The Cultural Heritage Administration (CHA) announced that the Joseon-era ritual stage in front of Gwanghwamun, which was damaged during the Japanese colonial period from 1910-1945, will be restored by October.
During the Joseon Kingdom from 1392 to 1910, the kings used a terrace called “Woldae” to perform public rituals and ceremonies. The Woldae in front of Gwanghwamun was damaged due to road construction and streetcar track laying during the 35-year Japanese occupation.
The reconstruction of the Woldae, a public ritual terrace used by kings during the Joseon Kingdom, began in 1865 and was completed in 1868, according to “The Daily Record of the Construction of Gyeongbokgung Palace.” It is unclear if the Woldae existed before the Imjin War (1592-98) during the early Joseon period, as per CHA officials.
In its original state, the Woldae had a length of 48.7 meters from north to south and a width of 29.7 meters from west to east, according to historical records.
The Woldae had stone rails on its left and right sides, and a path that only the king could use was situated in the center. It also had stairs and slopes to the south. The path was seven meters wide and surrounded by a stone rail to add to its grandeur. It was connected to Gwanghwamun, which is the main gate of Gyeongbok Palace.
The government has decided to restore the Joseon-era ritual stage by October to maintain the historical significance of the site. The Gwanghwamun of the Gyeongbok Palace was constructed in 1866 by Heungseon Daewongun during the reconstruction of the palace.
