Gyeongbokgung (), also known as Gyeongbokgung Palace or Gyeongbok Palace, was the main royal
palace of the
Joseon dynasty
Joseon (; ; Middle Korean: 됴ᇢ〯션〮 Dyǒw syéon or 됴ᇢ〯션〯 Dyǒw syěon), officially the Great Joseon (; ), was the last dynastic kingdom of Korea, lasting just over 500 years. It was founded by Yi Seong-gye in July 1392 and r ...
. Built in 1395, it is located in northern
Seoul
Seoul (; ; ), officially known as the Seoul Special City, is the capital and largest metropolis of South Korea.Before 1972, Seoul was the ''de jure'' capital of the Democratic People's Republic of Korea (North Korea) as stated iArticle 103 of ...
,
South Korea
South Korea, officially the Republic of Korea (ROK), is a country in East Asia, constituting the southern part of the Korean Peninsula and sharing a land border with North Korea. Its western border is formed by the Yellow Sea, while its eas ...
. The largest of the ''
Five Grand Palaces
5 is a number, numeral, and glyph.
5, five or number 5 may also refer to:
* AD 5, the fifth year of the AD era
* 5 BC, the fifth year before the AD era
Literature
* ''5'' (visual novel), a 2008 visual novel by Ram
* ''5'' (comics), an awa ...
'' built by the Joseon dynasty, Gyeongbokgung served as the home of Kings of the Joseon dynasty, the Kings' households, as well as the government of Joseon.
Gyeongbokgung continued to serve as the main palace of the Joseon dynasty until the premises were destroyed by fire during the
Imjin War
The Imjin River ( in South Korea) or Rimjin River ( in North Korea) is the 7th largest river in Korea. It flows from north to south, crossing the Demilitarized Zone and joining the Han River downstream of Seoul, near the Yellow Sea. The river i ...
(1592–1598) and abandoned for two centuries. However, in the 19th century, all of the palace's 7,700 rooms were later restored under the leadership of
Prince Regent Heungseon during the reign of
King Gojong. Some 500 buildings were restored on a site of over 40
hectares
The hectare (; SI symbol: ha) is a non-SI metric unit of area equal to a square with 100-metre sides (1 hm2), or 10,000 m2, and is primarily used in the measurement of land. There are 100 hectares in one square kilometre. An acre is a ...
.
The architectural principles of ancient Korea were incorporated into the tradition and appearance of the Joseon royal court.
In the early 20th century, much of the palace was systematically destroyed by
Imperial Japan
The also known as the Japanese Empire or Imperial Japan, was a historical nation-state and great power that existed from the Meiji Restoration in 1868 until the enactment of the post-World War II 1947 constitution and subsequent forma ...
. On January 21, 1963, it was designated as a cultural property. Since the 1990s, the walled palace complex is gradually being restored to its original form. Today, the palace is arguably regarded as being the most beautiful and grandest of all five palaces. It also houses the
National Palace Museum and the
National Folk Museum within the premises of the complex.
Overview
![경복궁 전경](https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/a/a6/%EA%B2%BD%EB%B3%B5%EA%B6%81_%EC%A0%84%EA%B2%BD.jpg)
Gyeongbokgung was built three years after the
Joseon dynasty
Joseon (; ; Middle Korean: 됴ᇢ〯션〮 Dyǒw syéon or 됴ᇢ〯션〯 Dyǒw syěon), officially the Great Joseon (; ), was the last dynastic kingdom of Korea, lasting just over 500 years. It was founded by Yi Seong-gye in July 1392 and r ...
was founded and it served as its main palace. With
Mount Bugak as a backdrop and the Street of Six Ministries (today's
Sejongno
Sejongno (), also known as Sejong-daero, is a street that runs through Jongno-gu in downtown Seoul. It is named after King Sejong the Great of Joseon. The street is 600 meters in length, but due to its central location it is of great symbolic ...
) outside
Gwanghwamun Gate, the main entrance to the palace, Gyeongbokgung was situated in the heart of the Korean capital city. It was steadily expanded before being reduced to ashes during the
Japanese invasion of 1592.
For the next 273 years the palace grounds were left derelict until being rebuilt in 1867 under the leadership of Regent
Heungseon Daewongun
Heungseon Daewongun (흥선대원군, 興宣大院君, 21 December 1820 – 22 February 1898; ), also known as the Daewongun (대원군, 大院君), Guktaegong (국태공, 國太公, "The Great Archduke") or formally Internal King Heungseon Heon ...
. The restoration was completed on a grand scale, with 330 buildings crowded together in a labyrinthine configuration. Within the palace walls were the Outer Court (''oejeon''), offices for the king and state officials, and the Inner Court (''naejeon''), which included living quarters for the royal family as well as gardens for leisure. Within its extensive precincts were other palaces, large and small, including ''Junggung'' (the Queen's residence) and ''Donggung'' (the Crown Prince's residence).
