Discovering the Lost Prince and the Joseon Dynasty
I’ll never forget the day my husband and I decided to step away from the dazzling lights of modern Seoul and delve into the city’s regal past. It all started with a chance encounter at a dinner party, where I heard about a remarkable man – a prince descendent of the Joseon Dynasty, the last and longest-ruling royal family in Korean history.
Intrigued, my husband and I set out on a journey to the small city of Jeonju, about three hours south of the capital, to meet this enigmatic figure – Yi Seok, the “lost prince.” As we boarded the bus and watched the skyscrapers fade into the distance, I couldn’t help but feel a sense of excitement to uncover a side of Korea that wasn’t all about neon and concrete.
The Washington Post article had painted a captivating picture of this man’s life – from his privileged upbringing in the Sadong Palace, to his struggles to find his place in a post-imperial world. We were eager to hear his story firsthand and get a glimpse into the grandeur of Korea’s imperial past.
Stepping into the Past in Jeonju
As our bus glided along the well-paved roads, we passed sprawling green mountains and vast farmlands, a far cry from the bustling city we had left behind. When we finally reached Jeonju, we hailed a cab that took us to our destination – a restored village of whitewashed houses with dark ceramic-tiled roofs, known as the Jeonju Hanok Village.
Nervously, we made our way to Yi Seok’s apartment, part of a guesthouse near the edge of the village. The prince was running late, so we had a chance to settle into our cozy room, marveling at the traditional architecture and the padded silk blankets that promised a comfortable night’s sleep on the heated floors.
As the sun dipped below the horizon, Yi Seok arrived, ushering us into his living room. Sitting cross-legged around a shining pot of tea, we found ourselves captivated by the prince’s story. “Every night, I dream of the palace days,” he began, his words tinged with a mix of nostalgia and longing.
The Tale of a Fortunate Son
Yi Seok’s life had been a rollercoaster of highs and lows. Born in 1941, long after his family had lost power but before they were expelled from their royal homes, he spent his childhood at the Sadong Palace in Seoul, escorted by handmaids and bound by a strict code of princely behavior.
As the Washington Post article recounts, Yi Seok’s early years were filled with the grandeur of the Joseon Dynasty, a 500-year reign that saw the creation of a unique Korean alphabet and the full bloom of Confucian culture. But this era of imperial splendor came to a crashing halt in 1910 when Japan colonized Korea.
After college, Yi Seok found himself struggling to make ends meet, working odd jobs like singing in hotel bars and on military bases. His new career choice even embarrassed some of his relatives, but the “singing prince” soon gained popularity, with his ballad “Nest of Doves” becoming a wedding favorite.
From Soldier to Exile
Yi Seok’s life took an even more tumultuous turn when he went to Vietnam during the war, entertaining US troops and taking a bullet to the shoulder from the Viet Cong. In 1979, he was forced to leave Korea again when the royal family was officially evicted from the palaces during a military coup.
Seeking a new life, Yi Seok immigrated illegally to the United States, working as a pool cleaner and security guard in Los Angeles. In a desperate attempt to secure a green card, he even paid a Korean American woman to marry him in Las Vegas.
As the Washington Post article reveals, Yi Seok’s struggles didn’t end there. He tried to commit suicide nine times, feeling lost and disconnected from his royal roots. It wasn’t until a newspaper story about his plight that the city of Jeonju stepped in, offering him a new beginning and a chance to become a spokesman for his family’s past.
Reclaiming the Royal Legacy
As Yi Seok shared his story with us, his eyes shone with a newfound confidence. “We have a beautiful history,” he said, “and we must not forget.” It was clear that he had finally found his life’s purpose – to educate others about the grandeur of the Joseon Dynasty and the royal legacy he had been born into.
After our captivating visit with the prince, my husband and I set out to explore the rich imperial history of Jeonju and Seoul. We wandered through the Jeonju Hanok Village, marveling at the traditional architecture and sampling local delicacies like bibimbap and hanjeongsik. As the Journeys with Kris blog suggests, this quaint village was a true monument to the region’s royal heritage.
Tracing the Joseon Dynasty in Seoul
But our journey didn’t end in Jeonju. We were eager to uncover more of Seoul’s imperial past, so we headed back to the capital, determined to follow in the footsteps of the Joseon monarchs.
Our first stop was Gyeongbokgung Palace, the residence of the Joseon dynasty and the largest of Seoul’s five grand palaces. As the 2105 Hollywood Place blog describes, the palace was a breathtaking blend of traditional architecture, intricate carvings, and vibrant colors that transported us back in time.
We wandered through the maze of buildings, from the throne room to the queen dowager’s elegant living quarters, marveling at the attention to detail and the rich history that permeated every corner. Imagining the day-to-day activities of the royal family, we could almost hear the clink of teacups and the rustling of silk robes.
Discovering Seoul’s Imperial Gems
Our exploration of Seoul’s imperial past didn’t stop there. We visited the equally impressive Changdeokgung Palace, with its lush, forested Secret Garden, and the Jongmyo Shrine, where tablets commemorating former kings and queens are preserved.
As the Journeys with Kris blog highlights, the city is dotted with reminders of its regal history, from the pagoda-shaped gates of the original walled city to the Dongdaemun and Namdaemun gates, which have stood the test of time.
Even our casual wanderings through the city led us to unexpected discoveries, like the remnants of the old city wall hidden in the wooded trails behind the Blue House. It was as if the imperial past was woven into the very fabric of Seoul, just waiting to be uncovered by curious travelers.
Embracing the Modern and the Traditional
Of course, our journey through Seoul’s imperial heritage was not without its contrasts. As we explored the grand palaces and ancient shrines, we couldn’t help but notice the city’s vibrant, modern energy pulsing all around us.
We found ourselves getting lost in the neon-lit streets of Itaewon, sipping cocktails in a cozy jazz bar, and indulging in the ultimate Korean spa experience – complete with an exfoliating scrub and a soak in the heated pools.
As the Journeys with Kris blog suggests, Seoul is a city that seamlessly blends the traditional and the contemporary, offering travelers a truly unique and immersive experience.
Honoring the Past, Embracing the Future
As we reluctantly bid farewell to Seoul and the prince’s captivating story, I couldn’t help but feel a newfound appreciation for the city’s rich imperial heritage. Through our encounters with Yi Seok and our explorations of the grand palaces, we had witnessed the enduring spirit of the Joseon Dynasty, a legacy that continues to shape the identity of modern-day Korea.
But Seoul is not trapped in the past. It is a city that embraces its history while simultaneously propelling itself into the future, a delicate balance that makes it a truly fascinating and multifaceted destination. And for those who are willing to step off the beaten path and delve into the imperial past, the rewards are truly immeasurable.
So, if you’re planning a visit to Hotel Stay Inn Seoul, be sure to carve out time to explore the grand palaces and uncover the rich tapestry of Korea’s imperial heritage. Who knows, you might just stumble upon your own encounter with a lost prince and a glimpse into a bygone era of grandeur and intrigue.
