이춘선 My G20 at Gyeongbok Palace

[이춘선]

이춘선 My G20 at Gyeongbok Palace

Around the G20 meeting of finance ministers on Oct. 22-23 in Gyeongju, and the G20 Seoul Summit on Nov. 11-12, I had chances to guide Gyeongbok Palace to some Israelis, a Brazilian American lady, and a Rumanian lady who were visiting Korea on business related to G20.

I do not know much about "currency war" or the pledged details in the communique by the summit, but I know that G20 is to promote globally harmonized, and stabilized economic prosperity, avoiding a worldwide economic disaster, and  I am proud that Korea, as the venue of such an important meeting, at least saved its face by actively playing the role of a mediator, and  by hosting the global forum without much trouble.  I also feel that I was a part of the people leading the summit to a success in that I helped foreigners to better understand Gyeongbokgung, one of the most representative Korean cultural relics.

While I was explaining Gyeongbokgung to those Israelis and the Brazilian American writer, we didn't need to think about the complicated conflicting national interests. We were all so sincere about the history and the beauty of the Gyeongbokgung architecture that we didn't know how time flew, and they took more than two and a half hours listening to my commentation. I had felt so sorry for some Korean students coming to Gyeongbokgung on a school excursion without having enough time to learn about and enjoy the real essence of Gyeongbokgung. However, for foreigners, it is a once in a life time opportunity to be in the primary palace of Joseon Dynasty of Korea. Maybe that is the reason why they pay so much attention to my explanation.

Among them, I cannot forget one of the Israelis.  First, the young guy looked so haughty to me when he was wagging his index finger to some chattering Korean middle school students as a sign to tell them to move away from the guiding map and the board.  With the best hospitality that I could show, I induced him and the Brazilian American young lady writer together to my guide. For the first some minutes, he looked grumpy folding his arms tightly while the lady was so polite and cheerful.  However, by the time we reached in front of Geunjeongjeon, the tension on his face had disappeared, and he began to look into my eyes curiously when I was explaining that the picture folding screen, as a royal emblem for the kings, even stood behind the coffins of the kings.  He even seemed struck with admiration when I explained the reverse scale of the dragons comparing to the kings' final decision and its inviolable authority. He turned out to be a gentle, intelligent young man after all. As for the Brazilian American lady, she followed all the way north to the deep Geoncheonggung. Finishing the tour, she confessed that it was worthwhile to fly 24 hours to Korea from Sao Paulo. She was impressed by the hospitality of Koreans and the cherished old tangible cultural heritages.

The other Israeli couple showed so much interest in Hangeul, and wanted me to show what the characters are composed of taking out their state-of- the-art cell phones. I proudly showed them the Korean alphabets on the keyboard. They were also fascinated by the story of the chroniclers and King Taejong, and the annals of Joseon Dynasty. Most of all, the Rumanian young lady seemed to have got steeped in the beauty of the old palace. Walking down back to the crown princes area, she said the modern scenery outside the palace is like another new beginning for Korea as was the crown princes area in Joseon Dynasty. At her speculation, I felt there was no more to teach to her. In my mind, I shouted, "You may descend the mountain.!" And that was one of the happiest moments in my short Palace Guardian life in Gyeongbok Palace.

Now it seems that I begin to know the real happiness that all the Palace Guardians enjoy: the change of the listener's look of the eyes: from indifference, neglect to attention, admiration and affection.  How awesome it is to feel the change!

[samgory]

What am unforgettable day / experience it was for you !
Nonthless, must have been not - that - east to handle / accommodate different characters ,,

[창경2 김경희]

You just began the long journey of endless learning, which is sweet and glorious but also frustrated. I'm glad we will go together, hopefully.