Due to its status as the symbol of national sovereignty, Gyeongbokgung was extensively damaged during the
Japanese occupation of the early 20th century. In 1911, ownership of land at the palace was transferred to the
Japanese Governor-General. In 1915, on the pretext of holding an exhibition, more than 90% of the buildings were torn down. Following the exhibition, the Japanese leveled whatever still remained and built their colonial headquarters, the
Government-General Building (1916–26), on the site. Only a handful of iconic structures survived, including the Throne Hall and Gyeonghoeru Pavilion.
Restoration efforts have been ongoing since 1990. The Government-General Building was removed in 1996 and Heungnyemun Gate (2001) and
Gwanghwamun Gate (2006-2010) were reconstructed in their original locations and forms. Reconstructions of the Inner Court and Crown Prince's residence have also been completed.
History
14th—16th centuries
![King Taejo Yi 02](https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/6/6a/King_Taejo_Yi_02.jpg)
Gyeongbokgung was originally constructed in 1394 by
King Taejo, the first king and the founder of the
Joseon dynasty
Joseon (; ; Middle Korean: 됴ᇢ〯션〮 Dyǒw syéon or 됴ᇢ〯션〯 Dyǒw syěon), officially the Great Joseon (; ), was the last dynastic kingdom of Korea, lasting just over 500 years. It was founded by Yi Seong-gye in July 1392 and r ...
, and its name was conceived by an influential government minister named
Jeong Do-jeon
Jeong Dojeon ( Korean: 정도전, Hanja: 鄭道傳, 1342 – October 6, 1398), also known by his pen name Sambong ( Korean: 삼봉), was a prominent Korean scholar-official during the late Goryeo to the early Joseon periods. He served as the firs ...
. Afterwards, the palace was continuously expanded during the reign of
King Taejong
Taejong of Joseon (13 June 1367 – 8 June 1422), personal name Yi Bang-won ( Korean: 이방원; Hanja: 李芳遠), was the third ruler of the Joseon dynasty of Korea and the father of King Sejong the Great. Before ascending to the throne, he ...
and
King Sejong the Great
Sejong of Joseon (15 May 1397 – 8 April 1450), personal name Yi Do ( Korean: 이도; Hanja: 李祹), widely known as Sejong the Great ( Korean: 세종대왕; Hanja: 世宗大王), was the fourth ruler of the Joseon dynasty of Korea. Initi ...
. It was severely damaged by fire in 1553, and its costly restoration, ordered by
King Myeongjong, was completed in the following year.
However, four decades later, Gyeongbokgung Palace was burnt to the ground during the
Japanese invasions of Korea of 1592-1598 when Koreans angry at the court of
King Seonjo
Seonjo of Joseon (26 November 1552 – 16 March 1608) was the fourteenth king of the Joseon Dynasty of Korea from 1567 to 1608. He was known for encouraging Confucianism and renovating state affairs at the beginning of his reign. However, politi ...
for evacuating Seoul torched the royal residence. The royal court was moved to the
Changdeokgung Palace
Changdeokgung (Hangul: 창덕궁, Hanja: 昌德宮; literally, "The Palace of Prospering Virtue"), also known as Changdeokgung Palace or Changdeok Palace, is set within a large park in Jongno District, Seoul, South Korea. It is one of the "Five G ...
. The Gyeongbokgung palace site was left in ruins for the next three centuries.
19th century
In 1867, during the regency of
Daewongun
Heungseon Daewongun (흥선대원군, 興宣大院君, 21 December 1820 – 22 February 1898; ), also known as the Daewongun (대원군, 大院君), Guktaegong (국태공, 國太公, "The Great Archduke") or formally Internal King Heungseon Heon ...
, the palace buildings were reconstructed and formed a massive complex with 330 buildings and 5,792 rooms. Standing on 4,657,576 square feet (432,703 square meters) of land, Gyeongbokgung again became an iconic symbol for both the Korean nation and the Korean royal family. In 1894, the
Japanese occupied the palace and forced Gojong to establish a pro-Japanese government. In 1895, after the assassination of
Empress Myeongseong
Empress Myeongseong or Empress Myungsung (명성황후 민씨; 17 November 1851 – 8 October 1895In lunar calendar, the Empress was born on 25 September 1851 and died on 20 August 1895), informally known as Empress Min, was the official wife ...
by Japanese agents, her husband,
Emperor Gojong
Gojong (; 8 September 1852 – 21 January 1919) was the monarch of Korea from 1864 to 1907. He reigned as the last King of Joseon from 1864 to 1897, and as the first Emperor of Korea from 1897 until his forced abdication in 1907. He is known ...
, left the palace. The Imperial Family never returned to Gyeongbokgung.
20th—21st centuries
![Japanese General Government Building 1995](https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/0/0d/Japanese_General_Government_Building_1995.jpg)
In 1915, it was used as the site for the
Joseon Industrial Exhibition with new exhibition buildings being erected in the grounds.
Starting from 1911, the colonial government of the
Empire of Japan
The also known as the Japanese Empire or Imperial Japan, was a historical nation-state and great power that existed from the Meiji Restoration in 1868 until the enactment of the post-World War II Constitution of Japan, 1947 constitu ...
systemically demolished all but 10 buildings during the
Japanese occupation of Korea and hosted numerous exhibitions in Gyeongbokgung, ongoing demotion was opposed by
Yanagi Sōetsu
, also known as Yanagi Muneyoshi, was a Japanese art critic, philosopher, and founder of the '' mingei'' (folk craft) movement in Japan in the late 1920s and 1930s.
