Gyeongbokgung Palace

Gyeongbokgung Palace was built in 1395 by King Taejo Lee Seong-gye as the main palace of the new Joseon Dynasty. Gyeongbokgung Palace was also called 'Bukgwol' (North Palace) because it is located to the north compared to Donggwol (Changdeokgung Palace) or Seogwol (Gyeonghuigung Palace). Gyeongbokgung Palace boasts the largest scale and architectural beauty among the five grand palaces. The kings who held their coronation ceremonies at Geunjeongjeon Hall of Gyeongbokgung Palace include the 2nd King Jeongjong, the 4th King Sejong, the 6th King Danjong, the 7th King Sejo, the 9th King Seongjong, the 11th King Jungjong, and the 13th King Myeongjong. Gyeongbokgung Palace has the sorrow of having a significant number of its buildings burned down during the Japanese invasions of Korea (Imjin Waeran). During the reign of King Gojong, under the leadership of Heungseon Daewongun, about 7,700 rooms were rebuilt. However, with the assassination of Empress Myeongseong, the dynasty declined, and Gyeongbokgung Palace lost its function as a royal palace. Gyeongbokgung Palace retains the original forms of Gyeonghoeru Pavilion and the pond of Hyangwonjeong, which are representative structures of the Joseon Dynasty. The stone platform (woldae) and sculptures of Geunjeongjeon Hall represent the sculptural art of the time. Currently, the National Palace Museum of Korea is located to the west outside Heungnyemun Gate, and the National Folk Museum of Korea is located to the east of Hyangwonjeong within Gyeongbokgung Palace.

* Major Cultural Properties 1) Historic Site Gyeongbokgung Palace 2) National Treasure Gyeongbokgung Palace Geunjeongjeon Hall 3) National Treasure Gyeongbokgung Palace Gyeonghoeru Pavilion 4) Treasure Gyeongbokgung Palace Jagyeongjeon Hall 5) Treasure Gyeongbokgung Palace Jagyeongjeon Hall Ten Longevity Symbols Chimney 6) Treasure Gyeongbokgung Palace Amisan Chimney 7) Treasure Gyeongbokgung Palace Geunjeongmun Gate and Corridors 8) Treasure Gyeongbokgung Palace Punggidae