경복궁(景福宮) 배수시설(排水施設)의조성원리(造成原理)에 관한 연구

Abstract

This study intended to examine the drainage facility of Gyeongbokgung Palace based on the traces ofthe relic found during the excavation survey. Historical records indicate that various efforts have been madefor smooth drainage facility for the palace since the foundation of the Joseon Dynasty. Although there areno drawings showing the image of early appearance of Gyeongbokgung Palace during the foundation, it ispossible to estimate it through the drawings prepared after the King Yeongjo’s reign. The image of the palaceafter reconstruction can be seen through the 「Bukgwoldohyeong」 and other relevant documents. At this present, since the survey intends to determine the image of Gyeongbokgung Palace during thereign of King Gojong based on the standard restoration plan of the Cultural Heritage Administration,this study also focused on the drainage facility of Gyeongbokgung Palace during King Gojong’s reign,particularly on the collecting wells and culverts of six areas including “Chimjeon Hall”, “Taewonjeon Hall”,“Geoncheongung Hall”, “Sojubang Hall”, “Hamhwadang – Jipgyeongdang - Yeonghundang Hall”, and“Heungbokjeon Hall”. Gyeongbokgung Palace is divided into various zones composed of the central halls and surroundingcorridors, and the drains also primarily start from each hall and later join the central drain of the zone. Thecentral drain then leads to the "Eo-gu(御溝)"37 and the water led to the "Eo-gu" is finally discharged throughthe water gate. It appears that this series of processes were basically devised to coordinate artificial drain withthe natural drain using the natural geographical features of the palace. Research showed that the collecting well where the draining begin was installed in the area where a largeamount of household sewage was generated but mostly in the corners where corridors met or corridors andwall met. This appears to be an arrangement to handle the water falling from the roof and household sewage. Also, “Ju(廚)”38 was installed mainly at the end of the corridor to handle household sewage. The installationof these drainage facilities shows the possibility that the drainage of Gyeongbokgung was very compactunder a series of plans.