The King’s Chimney 

The king’s chimney stands as a symbol of authority. My interest in these chimneys began with the realization that this hidden emblem of power often goes unnoticed, overshadowed by the grandeur of the palace. The chimneys within the royal grounds varied in design, reflecting the social status of the residents, with differences in form, materials, and colors that symbolized power and wealth. As essential components of daily life, the chimneys reveal the authority and dignity of those who lived within these spaces. The palace chimneys embody a subtle splendor, concealed behind the majesty of the palace architecture. The exquisite artistry of the Sipjangsaeng (Ten Symbols of Longevity) Chimney in Jagyeongjeon and the Ami Mountain Chimney demonstrates that these chimneys serve not only to vent smoke but also to carry artistic value through decoration, leaving a profound impression. In Korean, we often say, “I desire something as much as a chimney needs to vent,” using the chimney as a metaphor for longing or intense yearningan image deeply rooted in our cultural consciousness. This sentiment is further reinforced by the nostalgic association with the smoke rising from chimneys in fog-covered rural villages, evoking memories of a peaceful hometown. 

This symbolism extends to the king’s domain as well. Every home, even a royal one, required a hearth, and the presence of a chimney serves as both a mark of everyday life and an expression of royal architectural beauty. The understated elegance hidden within the palace garden reflects authority and artistic meaning, conveyed symbolically through layered images and motifs.