history

Among the old buildings the Korean people are very proud of is Paeksang Pavilion, which is called the best pavilion in the Kwanso (northwestern part of Korea) area.

Built on top of the fairly high fortress on the picturesque Chongchon riverside in Anju City, South Phyongan Province, the pavilion is a typical building showcasing excellent architecture of the Korean ancestors.

The name Paeksang Pavilion means a pavilion which commands the view of a hundred good things. 

It was first built during Koryo dynasty (918-1392) and rebuilt in the period of the feudal Joson dynasty (1392-1910).

It is known to have been built in the period of Koryo, judging from the facts that Koryo ceramics were unearthed there when the site of the pavilion was excavated and the name of Paeksang Pavilion is found in a poem written by King Uihyo of Koryo in the first half of the 14th century.  

It played an important role as a command post when soldiers and people in the Anju Fortress fought against foreign invaders during Koryo dynasty.

Later, the pavilion was rebuilt in 1753 and it was completely destroyed by the enemy bombing during the Fatherland Liberation War (1950-1953). After the war, it was restored to its original state.

It is a gabled building.

It is colourfully painted to go well with the building structure and the surroundings.

Between patterns pine tree, bamboo, dragon and others are painted colourfully in various forms.  

The beautiful colourful painting blends so well with the architectural structure and building parts and elements, magnifying the architectural and decorative effect of the pavilion. 

One of the eight scenic spots in North and South Phyongan and Jagang provinces, Paeksang Pavilion is preserved well as a national treasure.