On March 1st, 2019, Korea celebrated the 100th anniversary of the March First Independence Movement and held many events. Also, Koreans offered a silent tribute to the freedom fighters’ struggle and their spirit. Under the 36 years of colonization, Korea suffered and lost so many things. Even though 100 years have passed, many problems have not been solved yet. One of them is the palaces in Seoul.
  In Seoul, there are 5 Joseon palaces. (the Gyeongbokgung Palace, the Changdeokgung Palace, the Changgyeonggung Palace, the Deoksugung Palace and the Gyeonghuigung Palace.) These days, many Koreans and foreign tourists are visiting these palaces. Therefore, they became representative tourist attractions of South Korea. Compared to the past, palaces today are so hollow and empty. In the Gyeongbokgung Palace, only 30% of the relics remain as it burned down a few times in past. During the Japanese imperialism, many buildings were damaged, destroyed or moved under Japan’s schemes. They demolished some parts of the Gyeongbokgung Palace and built a Japanese government building. Also, they moved the Gwanghwamun Main Gate to the east. In total, Japan destroyed all of these 5 palaces.
  In 1991, the Korean government decided to restore the Gyeongbukgung Palace. The government announced that there would be two restoration projects, and these projects will be finished by 2030. From 1991 to 2010, 89 dongs (area units of Joseon) were restored. After both projects are completed, 80% of the property will be restored. Even though the government has been working on these projects for 30 years, the public cannot find satisfaction. Some old buildings were already moved to Japan or other places, so the Gyeongbukgung Palace cannot be restored perfectly. Also, Japan put the Hall of Worthies, a crown prince’s office and many buildings up for auction. Thus, some offices became pubs and villas. The damage to the Gyeongbokgung Palace is a big scar in the minds of Koreans that will not heal.
  In addition, the Changgyeonggung Palace changed its name to the Changgyeongwon Park. In the past, Jongmyo was connected with this palace, but Japan made a road to separate the two places. The palace became a zoo and a botanical garden. After Korea’s independence, these facilities remained until the 1970s, but the zoo was moved to the Seoul Grand Park in Gwacheon, and the cherry blossom trees were moved to Yeouido. Therefore, it became a palace again. Sadly, a trace of Japan, the botanical garden, is still in the Changgyeonggung Palace. Japan also drew the Joseon dynasty’s symbol, a flower shape, on the Injeongjeon Hall’s roof to downgrade the status of the Joseon’s royal family.
  The Deoksugung Palace and the Gyeonghuigung Palace also were restored. The Gyeonghuigung Palace was destroyed, and Japan built a school in that area. The government moved the school to a different place and built a museum and parks in its place. Under Japanese rule, Korea’s symbols in that area were totally destroyed, and many people tried to restore them, but restoration is not enough to return their former glory.
  This is the 74th year since our independence, but we are still recovering from our wounds. Joseon’s brilliant history is gone and the empty palaces remain. This is so sad and painful. Korea is trying to recover and is spending a huge amount of money on this problem. The Changdeokgung Palace was registered as a UN World Heritage. The Cultural Heritage Administration has many programs, like night tours or traditional shows, for tourists to enjoy the palaces. The more interest people have in the palaces, the more support people will give to keep our palaces.
  The palaces were destroyed by Japan, but many scholars and experts are trying hard to restore them. By the government’s effort and the people’s desire, the palaces can find their former glory steadily. The palaces are symbols of Joseon and Korea, but we still have little interest in them and little information about them. When I visited the Gyeongbokgung Palace, I saw the many yards in the palace. However, after I learned about its history, I was sorry about my lack of knowledge, and I was angry about the reasons for the many empty spaces. The Cultural Heritage Administration still restores palaces and promotes many events in the palaces. We must show an interest in our own heritage to retain them. This moment exists due to our many ancestors’ sacrifices. We also have to remember our past.