• Journal of architectural history
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• v.29 no.2
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• pp.39-52
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• 2020

Seonjeong-jeon, the semi-great hall in Changdeok Palace, was constructed in a highly formal and conservative style and accommodated official ceremonies. However, the contemporary modification of the building has distorted or eliminated features including the two side doors on the front, the floor coverings, and the throne base (Jwa-tap) that consisted the most significant part of the throne. Seonjeong-jeon originally had three doors that stood between each pair of columns on the front side, respectively. The courtiers accessed the building through the side doors, while the central door was exclusively designated for the king. However, the renovation in 1999 ignored the political context of the architectural form of the building and changed the side doors into windows, damaging the traditional structure inherited from the early Joseon Dynasty. Although the building currently has traditional wooden floor structure (Woomul-maru), it was originally covered with square brick tiles (Bang-jeon) before the Japanese occupation, following the customs of early Joseon Dynasty. The throne was placed to the north of the central door and consisted of the throne base and a decorative roof (Dang-ga). A canvas (Jang-ja), which featured the royal symbolic painting of Sun, Moon, and Five Peaks, was also installed between the two columns that connected the base and the roof. Nevertheless, only the columns and the blank canvas remain nowadays after the removal of the base.