The Korea Times close
National
  • Politics
  • Diplomacy
  • Defense
  • Labor & Environment
  • Law & Crime
  • Health & Welfare
  • Embassy
  • Seoul & Provinces
  • Education
  • Foreign Communities
  • Obituaries
Biz & Tech
  • Auto
  • IT
  • Game
  • Manufacturing
  • Retail & Food
  • Energy
  • Construction
  • Airlines
Finance
  • Policies
  • Economy
  • Markets
  • Banks
  • Non-banks
Opinion
  • Editorial
  • Columns
  • Thoughts of the Times
  • Cartoon
  • Today in History
  • Blogs
  • Tribune Service
  • Blondie & Garfield
  • Letter to the Editor
Lifestyle
  • Arts
  • Books
  • Travel & Cuisine
  • Trend
  • Fashion
  • Around Town
  • Fortune Telling
Entertainment
  • K-pop
  • K-dramas & Shows
  • Movies
  • Music
  • Performances
  • Asia Model Festival
Sports
  • Football
  • Golf
  • Baseball
  • Other Sports
World
  • Asia Pacific
  • Americas
  • Europe & Africa
  • SCMP
Video
  • On the Spot
  • Feature
  • News
Photos
  • Photo News
  • Darkroom
Community
  • The Korea Times
  • search
  • Site Map
  • E-paper
  • Subscribe
  • Register
  • LogIn
search close
  • The Korea Times
  • search
  • Site Map
  • E-paper
  • Subscribe
  • Register
  • LogIn
search close
National
  • Politics
  • Diplomacy
  • Defense
  • Labor & Environment
  • Law & Crime
  • Health & Welfare
  • Embassy
  • Seoul & Provinces
  • Education
  • Foreign Communities
  • Obituaries
Fri, February 26, 2021 | 02:19
Gyeongbokgung: main royal palace to Korea‘s last dynasty
Posted : 2012-03-26 17:47
Updated : 2012-03-26 17:47
Mail
Print Preview
Font Size Up
Font Size Down

Gyeonghoeru is a two-storey pavilion where kings of the Joseon Kingdom (1392-1910) used to hold banquets for foreign envoys. The pavilion is surrounded by a pond. / Korea Times file

By Chung Min-uck

In the heart of Seoul lies the main royal palace of the Joseon Kingdom (1392-1910) Gyeongbok, which literally means a dynasty that will be “greatly blessed and prosperous.” Construction of the palace began three years after the kingdom was founded, entrenching Confucian ideals of cultivating virtue and maintaining ethics in society.

Joseon was the last kingdom of Korean history and the longest-ruling Confucian state in the world.

Gyeongbok Palace is located in central Seoul with Mt. Bugak to its rear and Mt. Nam in the foreground. The location was deemed auspicious according to the traditional practice of geomancy.

Gwanghwamun is the main entrance to the palace.

In front of the gate formerly ran Yukjo-geori (street of six ministries) which today is Gwanghwamun Square, a representative plaza in Seoul that can accommodate up to 70,000 people.

Following the central axis upon which the Gwanghwamun Gate stood was the nucleus of the palace including Geunjeongjeon, the main throne hall, and Gangnyeongjeon, the king’s residence.

Geunjeongjeon is Korea’s largest surviving wooden structure where kings conducted state affairs and held official functions.



In Gangnyeongjeon, kings spent time reading books and attending private state affairs with his entourage. Each room at both sides of the building is divided into nine sections. Court ladies stayed at night in those rooms surrounding the center room which was exclusively used by the king.

Next to Gangnyeongjeon is Gyeonghoeru, a pavilion surrounded by a pond, where kings held formal banquets for foreign envoys. Going up the two-story pavilion, kings enjoyed a sweeping view of the palace.

The main structures of Gyeongbok-gung together with the government ministry district formed the heart of the capital city and represented the sovereignty of the Joseon Kingdom.

Gyeongbok Palace is considered one of the most prestigious cultural properties in Korea with its location easily accessible. It is ideal for taking a stroll or enjoying a lunch break.

The palace currently provides brief introductory explanations about the function and history of each structure in Korean, English and other languages.

The National Folk Museum is located in the northeastern section of the palace. The museum has several exhibition halls showing a wide selection of Korean culture and history.

Traditional Korean music concerts will be held at the palace from Wednesday to Friday at 8 p.m. to celebrate Seoul’s hosting of the 2012 Nuclear Security Summit. The palace is closed on Tuesdays.

Admission fee for Gyeongbok-gung is 3,000 won for adults, 2,400 won for children. For further information, visit http://www.royalpalace.go.kr/html/eng/main/main.jsp.
Emailmuchung@koreatimes.co.kr Article ListMore articles by this reporter









 
 
  • Haute couture designer Kay Kim speaks about SM's girl band debut costume, her brand
  • The way bullies recall their past
  • Korea set to begin mass vaccination Friday
  • Singaporean woman admits killing maid from Myanmar after inhumane abuse
  • [EXCLUSIVE] There was another ranking North Korean defector from Kuwait before Ryu: source
  • Ki Sung-yueng reiterates denials of sexual assault claims on social media
  • 'BMW would be ideal partner for Apple iCar'
  • SK closes Plug Power deal, makes foray into Asian fuel cell and hydrogen market
  • Can Chung's personal social media marketing succeed?
  • COVID-19 mass vaccine inoculations to start Friday nationwide
  • B.A.P Himchan sentenced to 10 months in prison for sexual assault B.A.P Himchan sentenced to 10 months in prison for sexual assault
  • Agency refuses to confirm report that Jennie and G-Dragon are dating Agency refuses to confirm report that Jennie and G-Dragon are dating
  • Online streamer under fire for 'thoughtless' behavior in Brazil Online streamer under fire for 'thoughtless' behavior in Brazil
  • LOONA Chuu's bullying accuser apologizes for false claim LOONA Chuu's bullying accuser apologizes for false claim
  • Director Lee Joon-ik returns with historical biopic 'Book of Fish' Director Lee Joon-ik returns with historical biopic 'Book of Fish'
DARKROOM
  • Earth is suffering [PHOTOS]

    Earth is suffering [PHOTOS]

  • NASA's Perseverance rover is landing on Mars

    NASA's Perseverance rover is landing on Mars

  • Fun in the snow, sledding for everyone

    Fun in the snow, sledding for everyone

  • Our children deserve better: Part 3

    Our children deserve better: Part 3

  • Mass COVID-19 vaccination campaign starts: Part 2

    Mass COVID-19 vaccination campaign starts: Part 2

  • About Korea Times
  • CEO Message
  • Times History
  • Content Sales
  • Media Kit
  • Contact Us
  • Location
  • Privacy Statement
  • Terms of Service
  • Mobile Service
  • RSS Service
  • 고충처리인
  • hankookilbo
  • Dongwha Group
  • Code of Ethics
Copyright