COME & VISIT

Attractions

Gyeongbokgung (Palace), built in the 4th year of King Taejo’s reign (1395), is where the Joseon Dynasty originated. It is the oldest and central palace of Joseon. It is for this reason that Gyeongbokgung is considered the most beautiful and biggest of the 5 palaces in Seoul, and praised as demonstrating the very height of architectural technology from the medieval period of Northeast Asia.

Parts of the palace were burnt down during “Imjin Oeran”, the Japanese invasion of Korea (1592-1598). Since 1610 Changdeokgung played the role of jeonggung instead, until Heungseon Daewongun (father of King Gojong) restored Gyeongbokgung in 1865. Although the palace was seriously damaged once again, under Japanese Colonial rule, the current Korean government is continuing its predecessors’ efforts to restore it to its original glory. Major attractions inside the palace include Geunjeongjeon (the main hall of the palace), Gyeonghoeru pavilions, Hyangwonjeong pavilion and the Amisan chimneys, all of which are valuable cultural and historical assets illustrating the essence of the traditional architectural design of the Joseon Dynasty.

There are several historical sites and artifacts of great value that can be found in every corner of Gyeongbokgung. Inside the palace are the National Palace Museum of Korea and the National Folk Museum of Korea to take you on a trip back into Korean history.

As the Main Gate of Gyeongbokgung, it symbolized the royal family and the state’s authority.

Government officials paid their respect to the king here on New Year’s Day, state ceremonies were held, and foreign envoys were greeted at this central building of Gyeongbokgung. At the center of the hall, there remains the king’s throne

This was the queen’s chamber, and it is located in the most private part of the palace ground. There are 4 beautiful chimneys of unique shapes and forms in Amisan (Mt.), a man-made mountain used as the rear garden of Gyotaejeon Hall.

A banquet was held for foreign envoys at this pavilion. It is the biggest pavilion of its kind in Korea. The simple yet extravagant decorations and structural features represent architectural styles from the late Joseon period.

This pavilion located in the backyard of Gyeongbokgung is considered to be the flower of Korean palace culture.
The bridge over the pond, in particular, adds more aesthetic value to this Pavilion.