Personal life
Yanagi was born in 1889 to Yanagi Narayoshi, a hydrographer of the ...
. In 1926, the government constructed the massive
Japanese General Government Building
The Japanese General Government Building ( ko, 조선총독부 청사, ''Joseon-chongdokbu Cheongsa''), also known as the Government-General Building and the Seoul Capitol, was a building located in Jongno District of Seoul, South Korea, from 19 ...
in front of the throne hall, , in order to eradicate the symbol and heritage of the Joseon dynasty.
Gwanghwamun
Gwanghwamun () is the main and largest gate of Gyeongbok Palace, in Jongno-gu, Seoul, South Korea. It is located at a three-way intersection at the northern end of Sejongno. As a landmark and symbol of Seoul's long history as the capital city dur ...
Gate, the main and south gate of Gyeongbokgung, was relocated by the Japanese to the east of the palace. A further exhibition, the
Chosun Exhibition
The Chosun Exhibition was held to mark the 20th anniversary of the Japanese colony in Korea.
It was held at Gyeongbokgung, opened on 12 September 1929, ran until 31 October 1929 and was attended by 986,179 people.
Contents
As well as a Reception ...
, followed in 1929.
The palace faced further damage when the wooden structure of the relocated
Gwanghwamun
Gwanghwamun () is the main and largest gate of Gyeongbok Palace, in Jongno-gu, Seoul, South Korea. It is located at a three-way intersection at the northern end of Sejongno. As a landmark and symbol of Seoul's long history as the capital city dur ...
Gate was completely destroyed amid the devastation of the
Korean War
, date = {{Ubl, 25 June 1950 – 27 July 1953 (''de facto'')({{Age in years, months, weeks and days, month1=6, day1=25, year1=1950, month2=7, day2=27, year2=1953), 25 June 1950 – present (''de jure'')({{Age in years, months, weeks a ...
.
Gyeongbokgung's original 19th-century palace buildings that survived both the Japanese rule of
Colonial Korea and the
Korean War
, date = {{Ubl, 25 June 1950 – 27 July 1953 (''de facto'')({{Age in years, months, weeks and days, month1=6, day1=25, year1=1950, month2=7, day2=27, year2=1953), 25 June 1950 – present (''de jure'')({{Age in years, months, weeks a ...
include:
*Geunjeongjeon (the Imperial Throne Hall) —
National Treasure No. 223.
*Gyeonghoeru Pavilion —
National Treasure No. 224.
*Hyangwonjeong Pavilion; Jagyeongjeon Hall; Jibokjae Hall; Sajeongjeon Hall; and Sujeongjeon Hall.
Modern archaeological surveys have brought 330 building foundations to light.
Restoration
![아름다운 경복궁](https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/d/d7/%EC%95%84%EB%A6%84%EB%8B%A4%EC%9A%B4_%EA%B2%BD%EB%B3%B5%EA%B6%81.jpg)
In 1989, the South Korean government started a 40-year initiative to rebuild the hundreds of structures that were destroyed by the colonial government of the
Empire of Japan
The also known as the Japanese Empire or Imperial Japan, was a historical nation-state and great power that existed from the Meiji Restoration in 1868 until the enactment of the post-World War II Constitution of Japan, 1947 constitu ...
, during the period of occupied
Colonial Korea (1910-1945).
In 1995, the
Japanese General Government Building
The Japanese General Government Building ( ko, 조선총독부 청사, ''Joseon-chongdokbu Cheongsa''), also known as the Government-General Building and the Seoul Capitol, was a building located in Jongno District of Seoul, South Korea, from 19 ...
, after many controversial debates about its fate, was demolished in order to reconstruct Heungnyemun Gate and its
cloisters
A cloister (from Latin ''claustrum'', "enclosure") is a covered walk, open gallery, or open arcade running along the walls of buildings and forming a quadrangle or garth. The attachment of a cloister to a cathedral or church, commonly against ...
. The
National Museum of Korea
The National Museum of Korea is the flagship museum of Korean history and art in South Korea and is the cultural organization that represents Korea. Since its establishment in 1945, the museum has been committed to various studies and research ...
, then located on the palace grounds, was relocated to
Yongsan-gu
Yongsan District (, ) is one of the 25 districts of Seoul, South Korea.
Yongsan has a population of 231,685 (2020) and has a geographic area of , and is divided into 19 '' dong'' (administrative neighborhoods). Yongsan is located in central Seoul ...
in 2005.
By the end of 2009, it was estimated that approximately 40 percent of the structures that were standing before the
Japanese occupation of Korea were restored or reconstructed. As a part of phase 5 of the Gyeongbokgung restoration initiative,
Gwanghwamun
Gwanghwamun () is the main and largest gate of Gyeongbok Palace, in Jongno-gu, Seoul, South Korea. It is located at a three-way intersection at the northern end of Sejongno. As a landmark and symbol of Seoul's long history as the capital city dur ...
, the main gate to the palace, was restored to its original design. Another 20-year restoration project is planned by the South Korean government to restore Gyeongbokgung to its former status.
