First day in Korea (3)

Much like Changdeokgung, Gyeongbukgung was really huge.
The thing about historical grounds such as palaces, is that the magic is always in the stories.
There were plenty of grand buildings, much like this one:

And one in the middle of the lake, which I promise you is much more beautiful than this lousy picture I took:

But what left me with the deepest impression, is a story spouted by a tour guide which I overheard while strolling on the grounds.
It was the story of Empress Myeongseong (明成皇后), whom, if I'm not mistaken, we can relate with the Chinese Empress 武則天.
Apparently, the empress-to-be had met with her future husband on the very grounds of Gyeongbukgung without realising he was the king. Upon revealing his identity, she was betrothed to him and became active in her country's politics, which of course is something uncommon for a woman of that era to do.
Empress Myeongseong, while attaining power in court, had also single-handedly kept the Japanese in check, an act that her predecessors had failed to achieve.
I guess she must have really irked them, as she was later assassinated by the Japanese.
Although I'm not sure how much of that story is historically accurate, it did manage to spark some interest in me to learn more about her.
I heard the guide mention that a Korean drama about her is currently available. I wonder when would Malaysian television air it....hmmmm....

To be continued........