some sketches at Bosingak, Jongno-gu, Seoul

 the panoramic view of Bosingak, (16.3 x 29.6cm ) 

the front view of Bosingak, ( 21 x 29.6cm )

the side view of Bosingak, ( 21 x 29.6cm ) 

Jongno Tower Building opposite to Bosingak, ( 21 x 29.6cm )

viewed from the 33rd floor of Jongno Tower, ( 21 x 29.6cm )

another sketch on the same spot, ( 21 x 29.6cm ) 

the royal guards in front of Bosingak, ( 21 x 29.6cm )

the bell is rung 12 times everyday at noon, ( 21 x 29.6cm )

.

( pen and watercolor )

. 

The Bosingak Belfry, so-called Jonggak, sits in a part of Seoul considered the most central in the city, both geographically and historically. It was originally constructed in 1396 but destroyed numerous times of the years from fires and wars. The current building, completed in 1979, is a replica of the original traditional design but a reinforced concrete structure, its significance lying in the site and its history rather than the building itself. In the Joseon Dynasty, the bell was hit to announce the opening and closing of the 4 gates around Seoul. Recently, to commemorate the history, everyday at noon except Monday, the building has opened to citizen and tourists for bell-ringing ceremony.

Last weekend, I sketched around the pretty historical landmark surrounded by high rise buildings and busy roads, feeling the harmony of old and new in central Seoul.