Gyeongbok Gung

Introduction

Gyeongbokgung Palace (Gyeongbok Palace) is the largest and most important of the Five Grand Palaces of the Joseon Dynasty in Seoul, South Korea. Built in 1395 by King Taejo, the founder of the Joseon Dynasty, it served as the main royal palace for over 500 years. Destroyed by fire during the Japanese invasions (1592-1598), it lay in ruins for over 250 years until restored in the 1860s under Prince Regent Heungseon. The palace grounds feature the magnificent Geunjeongjeon (main throne hall), Gyeonghoeru (royal banquet pavilion on a lotus pond), Hyangwonjeong (hexagonal garden pavilion), and the changing of the royal guard ceremony. The National Palace Museum of Korea and the National Folk Museum are within the grounds. Severely damaged during the Japanese colonial period (1910-1945), ongoing restoration continues to return the palace to its former glory. Visiting Gyeongbokgung to experience the grandeur of Joseon Dynasty royal architecture and 500 years of Korean royal history is a must-do cultural experience in Seoul.

✨ Highlights

🛈 Practical Info