Some three dozen foreign envoys and their families were treated to a traditional Korean dinner and a moonlight promenade at Changdeok Palace by Choe Kwan-shik, the minister of Culture, Sports and Tourism, on Wednesday to celebrate Korea’s National Foundation Day.

“The palace is usually closed at night, so this visit is a very special experience,” said Bang Sun-gyu, director-general of the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism. “Korean traditional architecture works to fit into the environment and it values the natural scenery that one can view from the structure and it might seem unique to foreigners because, compared to the historic architecture in Western countries, it does not seem very massive or tall.”

The foreign diplomats were also treated to a traditional Korean dinner at Korea House. Among the many envoys there, U.S. Ambassador to Korea Sung Y. Kim said it was his first time to dine at Korea House’s restaurant.

“This dinner is a good start of a lovely evening. I have heard that Changdeok Palace is one of the most beautiful in all of Korea,” Kim said. “It’s a wonderful opportunity and I am grateful to the minister for organizing it and inviting us for this moonlight tour,” he said. 

“It was thoughtful of the minister of culture to expose us to this unique opportunity to visit this beautiful palace under the light of the moon,” said Costa Rican Ambassador to Korea Manuel Lopez Trigo.

For his part, the culture minister said that Changdeok Palace is the best preserved palace in Korea. The palace was selected as a World Heritage site by UNESCO in 1997.

“Today is National Foundation Day. On this very meaningful occasion I wanted to invite all the ambassadors and treat them to a nice dinner. Changdeok Palace has a beautiful garden. It is a beautiful palace to visit at night and particularly under the full moon. This is a unique chance to enjoy the garden and get a truly traditional Korean feeling,” he said.

Changdeok Palace is renowned as a particularly treasured retreat of Joseon Dynasty aristocracy and retains many architectural elements dating from even more ancient periods.

One such element is the fact that the buildings of Changdeok Palace blend with the topography of the site instead of imposing onto their surroundings, something experts say is recognizable in parts of Gyeongbok Palace.

“The full moon is considered romantic and inspiring for romance. It reminds me of a wonderful poem that every Italian has to memorize in school by a 19th-century Italian poet named Giacomo Leopardi. He dedicates the poem to the moon, and talks about how the moon might feel looking down on our lives from on high,” said Maria Mercuri, wife of Italian Ambassador to Korea Sergio Mercuri.

“It is wonderful to have a chance to participate in an event that so clearly links in our hearts the indelible connection between Korea’s Foundation Day and its history,” said Zofia Majka, the wife of Polish Ambassador to Korea Krzysztof Majka.

“We have those who sacrificed themselves to thank for the opportunity to enjoy such a nice and pleasant evening,” she said.

“I would like to thank the minister for organizing this wonderful event and congratulate all those who contributed to the realization of it. The moonlight conjures a romantic feeling surely, but this beautiful site, the secret garden, it truly is a good occasion. Plus, we have a great opportunity to spend time with our colleagues in the diplomatic corps,” said Turkish Ambassador to Korea Naci Saribas.

By Philip Iglauer (ephilip2011@heraldcorp.com)