Day 2. Palace Life - Date Unknown, Mid-15th Century Joseon Dynasty

The day dawned crisp and clear. Hanyang was beginning to feel familiar, though every day held its own set of mysteries. As I walked, the imposing stone walls of the Gyeongbokgung palace loomed ahead, a reminder of the grandeur and power of the Joseon Dynasty. Little did I know that fate had plans for me to venture inside.

As I admired the main gate from a distance, a court official, resplendent in his official robes, approached me. Perhaps it was my foreign attire or my posture of admiration, but he mistook me for a scholar visiting from a distant province. Deciding to play along, I bowed deeply, showing the respect a visiting scholar would to such a personage.

Escorted by the official, the grand gates of Gyeongbokgung opened for me. The palace's vastness struck me instantly. The large courtyards were meticulously maintained, with guards stationed at intervals. Their uniforms, vibrant and intricately designed, added color to the muted hues of the stone pathways.

As we moved deeper into the palace, the ornate nature of Joseon architecture became even more apparent. Buildings with intricately painted eaves, decorative tiles on roofs, and walls adorned with various murals depicted scenes from legends and everyday life. The meticulous gardens were a sight to behold, with every plant and pond placed thoughtfully, creating an environment of peace and tranquillity.

Lunch was an elaborate affair, served in one of the palace's inner halls. Traditional dishes, some of which I had never seen, were placed before me. I felt privileged and, at the same time, wary of my newfound position. After lunch, I was given the freedom to explore, albeit under the watchful eyes of palace guards.

Whispers filled the air as courtiers and scholars discussed the affairs of the court. A recurring theme seemed to center around the young King Sejong. The reverence in their voices was clear, speaking of a leader who was not only powerful but also enlightened.

In one secluded corner, I stumbled upon a group of scholars engrossed in discussion. As I eavesdropped, it became evident they were talking about a monumental project under King Sejong's directive: the creation of a new script for the Korean language. Their excitement was palpable. It seemed this new script was to be simpler, making it accessible even to the common people, a radical idea for its time.

As dusk approached, the palace grounds took on a magical aura. Lamps were lit, casting a soft glow against the ancient stone walls and wooden structures. The day's excitement weighed on me, and I found a quiet spot in one of the gardens to reflect. To be in the very heart of Joseon's power and to witness history unfolding was both exhilarating and humbling.

The night was restless. The weight of the day's impersonation and the significance of the information I had gathered played on my mind. King Sejong's ambitions for his people, the creation of a new script – these were events that would shape the course of a nation. As sleep finally claimed me, dreams of ancient scripts and enlightened rulers danced in my head.
Location: 대한민국 서울특별시

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