Gyeongbokgung
First Joseon palace, destroyed and rebuilt over centuries.
Gyeongbokgung is a former royal palace in Seoul, South Korea.
- location
- Seoul, South Korea
- field
- Royal palace
Lore & Background
The palace was named by the official Chŏng Tojŏn, drawing from a poem in the Classic of Poetry. During Sejong's reign, the palace hosted scientific devices, the Hall of Worthies, and the development of Hangul.
Reader's Guide
Gyeongbokgung's significance lies in its role as the symbolic and administrative heart of the Joseon dynasty for centuries, despite periods of destruction and neglect. Today, the palace hosts a changing of the guard ceremony, contains two national museums, and is a major tourist attraction. Its history reflects Korea's political upheavals and cultural resilience.
Did You Know?
- Gyeongbokgung means 'great blessings palace', named after a poem from the Classic of Poetry.
- Entrance to the palace is free for visitors wearing hanbok (traditional Korean clothing).
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