Gyeongbokgung Palace

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161, Sajik-ro, Seoul, South Korea02 3700-3900

Description: First constructed in 1395, and reconstructed in 1867, Gyeonbokgung Palace is the main and largest of Seoul’s “Five Grand Palaces”. It’s also the grandest, and with a name meaning “Palace of Shining Happiness”, it’s not h...Read More

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Sightseeing, Museums
Hours:
09:00 - 18:00 Close
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Palace Guard Photo - Gyeongbokgung Palace, Seoul, South Korea

User Reviews

Results 1-5of 5 Reviews

Grand Palace

by akakd

, Arizona

February 14, 2010

Gyeongbokgung means "Palace Greatly Blessed by Heaven". It was originally constructed in 1395, but was destroyed in the 1500's during the Japanese occupation. The palace was completely restored in the late 1800's & early 1900's and now stands ...Read more

From journal Soulful Seoul

Gyeongbokgung Palace

by Chonan

Yakima, Washington

June 6, 2007

Best of IgoUgo In the early 1960s, a portion of the northern side of Gyeongbok Palace, encompassing the North Gate and several palace buildings, was walled off and designated a sensitive military installation, part of the defense of the Blue House, which is ...Read more In the early 1960s, a portion of the northern side of Gyeongbok Palace, encompassing the North Gate and several palace buildings, was walled off and designated a sensitive military installation, part of the defense of the Blue House, which is located across the street from the North Gate. For over 40 years, this part of the palace and a small group of buildings-relics from Korea's Joseon era—have been denied to the general public, but recently they have once again been opened to the public.

Three beautiful and unique buildings are the center of the recent reopening. They are Parujeong, Jibokajae, and Hyeopgildang, but collectively known as Jibokajae.

The central building, Jibokajae, made from bricks and timber, bears the unmistakable Chinese influence which was deemed modern during this period. The pavilion-like Parujeong was used as a reading room. The upper floor providing a beautiful view of the surrounding grounds and during the heat of the summer, the refreshing mountain breeze from nearby Bukhansan. In the years that followed the annexation of Korea by Japan, the buildings were relatively unused and unmaintained.

The buildings have been remarkably well-preserved over the years; their general disuse by the Japanese and later the Korean military aided in protecting them. Surprisingly, many of the original panes of glass are still there, and those that were broken have been replaced. Many of the interior walls and murals still maintain the luster or their original paint, while the outside walls and badly worn areas have been meticulously repaired and repainted.

The stone steps with their Haetae guardians are in excellent condition, but one must wonder how long they will remain in this shape as careless and disrespectful visitors walk upon their carved surfaces with little thought to their preciousness. Other palaces in Seoul do not allow visitors to enter the main rooms in an effort to protect them from damage, so it is laudable that the curators here are willing to allow the public to walk upon the rough wooden floors of Jibokajae (sandals are placed at the foot of the landing for the public use) and peer into the various sections of the building, but does it justify the wear and tear upon this precious relic?

There is a female custodian present, but her English ability is questionable, and she appears to be there mainly to warn guests not to use flashes on their cameras as they photograph the beautiful ornamental ceilings of the buildings. However, there are generally a number of young Koreans who, in an effort to improve their English, will attempt to answer any questions that you might have. Security does not seem to be an issue. There are a great number of plain-clothed riot police and security guards who are on constant alert due to the close proximity of the Blue House to this site.

Transportation to Gyeongbok Palace is extremely convenient with several bus stops and subway stations within walking distance. Close

From journal A Step Back in Time in Seoul, South Korea

Gyeongbok Palace

by Composthp

Singapore, Singapore

November 25, 2003

The Gyeongbok Palace dates back 500 years. It was built by the founding king of Joseon dynasty, Lee Seong-Gye, in 1395. Some of the original buildings have been torn down during the Japanese occupation. There is an ongoing effort to restore the ...Read more

Admission (won) : 1000

From journal Winter Sonata

Gyeongbokgung (Palace)

by John Lamb

Colorado Springs, Colorado

October 21, 2001

Get off at Gyeongbokgung Station on line #3 (orange). Exit #5 will get you there. The entrance fee is only 700 won (55 cents) and the palace is open everyday except Tuesdays. Gyeongbokgung was built during the Choson Period, started in 1395 by ...Read more

From journal Visiting Seoul

Kyongbok Palace

by jmineo

L.A., California

March 25, 2001

Best of IgoUgo Now here's a chance to see some of Korea's yester-year royalty in all its glamour and glory. Kyongbok Palace or the "Palace of Shining Happiness" was beautifully restored and many buildings had just been painted, with some yet to receive their new ...Read more

From journal Seoul - A Cultural Immersion

Gyeongbokgung Palace

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