Fabien, Captivated by Joseon Palaces, Guides at Changdeokgung: "To Understand Koreans, You Must Know Their History"

At the Royal Culture Festival, guiding "Waking Up the Morning Palace"
"Prepared by visiting almost every day for two weeks... I was happy"
"History of a new land, a clue to understanding the locals"

French broadcaster Fabien serves as a guide for the forest trail at Changdeokgung Palace. During the Royal Culture Festival, which concluded on May 4, he was responsible for guiding the foreigner-exclusive program "Waking Up the Morning Palace." Every morning before the palace opened, he led a group of thirty foreigners on a two-hour walk. While introducing the charm of the palace and the beauty of nature, he also explained the history and traditions of Changdeokgung. "The building you see over there is called 'Buyongjeong.' It is a pavilion where the kings of Joseon discussed state affairs with scholars or enjoyed fishing. You can think of it as a resting place for the royal family."

Fabien as a guide for "Waking Up the Morning Palace"

On May 2, foreign visitors listened attentively to his explanations. Some took the opportunity to ask questions while moving between sites. Fabien answered fluently in English, French, and Spanish. When asked about his secret, he simply laughed and said, "I just prepared really hard." He added, "Two hours isn't enough to fully appreciate Changdeokgung. I had to carefully select must-see spots and plan the route. I prepared by visiting almost every day for two weeks. I can't express how happy I was to be able to freely enter the Huwon, which is usually difficult to reserve."

The visitors that day came from a variety of countries, including the United States, France, the United Kingdom, Brazil, China, and Japan. Because they were not Korean, a tailored introduction was necessary. Starting from Geumcheongyo Bridge, Fabien provided them with basic knowledge. "Even a brief understanding of Joseon makes the tour much more enjoyable. That's why I talked about Confucian philosophy, the background behind the establishment of the five major palaces (Gyeongbokgung, Changdeokgung, Changgyeonggung, Deoksugung, and Gyeonghuigung), and the history of moving the capital to Hanyang."

Fabien as a guide for "Waking Up the Morning Palace"

This approach is based on his own experiences. Fabien first visited Korea in 2007 and was captivated by the palaces of Joseon. The following year, he settled in Korea and began studying history. It was not simply to satisfy his curiosity. He believed it was a necessary process to understand Koreans. "You have to know the history to settle smoothly in a new land. It's the key to understanding the language and behavior of the locals. There's a joy in unraveling each piece like a puzzle. As I read more books, I accumulated a certain amount of knowledge. Based on that, I took on a variety of roles, which led me to delve deeper into the subject professionally."

Now, it would not be an exaggeration to call him an ambassador for Korea. He has obtained permanent residency in Korea, as well as a Level 1 certificate in the Korean History Proficiency Test?a qualification that even many Koreans find difficult to achieve. Recently, he was appointed as a promotional ambassador for the National Research Institute of Cultural Heritage. He participates in joint academic research in Turkiye, capacity-building programs for cultural heritage conservation experts in Asia, and academic events such as "World Archaeology." Fabien said, "I feel a sense of fulfillment every time I introduce Korea's cultural heritage." He added, "The most rewarding moments are when I see the satisfied faces of visitors. Honestly, I'm excited even on my way to work. When I park my bike in front of Changdeokgung and enter, surrounded by the tranquil atmosphere of the palace, I think to myself, 'I'm really living an enjoyable life.'"

Fabien as a guide for "Waking Up the Morning Palace"

His activities at the palace are likely to increase in the future. Starting this year, the Cultural Heritage Administration and the National Heritage Promotion Agency are developing the Royal Culture Festival into a global event. They aim to enhance brand awareness through aggressive marketing. Fabien sees great potential in this. He hopes to establish himself as a professional guide and contribute to these new changes. "The palaces of Joseon are attractive to foreigners, even just for the scenery surrounded by skyscrapers. If more programs like 'Waking Up the Morning Palace' are offered, visitors will be able to experience the culture more vividly. If I get the chance, I'll come back with even more engaging and polished explanations."