Layout
Main Gates of Gyeongbokgung
*
Gwanghwamun
Gwanghwamun () is the main and largest gate of Gyeongbok Palace, in Jongno-gu, Seoul, South Korea. It is located at a three-way intersection at the northern end of Sejongno. As a landmark and symbol of Seoul's long history as the capital city dur ...
(광화문, The Main and South Gate)
*Heungnyemun (흥례문, The Second Inner Gate)
*Geunjeongmun (근정문, The Third Inner Gate)
*Sinmumun (신무문, The North Gate)
*Geonchunmun (건춘문, The East Gate)
*Yeongchumun (영추문, The West Gate)
Oejeon (외전, Outer Court)
*Geunjeongmun (근정문, The Third Inner Gate)
*Geunjeongjeon (근정전, The Throne Hall)
*Sajeongjeon (사정전, The Executive Office)
*Sujeongjeon (수정전)
*Cheonchujeon (천추전)
*Manchunjeon (만춘전)
Naejeon (내전, Inner Court)
*Gangnyeongjeon (강녕전, The King's Quarters)
*Gyotaejeon (교태전, The Queen's Quarters)
*Jagyeongjeon (자경전, The Queen Dowager's Quarters)
Donggung (동궁, Palace of the Crown Prince)
*Jaseondang (자선당, The Crown Prince's and Princesses' Quarters)
*Bihyeongak (비현각, The Study of the Crown Prince)
Pavilions
*Gyeonghoeru (경회루, The Royal Banquet Hall)
*Hyangwonjeong (향원정)
Bridges
*Yeongjegyo (영제교)
Having passed through the initial main gate (Gwanghwamun Gate, 광화문) and secondary gate (Heungnyemun Gate, 흥례문), visitors would pass over a small bridge named Yeongjegyo (영제교). Located on the top of the canal right next to the bridge were several imaginary creatures known as ''Seosu''.
*Chwihyanggyo (취향교)
Chwihyanggyo was originally located on the north side of the island and was the longest bridge constructed purely of wood during the Joseon Dynasty; however, it was destroyed during the Korean War. The bridge was reconstructed in its present form on the south side of the island in 1953.
Buildings
Gwanghwamun
Gwanghwamun () is the main gate of Gyeongbokgung Palace.
Geunjeongjeon
![Seoul Throne in Geunjeongjeon 03](https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/8/8c/Seoul_Throne_in_Geunjeongjeon_03.jpg)
Geunjeongjeon (), also known as Geunjeongjeon Hall, is the throne hall where the king formally granted audiences to his officials, gave declarations of national importance, and greeted foreign envoys and ambassadors during the
Joseon dynasty
Joseon (; ; Middle Korean: 됴ᇢ〯션〮 Dyǒw syéon or 됴ᇢ〯션〯 Dyǒw syěon), officially the Great Joseon (; ), was the last dynastic kingdom of Korea, lasting just over 500 years. It was founded by Yi Seong-gye in July 1392 and r ...
.
The building was designated as Korea's
National Treasure No. 223 on January 8, 1985.
Geunjeongmun (), aligned and located directly to the south of Geunjeongjeon, is the main gate to the courtyard and to Geunjeongjeon. The gate is divided into three separate aisles, and only the king was allowed to walk through the center.
Geunjeongjeon was originally constructed in 1395 during the reign of King Taejo, but was burned down in 1592 when
the Japanese invaded Korea. The present building was built in 1867 when Gyeongbokgung was being reconstructed. The name Geunjeongjeon, created by the minister
Jeong Do-jeon
Jeong Dojeon ( Korean: 정도전, Hanja: 鄭道傳, 1342 – October 6, 1398), also known by his pen name Sambong ( Korean: 삼봉), was a prominent Korean scholar-official during the late Goryeo to the early Joseon periods. He served as the firs ...
, means "diligent governance hall".
![근정전 품계석 by Tptwwo](https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/c/ce/%EA%B7%BC%EC%A0%95%EC%A0%84_%ED%92%88%EA%B3%84%EC%84%9D_by_Tptwwo.jpg)
Constructed mainly of wood, Geunjeongjeon sits on the center of a large rectangular courtyard, on top of a two-tiered stone platform. This two-tiered platform is lined with detailed
balustrades
A baluster is an upright support, often a vertical moulded shaft, square, or lathe-turned form found in stairways, parapets, and other architectural features. In furniture construction it is known as a spindle. Common materials used in its con ...
and is decorated with numerous sculptures depicting imaginary and real animals, such as dragons and phoenixes. The stone-paved courtyard is lined with two rows of rank stones, called ''pumgyeseok'' (), indicating where the court officials are to stand according to their ranks. The whole courtyard is fully enclosed by wooden
cloisters
A cloister (from Latin ''claustrum'', "enclosure") is a covered walk, open gallery, or open arcade running along the walls of buildings and forming a quadrangle or garth. The attachment of a cloister to a cathedral or church, commonly against ...
.
