Gyeongbokgung

Overview

Gyeongbokgung Palace, the "Palace Greatly Blessed by Heaven," was the primary royal palace of the Joseon Dynasty. Located at the heart of Seoul with Bugaksan Mountain as its backdrop, it is the grandest of the five palaces and represents the pinnacle of Joseon royal architecture. Its vast grounds house magnificent wooden structures and serene pavilions.

History

Constructed in 1395, it served as the main palace until the Imjin War (1592) when it was destroyed by fire. It lay in ruins for about 270 years until it was grandly reconstructed in 1867 during the reign of King Gojong. During the Japanese colonial period, much of the palace was dismantled, but a continuous restoration project since 1990 is successfully bringing the palace back to its original 19th-century splendor.

Things to see

Imperial grandeur and cultural landmarks:

• The **Geunjeongjeon Hall**: The main throne hall where the King held official audiences and state ceremonies.

• The **Gyeonghoeru Pavilion**: A majestic banquet hall situated in the middle of a large artificial pond, supported by 48 stone pillars.

• The **Hyangwonjeong Pavilion**: A two-story hexagonal pavilion standing on an island in the north of the palace, known for its tranquil beauty.

Things to do

Royal ceremonies and cultural experiences:

• Watch the **Changing of the Royal Guard Ceremony**: Held at 10:00 AM and 2:00 PM daily (except Tuesdays) at Gwanghwamun Gate.

• Visit the **National Palace Museum of Korea** and the **National Folk Museum of Korea**: Both are located within the palace grounds and offer deep insights into Korean history and lifestyle.

• Take a **Guided Tour**: Free guided tours in English are available at scheduled times (11:00, 13:30, 15:30) starting in front of the Information Center inside Heungnyemun Gate.