The 5 Royal Palaces of Seoul: History, Beauty, and Hidden Stories
The Five Royal Palaces of Seoul
When planning a trip to Seoul, one of the most popular attractions is undoubtedly the royal palaces of the Joseon Dynasty. Among them, Gyeongbokgung Palace is the most visited, while Changdeokgung Palace is also highly popular thanks to its famous Secret Garden.But did you know that Seoul is home to five royal palaces?
Each palace has its own unique story and distinctive characteristics. Knowing a little about their history before your visit can make the experience much more meaningful. So, let me briefly introduce the five royal palaces of Seoul.1. Gyeongbokgung Palace_ 경복궁
The palace was first built in 1395, shortly after the founding of the Joseon Dynasty in 1392. The name "Gyeongbok" carries the meaning of wishing the new dynasty great blessings and prosperity.
Because Gyeongbokgung was constructed according to strict Confucian principles and ideals, its layout is highly structured and linear. After passing through the main throne hall where the king conducted official affairs, visitors encounter administrative spaces, followed by the king's living quarters, and then the queen's residence. The most important spaces are arranged in a straight line, giving the palace a sense of order and formality rather than the feeling of a comfortable home.
Perhaps because of this rigid atmosphere, many Joseon kings did not spend much time living at Gyeongbokgung. King Sejong the Great, the creator of the Korean alphabet Hangul, is known as one of the few rulers who actively resided and worked there.
Perhaps because of this rigid atmosphere, many Joseon kings did not spend much time living at Gyeongbokgung. King Sejong the Great, the creator of the Korean alphabet Hangul, is known as one of the few rulers who actively resided and worked there.
In 1592, the palace was destroyed during the Japanese invasions of Korea (Imjin War). It remained in ruins for more than 270 years before being rebuilt in 1867. Unfortunately, after Korea became a Japanese colony in 1910, many palace buildings were damaged or demolished. More than half of the structures disappeared, and the Japanese Government-General Building was even constructed within the palace grounds.
Following Korea's liberation, restoration work began in the 1990s and continues to this day. Many of the palace buildings visitors see today are reconstructed versions of the originals. Although Gyeongbokgung is magnificent enough to seem worthy of UNESCO recognition, its extensive reconstruction is one reason it has not been designated as a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
<The beautiful Hyangwonjeong Pavilion in Gyeongbokgung Palace>
<Gyeongbokgung Palace harmonizing with Hanbok>
Nevertheless, modern-day Gyeongbokgung beautifully captures the elegance, dignity, and traditions of the Joseon Dynasty. Viewed from Gwanghwamun Square with the mountains rising behind it, the palace creates one of the most iconic and breathtaking scenes in Seoul.
2. Changdeokgung Palace_ 창덕궁
Changdeokgung Palace, built in 1405, was the second royal palace of the Joseon Dynasty and became the primary residence for most Joseon kings.
While Gyeongbokgung was designed according to strict principles and symmetry, Changdeokgung was built in harmony with the surrounding landscape. Its architecture follows the natural terrain rather than forcing nature to conform to a predetermined plan. Because of this uniquely Korean approach to architecture, Changdeokgung was designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1997.
Compared to Gyeongbokgung, many of its original buildings have been preserved. Parts of the palace, including Nakseonjae Hall, were even used by Princess Deokhye until the 1980s.
The palace's most famous feature is undoubtedly its Secret Garden (Huwon). Here, visitors can admire traditional Korean gardens and architecture beautifully integrated into nature. However, access to the Secret Garden requires a separate reservation, so be sure to check availability in advance if you wish to visit.
<The Secret Garden of Changdeokgung Palace is particularly stunning
during the autumn season>
Although Changdeokgung is smaller than Gyeongbokgung in terms of palace grounds, exploring the Secret Garden allows visitors to experience the essence of traditional Korean beauty. If time permits, I highly recommend visiting both palaces and comparing their different atmospheres. You may even discover why so many Joseon kings preferred Changdeokgung over Gyeongbokgung.
3. Changgyeonggung Palace _ 창경궁
Changgyeonggung Palace originally served as the residence of King Sejong's father. In 1483, King Seongjong greatly expanded the complex to accommodate three queen dowagers and royal consorts, giving the palace its present name.
