Gyeongbokgung Palace

  The largest of all five grand palaces built in Joseon dynasty period - The Gyeongbokgung Palace (경복궁).

Gyeongbokgung Palace

 Built in 14th century by the founder king of Joseon dynasty King Taejo.

 It is located in northern Seoul, South Korea. It was the main palace of joseon dynasty and served as the home for them.

 Gyeongbokgung Palace is one of the most beautiful with the largest premises of all five grand palaces of joseon dynasty.

  The Palace is also known as Northern Palace because its location is afar north when compare to the neighboring palaces of Changdeokgung (Eastern Palace) and Gyeonghuigung (Western Palace).

Gyeongbokgung Palace was once destroyed during the Japanese invasion (Imjin War) in 1592. However the palace was rebuilt after 275 years in 1867 under the leadership of  Yi Ha-eung also known as Regent Heungseon Daewongun (Grand Internal Prince Heungseon) during the reign of King Gojong.

Different structures in Gyeongbokgung Palace...

• Gwanghwamun

Gwanghwamun Gate

It is the main gate of palace and also known as The South Gate

- Heungnyemun (The second Inner Gate)

- Geunjeongmun (The  third inner Gate)

- Sinmumun (The North Gate)

- Geonchunmun (The East Gate)

- Yeongchumun (The West Gate)

• Gyeonghoeru Pavilion

This Hall was used to hold special and important official feasts.

• Hyangwonjeong pavilion and Chwihyanggyo Bridge

Hyangwonjeong Pavilion and Chwihyanggyo Bridge

It was a small hexagonal two story building. The pavilion was constructed on an artificial island (Hyangwonji). There is a bridge named Chwihyanggyo Bridge to reach the pavilion. The interesting fact is Hyangwonjeong is translated as 'Pavilion of Far-Reaching Fragrance' and Chwihyanggyo is translated as 'Bridge Intoxicated with Fragrance'.

• Yeongjegyo Bridge

This is a small bridge located near the secondary gate of the palace.

• Geunjeongjeon Hall

It is the throne hall where king used to formally grant audiences to his officials, gave oders on different issues, greeted foreign delegates and gave declarations of the national importance during the joseon dynasty.

• Sajeongjeon Hall

It was the main executive office during joseon dynasty. the king used to do his official work here and held meetings with the top government officials.

• Sujeongjeon Hall

This hall was used by the cabinet of Joseon dynasty for official work.

• Gangnyeongjeon Hall

It was the main residence of King with a corridor and fourteen rectangular chambers, seven on each side of corridor.

• Gyotaejeon Hall

It was the main residence of queen It was located behind the king's residence (Gangnyeongjeon Hall). It was built by king Sejong for his queen.

King Sejong started having health issues later in his reign, he decided to do his official work from his main residence instead of Sejeongjeon Hall. Because of this many government officials regularly needed to visit his residence, King Sejong ordered to built Gyotaejeon Hall in consideration of his wife's privacy.

• Jagyeongjeon Hall

It was used as the main residence of the Sinjeong, the mother of King Heonjong (24th King og Joseon dynasty).

• Jibokjae

It is a two story private library used by the King Gojong.

• Taewonjeon Shrine

Built in 1868 it is an ancestral shrine of King Taejo, the founder of Joseon dynasty. This shrine was used to perform  rites to the deceased royalities.

• Donggung

It was the main residence of crown prince and his wife. Donggung is a collective name of four buildings Jaseondang, Bihyeongak, Chunbang ( education hall) and Gyebang (Security building).

• Geoncheonggung Residence

It was a private Royal residence built by King Gojong.

The Special Events at Gyeongbokgung Palace...

• The Guard Changing Ceremony 

This traditional ceremony takes place twice a day at 10 AM and 2 PM except tuesday.

• Suragan Tasting Ceremony 

This program happens at palace . One can experience the royal traditional food and can watch traditional performences.

•  Night Time Viewing

This program is held between April and October. Where one can experience the night view of palace.

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