we attended a lecture by Dr. Hur, who is leading our trip, and Dr. Jeongwon Son. Dr. Hur talked about the affordable housing crisis, focusing on how important it is to identify the core of the problem. She explained that educating people and spreading awareness are essential steps toward solving it. What really stuck with me was the idea that architecture and planning are not just about design, but also about responsibility and equity.

Dr. Jeongwon Son gave a talk about how culture is constantly changing. He wanted to define what makes East Asian culture unique throughout history and concluded that a defining trait is how fast-paced the society is. That made me think a lot about how this pace impacts architecture. In a society that moves quickly, buildings are often constructed rapidly to meet demand, which can sometimes conflict with cultural traditions or long-term planning. Still, there seems to be an ongoing effort in Korea to balance speed with meaning.

After the lecture, we had dinner with students from the University of Seoul. It was so interesting to hear about their experiences in school and how the fields of urban planning and architecture are viewed in Korea. We talked about differences in coursework, expectations, and how students here think about the role of architecture in society. It gave me a lot to think about in terms of my own path and what I want to take away from this trip.

I can’t believe my time in Korea is almost over. I’m genuinely sad to leave. I’ve really enjoyed the food, especially how meals are shared among the group, and I’ve loved exploring all the different cultural elements that shape architecture here. From palaces to city planning, I’ve seen how deeply cultural values are reflected in the built environment. These two weeks have gone by so fast, but I’ve learned more than I expected in such a short time.

This trip has changed the way I think about architecture, not just as physical structures, but as reflections of belief systems, history, and social values.