Gyeonghuigung is one of the "Five Grand Palaces" built during the Joseon Dynasty in Seoul, with construction having lasted from 1617 to 1620. Little apart from the throne hall and main gate remain today, though at the height of its grandeur it stood at 100 buildings and was connected by bridge to Deoksugung. Most of the buildings were destroyed in fires in the 19th century, and during the Japanese colonial period most of the remaining buildings were destroyed to make way for a middle school; after liberation it was the site of a high school until 1978. The original gates stand at other sites and virtually everything you see today was reconstructed in 1985.
Ten kings made it their secondary or emergency residence. It is notable for the staggered architecture of the palace walls, which were built to resemble the mountain which stands behind it. It's also the only palace which allows visitors to enter the throne room.
[edit] Visitor's information
- By subway: Go out Seodaemun Station exit 4 and walk straight ahead about 10 minutes. On the way you should pass the Agricultural Museum. The main gate will be across the street on your left, next to the sign for the Seoul Museum of History.
- By bus: The 9710 bus goes directly to the front gate. There are also several buses which go to the art museum next door.
- Admission: Happily, there is no admission fee.
- Hours: For most of the year it is open from 9:00 to 6:00, though from November through February it is open only until 5:00. It is closed on Mondays.
- Address: 서울시 종로구 신문로2가 1-126
- Telephone: 02) 724 0121~5
[edit] External links
[edit] Gallery
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