Kwandok Pavilion

Perched on the side of Mount Janam, about 100 metres walk from the large bronze statue of Kim Il-sung, is the Kwandok Pavilion. The original pavilion was constructed in 1780 for archery contests. It was destroyed in 1950 by US bombing in the early days of the Korean War. The existing structure is a 1954 reconstruction.

In feudal times, in addition to being the outdoor manly sport of choice, archery was essential for national safety in times of war and to ensure a ready and competent supply of archers nobles encouraged on going practice by hosting competitions at pavilions such as this. Prizes were from the public purse.

There are a number of other (much more) important historic sites in this area on Mount Janam which we did not have time to visit as it was now starting to get dark and we had to walk down (briskly before it got dark) to our hotel on the perimeter of the old town.

This blog entry is one of a group (loop) of entries based on my visit to Kaesong, North Korea. I suggest you continue with my next entry – Kaesong Old Town – or to start this loop at the beginning go to my introductory entry – North Korea’s win from the Korean War.