Sajeongjeon
![Korea-Gyeongbokgung-Sajeongjeon-03](https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/a/a0/Korea-Gyeongbokgung-Sajeongjeon-03.jpg)
Sajeongjeon (), also called Sajeongjeon Hall, is a building used as the main executive office by the king during the Joseon Dynasty. Located behind Geunjeongjeon Hall, the king carried out his executive duties and held meetings with the top government officials in Sajeongjeon.
Two separate side buildings, Cheonchujeon () and Manchunjeon (), flank the west and east of Sajeongjeon, and while Sajeongjeon is not equipped with a heating system, these buildings are equipped with
Ondol
Ondol (; , Hangul: 온돌, 溫堗, ) or gudeul (Hangul: 구들, ) in Korean traditional architecture, is underfloor heating that uses direct heat transfer from wood smoke to heat the underside of a thick masonry floor. In modern usage it refers ...
s for their use in the colder months.
Gyeonghoeru
Gyeonghoeru (), also known as Gyeonghoeru Pavilion, is a hall used to hold important and special state banquets during the Joseon Dynasty. It is registered as Korea's
National Treasure No. 224 on January 8, 1985.
The first Gyeonghoeru was constructed in 1412, the 12th year of the reign of
King Taejong
Taejong of Joseon (13 June 1367 – 8 June 1422), personal name Yi Bang-won ( Korean: 이방원; Hanja: 李芳遠), was the third ruler of the Joseon dynasty of Korea and the father of King Sejong the Great. Before ascending to the throne, he ...
, but was burned down during the
Japanese invasions of Korea
Japanese may refer to:
* Something from or related to Japan, an island country in East Asia
* Japanese language, spoken mainly in Japan
* Japanese people, the ethnic group that identifies with Japan through ancestry or culture
** Japanese diaspor ...
in 1592. The present building was constructed in 1867 (the 4th year of the reign of
King Gojong) on an island of an artificial, rectangular lake that is 128 m wide and 113 m across.
Constructed mainly of wood and stone, Gyeonghoeru has a form where the wooden structure of the building sits on top of 48 massive stone pillars, with wooden stairs connecting the second floor to the first floor. The outer perimeters of Gyeonghoeru are supported by square pillars while the inner columns are cylindrical; they were placed thus to represent the idea of Yin & Yang. When Gyeonghoeru was originally built in 1412, these stone pillars were decorated with sculptures depicting dragons rising to the sky, but these details were not reproduced when the building was rebuilt in the 19th century. Three stone bridges connect the building to the palace grounds, and corners of the
balustrades
A baluster is an upright support, often a vertical moulded shaft, square, or lathe-turned form found in stairways, parapets, and other architectural features. In furniture construction it is known as a spindle. Common materials used in its con ...
around the island are decorated with sculptures depicting twelve Zodiac animals.
Gyeonghoeru used to be represented on the 10,000
won Korean banknotes (1983-2002 Series).
Sujeongjeon
![Sujeongjeon](https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/6/65/Sujeongjeon.JPG)
Sujeongjeon (), a building located to the south of Gyeonghoeru, was constructed in 1867 and used by the
cabinet
Cabinet or The Cabinet may refer to:
Furniture
* Cabinetry, a box-shaped piece of furniture with doors and/or drawers
* Display cabinet, a piece of furniture with one or more transparent glass sheets or transparent polycarbonate sheets
* Filing ...
of the Joseon dynasty.
It is Korea's Treasure No. 1760, where Jiphyeonjeon Hall was located during King Sejong's reign. The historical and architectural value is high because it is the only building that remains in the outer space corresponding to the west side of Geunjeongjeon Hall.
Gangnyeongjeon
![Seoul Gangnyeongjeon 01](https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/9/97/Seoul_Gangnyeongjeon_01.jpg)
Gangnyeongjeon (), also called Gangnyeongjeon Hall, is a building used as the king's main residing quarters.
First constructed in 1395, the fourth year of
King Taejo, the building contains the king's bed-chamber.
Destroyed during the
Japanese invasions of Korea
Japanese may refer to:
* Something from or related to Japan, an island country in East Asia
* Japanese language, spoken mainly in Japan
* Japanese people, the ethnic group that identifies with Japan through ancestry or culture
** Japanese diaspor ...
in 1592, the building was rebuilt when Gyeongbokgung was reconstructed in 1867, but it was again burned down by a major fire in November 1876 and had to be restored in 1888 following the orders of
King Gojong.
However, when Huijeongdang of
Changdeokgung Palace was burned down by a fire in 1917, the Japanese government dismembered the building and used its construction materials to restore Huijeongdang in 1920.
Current Gangnyeongjeon was built in 1994, meticulously restoring the building to its original specifications and design.
Gangnyeongjeon consists of corridors and fourteen rectangular chambers, each seven chambers located to the left and right side of the building in a layout out like a checkerboard. The king used the central chamber while the court attendants occupied the remaining side chambers to protect, assist, and to receive orders. The building rests on top of a tall stone foundation, and a stone deck or veranda is located in front of the building.
The noted feature of the building is an absence of a top white roof ridge called ''yongmaru'' ( in Korean. Many theories exist to explain the absence, of which a prominent one states that, since the king was symbolized as the dragon during the Joseon dynasty, the ''yongmaru'', which contains the letter dragon or ''yong'' (龍), cannot rest on top of the king when he is asleep.
