A raised corridor connects Jangandang (장안당) on the left to Gonnyeonghap (곤녕합) on the right, in the Geoncheonggung (건청궁) residence of Gyeongbokgung (경복궁) Palace, Seoul (서울), South Korea (대한민국).
The buildings were built on raised platforms due to the underfloor Ondol (온돌) heating system, which was used to circulate smoke under the floors to keep them warm in winter.
Jangandang and Gonnyeonghap were built in 1873 by the last King of the Joseon dynasty, King Gojong. Jangandang (장안당; 長安堂) was used as the King's residence, while Gonnyeonghap (곤녕합; 坤寧閤) was used as the queen's residence. It was in Gonnyeonghap, in 1895, when Gojong's wife, Empress Myeongsong, was assassinated by Japanese agents. After this event Emperor Gojong left the palace, and Geoncheonggung was dismantled by the Japanese in 1909.
The current buildings were reconstructed in 2007, as part of the Korean government's plan to rebuild the structures that were destroyed during the Japanese occupation of Korea.
NEFs converted in Capture NX 2
EV-1 and EV0 images blended in Photoshop CS4
Topaz Detail 2 with 'Creative Accent' preset applied in Photoshop CS4
Curves adjustment applied to increase contrast in Photoshop CS4