Gyeongbokgung Palace
The Joseon royal family lived and governed here. Geunjeongjeon hosted state ceremonies, while Gyeonghoeru stood above a pond; each building had its own role.
Why choose this place
For royal grandeur: see Geunjeongjeon across its broad courtyard and Gyeonghoeru above the pond in one visit.
Make the most of your visit
Start with the broad courtyard, then look closely at the painted eaves and patterns between the columns.
Stories from the record
Gyeongbokgung was built to mark the beginning of the Joseon dynasty. Today's palace brings together its founding in 1395, rebuilding after war, damage during Japanese colonial rule and later restoration.
1395: Building the heart of a new dynasty
Founded in 1395 under King Taejo, Yi Seong-gye, the palace became Joseon's central royal complex. Bugaksan stood behind it, while the avenue of major government offices stretched before its main gate. Its name expresses a wish for the dynasty to enjoy great blessings.
A royal home and a place of government
The entry for the 29th day of the ninth month in 1395 in the Annals of Taejo describes the palace's layout and functions. It included bedrooms, halls for government, kitchens and offices managing supplies. The National Institute of Korean History describes about 390 bays at its founding. A bay is an architectural space between columns rather than simply a room.
A palace rebuilt after more than 270 years
The palace burned during the Japanese invasions of 1592 and was not immediately rebuilt. Reconstruction began in 1865 under King Gojong and finished in 1867. The palace seen today is therefore better understood as a place restored after a long absence, rather than an untouched survival of the original buildings.
Tragedy and damage within the palace
In 1895, Empress Myeongseong was assassinated at Okhoru in Geoncheonggung. During Japanese colonial rule, many halls were demolished for purposes including an exhibition, and the Government-General building was constructed in 1926. Major restoration from the 1990s has gradually recovered lost palace spaces.
A dragon really came out of the pond?
A bronze dragon was discovered during work on Gyeonghoeru's pond in 1997. Gyeonghoeru Jeondo records that two copper dragons were placed in the pond to ward off fire. People believed dragons governed water and hoped they would protect the wooden palace. The discovery is a fact; a dragon's power to prevent fire was a symbolic belief, not evidence that a living dragon inhabited the pond.
Sources
Before you go
Opening hours and closing days can change, so check the official information before visiting.