Gyotaejeon
![Gyeongbokgung-KyoTaeJeon](https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/0/01/Gyeongbokgung-KyoTaeJeon.JPG)
Gyotaejeon (), also called Gyotaejeon Hall, is a building used as the main residing quarters by the queen during the Joseon Dynasty.
The building is located behind Gangnyeongjeon, the king's quarters, and contains the queen's bed chamber. It was first constructed in around 1440, the 22nd year of
King Sejong the Great
Sejong of Joseon (15 May 1397 – 8 April 1450), personal name Yi Do ( Korean: 이도; Hanja: 李祹), widely known as Sejong the Great ( Korean: 세종대왕; Hanja: 世宗大王), was the fourth ruler of the Joseon dynasty of Korea. Initi ...
.
King Sejong, who was noted to have a frail health later in his reign, decided to carry out his executive duties in Gangnyeongjeon, where his bed-chamber is located, instead of Sajeongjeon. Since this decision meant many government officials routinely needed to visit and intrude Gangnyeongjeon, King Sejong had Gyotaejeon built in consideration of his wife the queen's privacy.
The building was burned down in 1592 when the
Japanese invaded Korea, but was reconstructed in 1867. Nevertheless, when Daejojeon of
Changdeokgung Palace was burned down by a fire in 1917, the Japanese government disassembled the building and recycled its construction materials to restore Daejojeon.
The current building was reconstructed in 1994 according to its original design and specifications. The building, like Gangnyeongjeon, does not have a top roof ridge called ''yongmaru''.
Amisan (), a famous garden created from an artificial mound, is located behind Gyotaejeon. Four hexagonal chimneys, constructed around 1869 in orange bricks and decorative roof tiles, adorn Amisan without showing their utilitarian function and are notable examples of formative art created during the Joseon Dynasty. The chimneys were registered as Korea's Treasure No. 811 on January 8, 1985.
Hyangwonjeong
Hyangwonjeong (), or Hyangwonjeong Pavilion, is a small, two-story hexagonal pavilion built around 1873 by the order of King
Gojong when Geoncheonggung residence was built to the north within Gyeongbokgung.
The pavilion was constructed on an artificial island of a lake named Hyangwonji (), and a bridge named Chwihyanggyo () connects it to the palace grounds. The name ''Hyangwonjeong'' is loosely translated as "Pavilion of Far-Reaching Fragrance", while ''Chwihyanggyo'' is "Bridge Intoxicated with Fragrance".
The bridge Chwihyanggyo was originally located on the north side of the island and was the longest bridge constructed purely of wood during the Joseon dynasty; however, it was destroyed during the
Korean War
, date = {{Ubl, 25 June 1950 – 27 July 1953 (''de facto'')({{Age in years, months, weeks and days, month1=6, day1=25, year1=1950, month2=7, day2=27, year2=1953), 25 June 1950 – present (''de jure'')({{Age in years, months, weeks a ...
. The bridge was reconstructed in its present form on the south side of the island in 1953, but is now being relocated to its original location on the north side. The reconstruction was completed in 2019.
Jagyeongjeon
![Jagyeongjeon](https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/b/bf/Jagyeongjeon.JPG)
Jagyeongjeon (), also called Jagyeongjeon Hall, is a building used as the main residing quarters by
Queen Sinjeong
Queen Sinjeong (Hangul: 신정왕후, Hanja: 神貞王后; 21 January 1809 – 4 June 1890), also known as Queen Dowager Hyoyu (효유왕대비), of the Pungyang Jo clan, was the only wife of Crown Prince Hyomyeong and mother of Heonjong of Jose ...
(), the mother of King
Heonjong. First constructed in 1865, it was burned down twice by a fire but was reconstructed in 1888. Jagyeongjeon is the only royal residing quarters in Gyeongbokgung that survived the demolition campaigns of the Japanese government during the
Japanese occupation of Korea.
The chimneys of Jagyeongjeon are decorated with ten signs of longevity to wish for a long life for the late queen, while the west walls of the Jagyeongjeon compound are adorned with floral designs.
The protruding southeast part of Jagyeongjeon, named Cheongyeollu (), is designed to provide a cooler space during the summer, while the northwest part of Jagyeongjeon, named Bogandang (), is designed for the winter months. The eastern part of Jagyeogjeon, named Hyeopgyeongdang () and distinguished by the building's lower height, was used by the late queen's assistants.
The building and the decorative walls were registered as Korea's Treasure No. 809 on January 8, 1985.
Jibokjae
![Jibokjae1](https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/e/e6/Jibokjae1.jpg)
Jibokjae (), located next to Geoncheonggung Residence, is a two-story private library used by King
Gojong. In 1876, a major fire occurred in Gyeongbokgung Palace, and King
Gojong, for a brief period, moved and resided in
Changdeokgung Palace. He eventually moved back to Gyeongbokgung in 1888, but he had the pre-existing Jibokjae building disassembled and moved from
Changdeokgung to the present location in 1891.
[The Description on the sign near the Jibokjae.] Its name, ''Jibokjae'', translates loosely in English as the "Hall of Collecting Jade".
