How Different Would the Water Pipe Installations at Changdeokgung and Changgyeonggung Be Compared to Now?

National Palace Museum Selects Recommended Royal Artifacts for This Month

The National Palace Museum of Korea announced on the 2nd that it has selected the "Plan for the Installation of Water Pipes in Changdeokgung and Changgyeonggung Palaces," created in 1908, as the curator's recommended royal artifact for this month. This is a blueprint of the plans to install iron water pipes in Changdeokgung and Changgyeonggung Palaces. The map of Changdeokgung and Changgyeonggung, drawn using modern surveying techniques, indicates the locations and specifications of the water pipes and fire hydrants. The dimensions are 99.6 cm in height and 66.9 cm in width.

The water pipes were designed to start from Donhwamun, the main gate of Changdeokgung, pass through Geumhomun, traverse several pavilions in Changdeokgung and Changgyeonggung, and exit through Honghwamun, the main gate of Changgyeonggung. A museum official explained, "1908 was after water supply was introduced to Seoul," adding, "This shows that the existing pipeline was extended to supply water to the palaces."

Fire hydrants were installed around major pavilions such as Injeongjeon, Daejojeon, Myeongjeongjeon, and Nakseonjae. The actual locations differ from those indicated on the plan, similar to the water pipes. Only some parts roughly correspond. The museum official said, "Studying this alongside other types of artifacts can help understand the history of modern-era buildings." The blueprint can be viewed at the 'Korean Empire' exhibition hall on the first floor of the National Palace Museum. An explanatory video is available on the Cultural Heritage Administration and National Palace Museum YouTube accounts.

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.