Gyeongbokgung (경복궁)
The grand palace of the Joseon Kingdom, Gyeongbokgung was constructed in 1395 A.D. by King Taejo, the founding monarch of the Yi Dynasty. It was inhabited by Joseon’s royal family and government until the Imjin Waeran in 1592 when it burned to the ground as the Japanese approached Seoul. The palace wasn’t rebuilt until 1867 under King Gojong. Gyeongbokgung is by far the largest of Seoul’s palace complexes and one could easily lose themselves—and an entire day—trying to see all that’s on display there. As well, the complex is nestled between Inwangsansan to the west and Bukaksansan to the north, providing an exceptionally beautiful backdrop to view the medieval Korean architecture. Especially brilliant in the Fall, Gyeongbok Palace is a highly recommended Seoul destination! (These pictures represent two distinct visits, as the first had to be curtailed due to heavy rain…evidence of which you’ll see in a couple of the photos below.)
Several times a day an elaborate changing of the guard ceremony is re-enacted at the Main Gate, Gwanghwamun. Definitely worth watching if you have the time!
Entering through the massive triple-arched gateway called Ghanghwamun you enter the first of several courtyards, all featuring a central paved way.
This outer courtyard is bifurcated by a small water feature and the paved way crosses on a stone bridge.
The main hall of Gyeongbok Palace. On any given day you’ll see large numbers of girls wearing rented hanbeok costumes…which seems to be the thing to do for visiting foreigners!
Small doorways exit out from the main hall courtyard and to the east they lead into a small garden area.
Through the trees you can just make out one of the smaller external gates to the massive complex, complete with guard tower.
Turning back north, however, you enter a warren of alleyways and precisely laid-out buildings that I found most enchanting.
There are so many buildings and structures on the grounds, one can easily lose the sense of awe at what they represent. There’s just so much to take in!
And behind it all, the mountains surrounding the palace add some serious curb appeal!!
The Korean Cultural Museum—built in 1924 in a manner intended to fit in with the Joseon-era surroundings of Gyeongbok Palace—lies to the northeast of the main palace compound, visible as one walks toward the pavilion and detached palace buildings. Beautifully rendered, the museum itself is small but nicely done and well worth a stop. There is an additional Palace Museum near the subway stop as well, and that too is both nicely done and worth a visit.
REALLY love the multi-terraced base to the pagoda of the National Folk Museum!
Even the doors of the palace were picture-worthy…I found this one very quaint.
Hyangweonjeong Pavilion.
The Jibokjae, a detached set of palace buildings at the extreme northern end of the palace complex, lies just beyond the very photogenic Hyangweonjeong Pavilion.
A full picture of the Jibokjae, including one of the first brick-walled buildings constructed in Seoul.
Geoncheonggung is a smaller detached palace within the larger complex—there are several of these—but this one has to be my favorite due to its proximity to Hyangweonjeong Pavilion.
Another view of Hyangweonjeong Pavilion.
Just LOVE some of the doorways here!
The gate leading out the north side of the palace compound. This empties out onto what used to be the presidential mansion, Seoul’s famous “Blue House”.
I’ve included a few pictures here of the incredible Gyeonghoeru Pavilion. It is MASSIVE and a bit overwhelming to see!
The single human figure in the left center of the picture gives some idea just how large this medieval building really is. A royal party here would have been something to behold!!
East Gate to the palace complex.
The center of everything for Joseon Korea, the throne room within the main hall.