The building uniquely shows heavy influence of Chinese architecture instead of traditional Korean palace architecture.
Its side walls were entirely constructed in brick, a method commonly employed by the contemporary Chinese, and its roof formations, interior screens, and columns also show Chinese influences. Its architecture possibly was meant to give it an exotic appearance.
Jibokjae is flanked by Parujeong (), an octagonal two-story pavilion, to the left and Hyeopgildang () to the right. Parujeong was constructed to store books, while Hyeopgildang served as a part of Jibokjae. Both of the buildings are internally connected to Jibokjae.
Bohyeondang () and Gahoejeong (), buildings that also formed a library complex to the south of Jibokjae, were demolished by the Japanese government in the early 20th century.
Taewonjeon
Taewonjeon (), or Taewonjeon Shrine, is an ancestral shrine originally built in 1868 to house a portrait of King
Taejo, the founder of the Joseon dynasty, and to perform rites to the deceased royalties. Completely destroyed by the Japanese government in the early 20th century, the shrine was accurately restored to its former design in 2005.
Donggung
![Donggung](https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/9/9d/Donggung.jpg)
Donggung (), located south of the Hyangwonjeong pavilion, were the living quarters for the crown prince and his wife. The four main buildings of the compound were Jaseondang and Bihyeongak, Chunbang (the lecture hall, where the prince received the preparatory education in order to become a future monarch), as well as Gyebang (the security building).
In the 19th century, the future
Emperor Sunjong
Sunjong, the Emperor Yunghui (; 25 March 1874 – 24 April 1926), was the second and the last Emperor of Korea, of the Yi dynasty, ruling from 1907 until 1910.
Biography
Crown Prince of Korea
Sunjong was the second son of Emperor Gojong a ...
lived in the compound. Donggung was razed to the ground during the Japanese occupation. The restoration work started in 1999 but only Jaseondang and Bihyeongak were restored.
In 2020, the Royal Palaces and Tombs Center (hereinafter RPTC) of the Cultural Heritage Administration (CHA) announced its plans to restore the Donggung area to its original layout. The restoration work of the remaining buildings began in March 2020 and was planned to be completed in late Jan. 2023
Geoncheonggung
![Gyeongbokgung Jangandang](https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/d/df/Gyeongbokgung_Jangandang.jpg)
Geoncheonggung (), also known as Geoncheonggung Residence, was a private royal residence built by King
Gojong within the palace grounds in 1873.
King Gojong resided in Geoncheonggung from 1888 and the residence was continuously expanded, but on October 8, 1895,
Empress Myeongseong
Empress Myeongseong or Empress Myungsung (명성황후 민씨; 17 November 1851 – 8 October 1895In lunar calendar, the Empress was born on 25 September 1851 and died on 20 August 1895), informally known as Empress Min, was the official wife ...
, the wife of King Gojong, was
brutally assassinated by the Japanese agents at the residence. Her body was burned and buried near the residence.
Haunted by the experiences of the incident, the king left the palace in January 1896 and never again returned to the residence.
Demolished completely by the Japanese government in 1909, the residence was accurately reconstructed to its former design and open to the public in 2007.
Governor-General's Residence (dismantled)
The back garden of Gyeongbokgung used to contain the main part of the
Japanese Governor-General's residence, that was built in the early 20th century during the Japanese occupation. With the establishment of the Republic of Korea in 1948, President
Syngman Rhee used it as his office and residence. In 1993, after President
Kim Young-sam
Kim Young-sam (; or ; 20 December 1927 – 22 November 2015) was a South Korean politician and activist who served as the seventh president of South Korea from 1993 to 1998.
From 1961, he spent almost 30 years as one of the leaders of t ...
's civilian administration was launched, the Japanese Governor-General's residence in the
Cheongwadae
Cheong Wa Dae ( ko, 청와대; Hanja: ; ), also known as the Blue House, is a public park that formerly served as the executive office and official residence of the president of South Korea from 1948 to 2022. It is located in the Jongno dis ...
compound was dismantled to remove a major symbol of the Japanese colonialism.
Tourism
In 2011 a survey was conducted by the Seoul Development Institute, which included 800 residents and 103 urban planners and architects. 39 percent of residents voted the palace as the most scenic location in Seoul, following
Mount Namsan and
Han River in the top spots.
Events
In a poll of nearly 2,000 foreign visitors, conducted by the
Seoul Metropolitan Government
The Seoul Metropolitan Government is a local government of Seoul, South Korea. The mayor is elected to a four-year term by the citizens of Seoul and is responsible for the administration of the city government. The Seoul Metropolitan Government d ...
in November 2011, stated that watching the changing of the guards at the main gate
Gwanghwamun
Gwanghwamun () is the main and largest gate of Gyeongbok Palace, in Jongno-gu, Seoul, South Korea. It is located at a three-way intersection at the northern end of Sejongno. As a landmark and symbol of Seoul's long history as the capital city dur ...
is their third favorite activity in Seoul. The royal changing of the guard ceremony is held in front of the main gate every hour from 10:00 to 15:00.
There are many tourists wearing hanbok while visiting Gyeongbokgung.
