Gyeongbokgung Palace, Seoul, Korea

The history of Gyeongbokgung

Gyeongbokgung was the primary palace of the Joseon Dynasty built by it's founder, King Taejo. King Taejo established the Joseon Dynasty in 1392 and built the palace in 1395. In the 25th year of the King Seonjo (1592), this palace was burnt down during the Japanese invasion and was left in ruins for 273 years.

It was restored in the 5th year of King Gojong (1868) and he moved here from Changdukgung palace in July of the same year. However, King Gojong moved to Gyeonggunggung (Duksugung) right after his consort, Myeongsunghwanhu was murdered by Japanese assasins at the Geoncheongung residence in the 32nd year of the King Gojong and Gyoencheongung was ceased to be official royal palace. When Korea was annexed by Japan in 1910, most of the 200 buildings on the palace grounds were torn down by the Japanese, leaving only a dozen or so structure including Guenjeonjeon-the main hall and Gyeonhoeru-the banquet hall. Also, Japanese General Government building was built in front of the main hall to block the view of the palace from the people. Gyeonbokgung has an almost rectangular shape and has 4 gates. (Gwanhwamun: the south gate, Geonchunmun: the east gate, Yeongchumun: the west gate and Sinmumun: the north gate).

Within the palace, Amisan (garden) and Hyangwonjeong (pavillon) are good examples of Korean art which are characterized by the harmony between man-made buildings and the surrounding terrain left in it's natural state. The magnificient Grunjeongjeon and Gyeonghoeru boast the beauty of Joseon architecture.

Borugak (pavillon) housing an automatic time-telling device, was built in 1434, and Heumgyeonggak (pavillon), housing a water clock and a sundial, built in 1438. Jeongeumcheong (academy) was established to work on the creation of Korean alphabet (Hangeul). Korean alphabet was proclaimed here in 1446.

Since 1990, the restoration project has been carried out by Korean government. Hangnyeongjeon and Gyotaejeon was restored in 1994 and Heungnyemun was restored in 2001 on the site where Japanese general government building was pulled down in 1996.

Main buildings

GEUNJEONGJEON (National Treasure No. 233)

Guenjeongjeon is the greatest building of Joseon architecture. It is the main building of Gyeongbokgung and is the place where ceremonies of state, such as new year's greetings to the king by civil and military officials, were held, and where foreign envoys were received. It was first built in 1395 (the 4th year of King Taejo) but was vurnt down during the Japanese Invasion in 1592 and then rebuilt in 1867, in the 4th year of King Gojong.

 

SAJEONGJEON

Sajeongjeon was one of the buildings where the king discussed matters of the state with his subjects. It was burnt down during the Japanese invasion (the 25th year of King Seonjo) and restored in 1867 (the 4th year of King Gojong). Sajeongjeon was used as the King's office along with Manchunjeon to the east and Cheonchujeon to the west.

 

GANGNYEONGJEON

Gangnyeonjeon was the central building of the King's residence. On both rooms of this building, there were 9 rooms in the arrangement of the crosshatch (#). The central room was where the King slept and the surrounding 8 rooms were where the court ladies kept watch. These are Yeonsaengjeon, the eastern bed chamber and Gyeonseongjeon, the western bed chamber and Yeongildang and Eungjidang as an annex. During the Janapese occupation, this building was dismantled to build Heejeongdang in Changdukgung palace. The present building was restored in 1995.

 

GYOTAEJEON

Gyotaejeon was the Queen's residence. It has wooden floored hall in the centrer with Ondol rooms on each side of it. It was dismantled to build Daejojeon in Changdukgung palace. The present building was restored in 1995. Amisan chimneys in the Queen's garden boast their beauty and all are designated as Tressure No. 811

 

GYEONGHOERU (National Treasure No. 224)

It is where official banquets were held and foreign envoys were entertained. There was a small pavillon when Gyeongbokgung was built. King Taejong dug the pond and rebuilt this pavillon to it's grandeur in 1412. It was burnt down in the 4th year of Kind Gojong (1867). This is the best example of Joseon time's pavillon which has 48 granite pillars. It shows highly advanced architecture of Joseon period.

 

HYANGWONJEON

When King Gojong has Geoncheonggung building built in 1873, he had a pong dug to the south of it and a pavillon built on the island in the pond and he named it Hyangwonjeong which means far reaching fragrance pavillon. Originally the bridge called Chihangya was connected to the north of the pavillon. However it was replaced to the south when it was restored after the Korean war.

 

JAGYEONGJEON (National Treasure No. 809)

Queen Dowager Jo's residence, Jagyeongjeon was built by Regent Heungseon Daewongun. The present quarters were built in 1888 after the original structure was burnt down. There is a Shipjangseng Chimney which is located at the back. It was designated as Treasure No. 810 on account of it's unique structure and beautiful patterns.

 

JASWONGDANG - BIHYEONGAK

Donggung was the residence of the Crown Prince. Two buildings, Jaseongdang and Bihyeongak were rebuilt based upon the restoration project of Donggung in 1999.

 

THE OTHERS

SUJEONGJEON, JIPOKJAE, JESUHAP, HAMHWADANG and JIPGYEONGDANG have remained since the time of King Gojong.

 

Palace Grounds

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Event NOT to be missed

The ceremony of Opening and Closing Palace Gate and Gate Guard Change at Gwanghwamun

How to get here

• Subway: Line 3 (Gyeongbokgung Station, Gate No. 5)
• Subway: Line 5 (Gwanghwamun Station, Gate No. 2)
• Bus: Geongbokgung or Gwanghwamun Bus-station

Opening Hours

• March - October: 0900 - 1800 (Holidays and weekends in May - August: 0900 - 1900
• November - Feburary: 0900 - 1700
• Closing day: Tuesday

Admission Fee

• Aged 19 - 64: 3000 won
• Aged 7 - 18: 1500 won
• Under 6 and over 65: Free admission