Gyeongbokgung Palace, blessed by heaven

Gyeongbokgung Palace was the main royal palace of the Joseon dynasty, the last dynasty in the history of South Korea. It was built in 1395 just after the country's capital was changed. At the time, the capital was in Hanyang (now known as Kaesong in North Korea).

Gyeongbokgung, known as the Northern Palace because of its position, served as the main residence of the kings of the Joseon dynasty until it was completely destroyed by fire during the Imjin War, which lasted from 1592 to 1598. The tragedy continued as the palace was abandoned for two centuries! It was not until the arrival of Prince Regent Heungseon that it was restored.

Comprising 500 rooms, the palace was constantly destroyed by Japanese colonisation and then rebuilt again. Today, the palace is considered to be the largest of the five palaces in the capital.

Gyeongbokgung Palace offers free guided tours in a variety of languages, including English, Japanese, Chinese, Indonesian and Vietnamese. Please note that places are expensive... guided tours are on a first-come, first-served basis (30 people per session). It is still possible to book in advance for groups of 10 or more. To book a guide or group tour, visit the website.

There are several options for exploring this immense palace. History and architecture buffs can opt for a longer tour (half or full day) with an expert, which takes visitors to the Jogyesa Buddhist temple, the village of Seochon Hanok and the traditional Tongin market.

Where: Square inside the Gwanghwamun Gate When: 10am and 2pm (approx. 20 minutes)

The changing of the guards ceremony was first established in 1469 during the reign of King Yejong. Since 1996, this ritual has been performed by actors in uniform with traditional royal weapons, with music playing in the background. This re-enactment ceremony takes us right back to the old days. It takes place twice a day (except Tuesdays) at the Gwanghwamun gate.

When: Daily from April to November (with a break in July and August) Another small event during the visit is the re-enactment of the royal palace parade. This daily event shows the morning ritual of the King and Queen as they stroll through the palace.

The Gwanghwamun Gate

The Gwanghwamun Gate is the main gate of Gyeongbokgung Palace, which faces Gwanghwamun Square in present-day Seoul. As Gyeongbokgung Palace was the main palace of the Joseon dynasty, the gates were built like fortresses with high stone walls and three arched entrances. The architecture features a double roof. A bell inside announces the time of day.

The Gwanghwamun Gate was rebuilt in concrete in 1968 and restored in 2020. Since the Joseon dynasty, the front of the Gwanghwamun Gate has served as the main square for citizens to gather and express their political opinions. Gwanghwamun Square also serves as an area for demonstrations and important political events. It is also the venue for national celebrations.

Geunjeongjeon

Geunjeongjeon means "diligent government". This was the throne room where the Joseon kings conducted affairs of state such as coronations, cabinet meetings, official visits, etc. The room was built in 1867 after being burnt down during the Japanese invasion in 1592. Symbolising the sacred monarchy, this great hall of the palace stands at the top on stone steps. Behind the throne is a colourful painting of the Sun, Moon and a five-peaked mountain.

Sujeongjeon

Sujeongjeon is the only building on the Gyeongbokgung site to have survived the Japanese invasion. It is therefore original and perfectly preserved.

Sajeongjeon

Sajeongjeon was the king's main office for managing state affairs. The Joseon rulers held daily morning meetings with the highest officials.

Gangnyeongjeon

Gangneyongjeon was the king's residence and office. The building has been burnt down three times since the Japanese invasion in 1592. The current building was constructed in 1995.

Gyotaejeon

The official residence of Joseon's queen consorts, Gyotaejeon, is located just behind Gangnyeongjeon. Like Gangnyeongjeon, this residence was destroyed, rebuilt and dismantled before being restored in 1995.

Donggung

Donggung was the crown prince's residence but was not part of the original Gyeongbokgung palace base; King Sejong added it in 1427. The current building was rebuilt in 1999.

Geoncheonggung Palace

Geoncheonggung Palace was built in 1873 at the northern end of Gyeongbokgung Palace to serve as the residence of King Gojong - the last king of the Joseon dynasty - and his queen Myeongseong. The current hall was restored in 2007.

Interestingly, it was the first building in the country to install electric lights, just 7 years after Thomas Edison invented the light bulb.

Gyeonghoeru Pavilion

The Gyeonghoeru Pavilion is the royal banqueting hall, used as a venue for state events, royal parties, receptions and foreign diplomats. Surrounded by the pond, it is the most beautiful piece of architecture in Gyeongbokgung Palace. Inside, windows frame the magnificent view of Inwangsan Mountain. The 12 rooms of the pavilion refer to the 12 months of the year, while the 24 pillars outside represent the 24 solar conditions.

In 1997, a project to clean up the pond revealed two bronze dragon sculptures. The people of Joseon believed that the dragon controlled water and rain. They dropped these dragons into the pond to protect the wooden architecture from fire and to ensure a prosperous harvest. These dragons are now on display in the National Palace Museum.

The current pavilion was rebuilt in 1867 after being completely burnt down during the Japanese invasion in 1592. Entry is limited to a small group, led by the palace's certified guide, to preserve the delicate ancient architecture.