Haechi became the symbol of Seoul in 2008. Haechi is a guardian of justice. It is a mythical lion/dragon beast that can discern good and evil. It has been found as far back as the Silla era (57BC―AD935) During the Joseon Dynasty (1392-1910), statues of the Haechi were placed before palaces and homes to protect them from misfortune, such as fires, and disasters. Here is what he looks like today.
We found this one at Changyeonggung 창경궁. The statues were located on the stairs leading up to the main palace building, the office to the King. During the Japanese occupation the palace was converted into a zoo and botanical garden, but has since been restored.
Here we are in front of the King's office.
This is the pavilion for entertainment for the Royal family.
Chundangji. Half of the pond was originally a rice field that
the King took care of. But during the Japanese Occupation the rice field was
changed to a pond with little ships floating on it. The Japanese planted hundreds of Cherry Blossom trees, but they were removed during the restoration.
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