Gwandeokjeong 관덕정

One of the representative cultural assets of Jeju Island is Gwandeokjeong. As the oldest building on Jeju, it has a long tradition and proudly presents the island’s grandeur. It feels familiar to residents as it is situated in the middle of downtown Jeju, just like Namdaemun (the South Gate) and Dongdaemun (the East Gate) in Seoul. Gwandeokjeong, National Treasure No. 322, was built by Shin Suk-Cheong, a governer and general in the 15th century, to be used as a training place for soldiers. Later, it was also used as a venue for practicing martial arts, inspections, discussions of construction between officials and laypeople, holding festivities and sometimes punishing criminals. The name “Gwandeok,” meaning “to reform oneself and cultivate virtues at all times,” was given to emulate the spirit of literary and physical strength. Some say that the name came from “Sai Gwandeok,” meaning “You can see the virtue of the person in his shooting posture.” Seven pictures including one of Sipjangsaeng (the 10 traditional symbols of longevity) painted on the pillars of Gwandeokjeong grace the site with their majestic presence.

982-9 Samdoi-dong, Jeju-si, Jeju-do, South Korea

82-64-728-8666