When you pass through Geunjeongmun Gate at Gyeongbokgung and step into the courtyard, you notice something odd. In the middle of the rough stone ground there's a path, raised one step higher than the ground on either side. You hesitate, wondering whether it's okay to step on it. ## Inside the Gate, the Path in the Middle This path is called the eodo. It means the path the king walks. In the old days, only the king walked this path, and his officials stepped aside and walked along both sides. The path was raised by one step so that, without a word, people would know, "This is the king's place." Now you just need to follow the signs and the staff's instructions. It's safe if you don't climb onto the raised path and walk along the side instead. ## Low Stones Lined Up on Both Sides On the left and right sides of the courtyard, small stones stand in two rows. These are rank stones. The officials stood in front of their own stone according to their rank. They say that, facing the king, civil officials stood on the east side and military officials on the west. Who would stand where was decided in advance. The ground beneath your feet is made of bumpy stones called bakseok. They were laid on purpose so that they wouldn't be flat. There's an explanation that the ground sparkles less in the sunlight and drains water well when it rains. So shoes with high heels or a suitcase are inconvenient. Please wear sneakers. ## Inside, in front of the stairs Lastly, look at the middle of the stairs of Geunjeongjeon. There's a wide stone carved with a phoenix. The eodo (the king's path) leads all the way to the king's seat. Now, if you stand in the courtyard and look at the paths and stones, the courtyard will look like a map showing where everyone stands.