Description of the attraction
Gyeongbok Palace, also called Gyeongbokgung Palace, is the main and largest royal palace of the Joseon era. The palace was built in 1395 and is located in the northern part of Seoul city. Gyeongbokgung, considered the largest of the Five Great Palaces built during the Joseon era, was home to the royal family. The name of the palace is translated from Korean as "the palace of radiant happiness."
Gyeongbokgung continued to be the main palace for the Joseon Dynasty until the start of the Imdin War. During this war, the buildings of the complex burned down in a fire, and the complex itself was abandoned for about two centuries.
However, in the 19th century, about 6,000 rooms of the palace complex were restored under the leadership of Prince Regent Li Ha Eun, during the reign of Emperor Gojong. In addition, the remaining buildings (about 330) were reconstructed, which are located on an area of 40 hectares. However, in 1895, armed Japanese attacked the palace and killed Empress Ming. Soon after these sad events, Emperor Gojong left the palace and never lived there.
Unfortunately, at the beginning of the twentieth century, many buildings from the palace complex were destroyed by the Japanese. For example, in 1911, 10 buildings were demolished, and the house of the governor-general of Korea was built in their place. The Japanese administration was located in the same building from 1928 to 1945.
In 1989, the government began reconstruction of the palace complex. By the end of 2009, about 40% of the buildings had been restored.
The highlight of the palace complex is the Gyeongjongjon throne room and the Gyeonghweru pavilion. The Gyeonghweru Pavilion is located in the middle of an artificial lake and stands on 48 granite columns. The pavilion is especially beautiful when the lotus is blooming and the whole lake is covered with flowers. Both the hall and the pavilion are listed as national treasures of Korea.
