Gyeongbokgung was built in 1395 as the main royal palace of the Joseon dynasty. Burned down during the Japanese invasions of the 1590s and rebuilt in the 19th century, it is still being restored today.
Highlights
- Gwanghwamun Gate and the guard changing ceremony — colorful and great for photos.
- Geunjeongjeon Hall — the throne hall where coronations and state ceremonies took place.
- Gyeonghoeru Pavilion — a banquet hall standing on a lotus pond, beautiful in reflection.
- Hyangwonjeong — a small pavilion on an island in the northern pond, lovely with autumn leaves.
Around the palace
In front of the gate, Gwanghwamun Square has statues of King Sejong (who created the Korean alphabet) and Admiral Yi Sun-sin. The National Folk Museum is inside the palace grounds, and Bukchon, Samcheong-dong and Seochon are a short walk away. In spring and autumn the palace opens on selected evenings — a magical sight if your visit coincides.