Within Lively Seoul is Historical Gyeongbokgung
The Palace was the Center of the New Capital of the Joseon Dynasty
Feb 28, 2009
In the midst of downtown Seoul amongst towering skyscrapers Gyeongbokgung rests along the horizon surrounded by mountains as it has since the late 1300s.
A New Capital
When Korea’s capital was moved from Gaeseong to Hanyang (which would later become Seoul) in the late 1300s a new palace was founded to become the home of kings. In 1395 under the rule of King Taejo of the Joseon Dynasty Gyeongbokgung Palace was established.
The palace remained the home of the ruling kings as it was expanded and renovated throughout the 1400s and into the 1500s as Seoul grew around the ornate capital buildings. During the Japanese Invasions between 1592 and 1598 much of Gyeongbokgung was torched and pulled down.
Gyeongbokgung would remain in ruins until 1868 when the Prince Regent had the palace rebuilt creating over 300 buildings. The palace would be occupied through 1895 when the Queen Myeongseong was assassinated and her husband King Gojong fled.
Again in the early 1900s during the Japanese Occupation Gyeongbokgung was razed. In 1910 the Japanese tore down and burned out almost all of the palace buildings leaving only a handful standing. In the 1990s major reconstruction of Gyeongbokgung began and work continues today to restore the palace to its original state.
Treasured Buildings
Gyeongbokgung meaning “Palace Greatly Blessed by Heaven” is considered Historic Site #117 and on the palace grounds there are several National Treasures. Gwanghwamun Gate, the southern and main gate of the palace, is a landmark of downtown Seoul standing between the busy streets and Gyeongbokgung protecting the palace grounds.
Gyeonghoeru, an awe inspiring two story open-air pavilion designated as National Treasure #224, which was used for royal banquets, rests on a large man-made lotus lake. Geunjeongjeon, Korea’s largest surviving wooden structure, is the palace “Throne Hall” and National Treasure #223 where the kings conducted state affairs and received foreign envoys. The “Ten Longevity Chimney” located within the compound of Queen Dowager’s living quarters is National Treasure #810, a stone wall and chimney at the rear of the garden carved with 10 symbols of longevity.
Standing Out
Gyeongbokgung Palace is not hard to find, the grounds stand out between the amassed modern buildings of Seoul. Located at 1 Sejongno Jongno-gu in central Seoul the palace is well protected by outer walls but is an easily recognizable site.
The palace is open for viewing every day except Tuesday and admittance runs from 9 am to 6 pm March through October and 9 am to 5 pm November to February. Weekends and holidays the palace is open from 9 am to 7 pm. Final entry is one hour before close each day. Entry fees are 3,000 Won (approx. $3) for adults over 19, youths between 7 and 18 pay 1,500 Won (approx. $1.50) and younger children are admitted for free. Tours in various languages run throughout the day, schedules can be found at the Information Center at Hongryemun Gate. For information phone (02) 732-1931.
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
