The Palace Greatly Blessed by Heaven— Gyeongbokgung, the largest of the Five Grand Palaces of the Joseon Dynasty built in 1395, three years after Yi Seong-gye (King Taejo) founded the new dynasty. It served as the main palace, the home of kings.
Guarded by a Haetae Gwanghwamun Gate is the main and largest gate of Gyeongbokgung Palace |
View of the Palace entering through the Gwanghwamun Gate |
Heungnyemun, the Second Inner Gate |
Geunjeongmun Gate, the Third Inner Gate |
Gyeongbokgung Palace sits in the heart of Seoul with Mount Bugaksan as its backdrop, It’s a very auspicious site, according to the traditional practice of geomancy. Along the site’s central axis is the core of the palace—the throne hall, the king’s residence and the council hall, and outside the Gwanghamun Gate, the Street of Six Ministries (Sejongno today). These formed the heart of the capital city representing the Joseon Dynasty’s sovereignty. It steadily expanded years after.
Geunjeongjeon (Imperial Throne Hall, National Treasure No. 223) of Gyongbokgung Palace with Mount Bugaksan as its backdrop |
One of the many mythical figures |
In 1592, during the Imjin War (the Japanese invasion), all the palaces in the capital were razed by fire. A secondary palace was rebuilt, Changdeokgung, served as the main palace.
Re-enactment of Korean royal guard |
Characters of the re-enactment |
Geongbokgung Palace was abandoned for almost three centuries. In 1867, by order of the Prince Regent Heungseon during the reign of King Gojong, reconstruction on a grand scale began. About 50 buildings, 7,700 rooms in a site of over 40 hectares were rebuilt. Incorporated into the restored buildings is ancient Korea’s architectural principles.
Interior of the Imperial Throne Room |
Ceiling of Throne Hall |
Inside the palace walls were the oejeon (Outer Court), the king’s and state officials’ offices, and the naejeon (Inner Court) holding the royal family’s living quarters and gardens. The surrounding precincts held other palaces, including the Donggung and Junggung, the Crown Prince’s and queen’s residences respectively.
Gangnyeongjeon, the King's Quarters |
In the early 20th century, another unfortunate event struck the palace. Korea came under Japanese rule. After the Korean Empire was officially annexed by the Japanese in 1910, all but ten buildings were systematically destroyed to accommodate Japanese-hosted exhibitions. Further damage happened to the palace during the Korean War in 1950.
Hamwonjeon, a hall used for Buddhist events |
A few buildings survived both the Japanese Occupation and Korean War. These are in its 19th century original state, two of which are marked as national treasures: Geunjeongjeon (the Imperial Throne Hall), National Treasure No. 223; Gyeonghoeru Pavilion, National Treasure No. 224; Jagyeongjeon Hall; Hyangwonjeong Pavilion; Jibokjae Hall; Sujeongjeon Hall and Sajeongjeon Hall.
The Angbuilgu, a hemispherical sundial |
In 1990, a 40-year restoration plan was implemented. Step by step, components of Gyeongbokgung’s walled palace complex were restored to its original state. Completely reconstructed are the Heungnyemun Gate (2001), Gwanghwamun Gate (2010), and the Inner Court and Crown Prince's residence.
Chimney in Amizan Garden |
Back in its former glory, Gyeongbokgung is once again praised as the grandest and most beautiful of the five palaces today. Two other attractions are added to the list of the complex ‘s buildings-- the National Palace Museum of Korea and National Folk Museum.
View of the National Folk Museum building |
You know what makes the place grander in this time and age? It’s one of the settings of a several Korean dramas to become one favorite destinations of hanbok-wearing tourists reliving the scenes from their favorite shows.
Popular palace for all tourists to wear hanbok & relive Korean drama scenes |
Also published in the SunStar Davao newspaper.
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