Page 75 - Buyer_Reception

Sightseeing: Gyeongbok Palace 관광지 안내: 경복궁 Lesson12
Dialog

Kim Okay, here we are at Gyeongbok Palace.
Brown It's quite an imposing collection of buildings. Everything certainly looks
very well kept.
Kim Well, it all has been in recent times. The palace was started during
the reign of King Taejo, and was completed after many years. It was
once badly damaged by the Japanese when they invaded Korea in the
1500's, 1592 to be exact. It was only in 1865 when we began to restore
it.
Brown It's hard to believe it was damaged at one time from how it looks now.
Who's King Taejo, by the way?
Kim He was the founder of the Chosun Dynasty, so he was its first king.
Shall we go inside now?

Kim This structure right in front of us is called Geunjeongjeon.
Brown It's a very impressive size.
Kim Yes, it is. This is where kings held meetings about national affairs, and
welcomed visitors from other countries.
Brown The structure does have a regal appearance. Very kingly, I would say.
Kim You think so? There's a pleasant surprise nearby, too─a very
picturesque little manmade pond.
Brown Oh, really?
Kim Yes. The pond area is also the location of our famous Geonghoeru.
Why don't we take a stroll over there?
Kim This is the pavilion called Gyeonghoeru, and it's the biggest of its kind
in Korea. The name means "Pavilion of Joyous Meeting."
Brown The name seems to tell that it was used for special occasions.
Kim Yes, that's right. It was used to host royal banquets.
Brown I've learned many new things today. Thank you for giving me the
chance to visit here.
Kim You're more than welcome. I'm very happy to have a chance to share a
little knowledge about my country.

Comprehention Question

1. What does Mr. Brown think of Gyeongbok Palace?
2. What was Geungjeongjeon used for?

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