There are rental shops close to Gyeongbokgung.
This year, the number of night tours exclusively for foreigners at Gyeongbokgung Palace will be increased to 14 from 3 last year.
At Gyeongbokgung Palace, a program called “Suragan Tasting Sympathy”, you can experience royal food and watch traditional performances.
File:Korea Gyeongbokgung Guard 12.jpg
File:Royal Guard Changing Ceremony at Gyeongbokgung.jpg
File:Korea Gyeongbokgung Guard 10.jpg
File:Korea-Gyeongbokgung-Guard.ceremony-12.jpg
File:Korea-Gyeongbokgung-Guard.ceremony-05.jpg
File:Korea Gyeongbokgung Guard 09.jpg
File:Korea-Gyeongbokgung-Guard.ceremony-10.jpg
File:Korea-Gyeongbokgung-Guard.ceremony-14.jpg
File:Korea Gyeongbokgung Guard 14.jpg
File:Korea Gyeongbokgung Guard 08.jpg
On selected days from April to October, Gyeongbokgung offers special 'nighttime viewing' sessions from 7PM to 10PM. 4,500 tickets are offered each session which could be reserved online or purchased on-site (ID required). However, on-site tickets are available ''only'' for foreigners and senior citizens age 65 and over, for which 500 and 50 tickets are allocated respectively. In 2019, Gyeongbokgung held 71 nighttime viewing sessions.
From September 1, 2022 to November 6, 2022, Gyeongbokgung offers special 'nighttime viewing' sessions from 7PM to 9:30PM The admission fee is 3,000 won. Online reservations and on-site reservations are available, and up to two tickets are available per person.
File:Gyeongbokgung at night.png
File:흐르는 역사의 중심 경복궁.jpg
File:밤의 경복궁.jpg
File:Gyeongbokgung at blue hour 1X7A8069.jpg
File:Night View of Geunjeongjeon (근정전).jpg
File:Night of Geunjeongjeon.jpg
File:Gyeongbokgung at evening 1X7A8077.jpg
File:경회루의 봄.jpg
File:경복궁 경회루 야경.jpg
File:경복궁 근정문의 야경.jpg
Access
Today, the Gyeongbokgung Palace is open to the public and houses the
National Folk Museum of Korea
National Folk Museum of Korea is a national museum of South Korea, located within the grounds of the Gyeongbokgung Palace in Jongno-gu, Seoul. It uses replicas of historical objects to illustrate the history of traditional life of the Korean pe ...
, the
National Palace Museum of Korea
The National Palace Museum of Korea is a national museum of South Korea located in Gyeongbokgung Palace, Seoul.
History
The museum first began as the "Korean Imperial Museum", which was established in September 1908 and was originally located ...
, and traditional Korean gardens.
Transportation
Gyeongbokgung entry is located 22 Sajik-ro, Jongno-gu. The nearest subway station is
*
Gyeongbokgung Station (Station #327 on
Line 3).
There has been off and on talk to extending the
Shinbundang Line
The Shinbundang Line (aka ''Sinbundang Line''; ; literally, ''New Bundang Line'') or DX Line for Dynamic Express Line is a long line of the Seoul Metropolitan Subway. It is the world's fifth subway to run completely driverless and the second com ...
near the palace including during a March 2012 campaign promise by Hong Sa-duk to expand the line near Gyeongbok Palace.
Entrance Fee
See also
*
Joseon Dynasty architecture
*
Five Grand Palaces
5 is a number, numeral, and glyph.
5, five or number 5 may also refer to:
* AD 5, the fifth year of the AD era
* 5 BC, the fifth year before the AD era
Literature
* ''5'' (visual novel), a 2008 visual novel by Ram
* ''5'' (comics), an awa ...
— ''of Joseon Dynasty, in Seoul.''
*
Korean architecture
*
History of Korea
*
Imperial City of Huế
The Imperial City ( vi, Hoàng thành; Chữ Hán: 皇城) is a walled enclosure within the citadel (''Kinh thành''; Chữ Hán: 京城) of the city of Huế, the former imperial capital of Vietnam during the Nguyễn dynasty. It contains the pa ...
*
Forbidden City
The Forbidden City () is a palace complex in Dongcheng District, Beijing, China, at the center of the Imperial City of Beijing. It is surrounded by numerous opulent imperial gardens and temples including the Zhongshan Park, the sacrifi ...
*
Potala Palace
The Potala Palace is a ''dzong'' fortress in Lhasa, Tibet. It was the winter palace of the Dalai Lamas from 1649 to 1959, has been a museum since then, and a World Heritage Site since 1994.
The palace is named after Mount Potalaka, the mythic ...
References
Bibliography
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External links
Official homepageOfficial guide from Cultural Heritage AdministrationGyeongbok PalaceThe Seoul Guide : Gyeongbokgung Palace
{{Authority control
Palaces in South Korea
Buildings and structures in Seoul
Historic house museums in Asia
History of Seoul
Jongno District
Joseon dynasty works
Museums in Seoul
Rebuilt buildings and structures in South Korea
Royal residences in South Korea
Tourist attractions in Seoul
World Heritage Sites in South Korea
Joseon Industrial