| Address |
| 1 Sejong-no, Jongno-gu, Seoul |
| Description |
Gyeongbokgung was the main palace during the Joseon Dynasty (1392-1910). One of
five palaces in Seoul, it has a 500 year history. It was built by the founding
King of Joseon dynasty, Lee Seong-Gye, in 1395 as he moved the capital city from
Gyeseong to Seoul. Located in the northern part of Seoul, it is sometimes called
“Bukgwol.”
Gyeongbokgung is 5.4 million square feet and rectangular in shape.
On the south side is the main gate Gwanghwamun. To the north, Sinmumun, east,
Yeongchumun, and west, Geonchunmun. In the palace are the Jeongak buildings such
as Geunjeongjeon, Gyotaejeon, Jagyeongjeon, Gyeonghoeru, and Hyangwonjeong.
Geunjeongjeon, the main hall, was where inquiries and morning sessions were
held. In the front courtyard, three granite walkways are present. The slightly
more elevated middle walkway was for the King. The ones on the side were for his
court. In the yard, Pumgyeseoks stand on each side. Jagyeongjeon and Gyotaejeon
were the King’s mother and Queen’s sleeping quarters. Jakyeongjeon is famous for
it’s flower wall and Sipjangsaeng guldduk (chimney). The guldduk is recognized
as the most beautiful made in Joseon period, and is listed as National Treasure
no. 810. Gyotaejeon was the Queen’s personal living area, and the wall and the
rear entrance overlooking Amisan Mountain are particularly eye-catching.
What adds to the elegance of Gyeongbokgung is its lotus pond. Gyeonghoeru
and Hyangwonjeoung. Gyeonghoeru was where foreign dignitaries met and special
festivals were held when good events occurred in the nation. Hwangwonjeong is
behind the sleeping quarters, and is in the back courtyard. It also has a lotus
pond, but has a distinct feminine feel to it compared to Gyeonghoeru’s. Its
architecture makes great use of the surrounding Amisan’s geography, and the area
blends in beautifully, a great example of traditional Korean palatial structure.
There is also the library, sujeongjeon, and the King’s work quarters,
Sajeongjeon.
There are many designated Cultural Assets in the Palace. Many
of these were collected from all over the nation, such as Gyeongcheonsa’s
10-story stone tower (No. 86), Beomcheonsa’s Jigwangguksa-Hyeonmo tower
(No.101), and Borugak’s Automatic Clock and Heumgyeonggak’s Water Clock and
Cheonsang Clock.
In 1910, when the Korea-Japan Treaty was signed, Japan tore
down all the Jeongak buildings in the south area and built their Command Center
on the spot. The Japanese building has now been dismantled and the palace is in
the process of being restored.
| |
| Directions |
1. From Gyeongbokgung station (subway line 3, exit No. 5), walk for 5
min.
2. From Ganghwamun Station (subway line 5, exit No. 2), walk for 5
min.
| |
| Information |
1. Hours: Mar. - Oct. 09:00-18:00/ Nov. - Feb. 09:00-17:00 /May. -
Aug.
(weekend, holiday) 09:00-19:00
2. Closed: Every Tuesday
3. Inquiries:
Gyeongbokgung Administration Office +82-2-732-1931(Korean)
4. Homepage:
www.ocp.go.kr (Korean/English)
5. Admission Fee:
|
| classification |
adults (25~64) |
children (19~24) |
| individual |
1,000 won |
500 won |
| group (over 30) |
800 won |
400 won
| |
* Foreigners: 7-24 years - 500 won, over 25 - 1,000 won
Free for under 18, over 65 and disabled person. |
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