Unlike other palaces primarily used for state affairs, Changgyeonggung functioned largely as a residential space for members of the royal family. This softer atmosphere can still be felt today, especially around Chundangji Pond, a picturesque pond located within the palace grounds.
< Chundangji Pond at night>
Another unique feature is the Grand Greenhouse, built in 1909. But why would a royal palace contain a botanical garden?
The answer lies in Korea's colonial period under Japanese rule. During that time, Changgyeonggung was transformed into an amusement park. A zoo and botanical garden were established within the palace grounds, and in 1911 the palace was even renamed "Changgyeong-won,(창경원)" meaning Changgyeong Park.
<Changgyeonggung Palace during its time as an amusement park>
https://www.ehistory.go.kr/view/photo?mediasrcgbn=BK&mediaid=16&mediadtl=2667
Interestingly, many older Koreans still feel more familiar with the name Changgyeong-won than Changgyeong-gung. While they often have fond childhood memories of visiting the park, it is also a reminder that many palace structures were damaged and that a royal palace was turned into a recreational facility.
After Korea's liberation, restoration efforts gradually returned the site to its original purpose. In 1983, the name Changgyeonggung was officially restored, and reconstruction projects helped revive its historic appearance.
Today, the palace occasionally hosts evening openings, light displays, and media art exhibitions. If you are visiting Seoul, it may be worth checking whether any special nighttime events are taking place. The palace illuminated after dark is truly beautiful.
4. Deoksugung Palace_ 덕수궁
Deoksugung Palace began as a private residence belonging to a member of the royal family. When all of Seoul's major palaces were destroyed during the Japanese invasions of 1592, this residence was used as a temporary royal palace. Although it officially became a palace in 1611, it was not used extensively until much later.
Its significance grew dramatically in 1897 when King Gojong proclaimed the Korean Empire and adopted Deoksugung as his imperial palace.
Many people are familiar with the Joseon Dynasty, but did you know there was a brief period known as the Korean Empire after Joseon?
As foreign pressure, particularly from Japan, intensified, King Gojong elevated the nation from a kingdom to an empire in an effort to emphasize Korea's sovereignty, independence, and equal status among world powers. Although Korea ultimately fell under Japanese colonial rule, Deoksugung stands as a symbol of those efforts to modernize and preserve national independence.
For this reason, visitors to Deoksugung can see both traditional Korean buildings and Western-style architecture within the same palace grounds. It is one of the best places to witness Korea's transition into the modern era.
.jpeg)
<Jung-myeong-jeon / 중명전>
The surrounding Jeong-dong neighborhood also reflects this history. In the late nineteenth century, many foreign legations and embassies were concentrated in the area. Walking around Deoksugung and Jeong-dong offers insight into King Gojong's attempts to engage with the wider world and embrace modern ideas.
Although it is no longer part of the palace complex itself, I strongly recommend visiting Jungmyeongjeon nearby. It is an important historical site where visitors can learn about events that eventually led to Korea's loss of sovereignty and colonial rule.
5. Gyeonghuigung Palace_ 경희궁
Finally, we arrive at the last of Seoul's five royal palaces. Compared with the other palaces introduced above, Gyeonghuigung is much smaller today, and even many Koreans rarely visit it.
https://namu.wiki/w/%EA%B2%BD%ED%9D%AC%EA%B6%81
Built by the fifteenth king of the Joseon Dynasty, it served as a residence for kings and queens during the later Joseon period. According to local legend, a large rock located on the site was believed to possess royal energy, which contributed to the decision to build a palace there.
<Seoam Rock, home to a fascinating story>
https://dapsa.kr/blog/?p=31063
Originally, Gyeonghuigung was a large and impressive palace complex. However, when Gyeongbokgung was reconstructed in 1865, many buildings from Gyeonghuigung were dismantled and their materials reused. During the Japanese colonial period, a school was built on the site, and most of the remaining palace structures were demolished.
<Gyeonghuigung Palace in the past- once much larger than it is today>
https://dapsa.kr/blog/?p=31063
Beginning in 1987, the Seoul Metropolitan Government launched restoration projects to recover parts of the palace. While only a small portion of the original complex has been reconstructed, visitors can still gain a sense of its historical significance.
Today, Gyeonghuigung is connected to the Seoul Museum of History. The museum offers fascinating exhibits about Seoul's past and is well worth a visit. Since you're already there, take some time to explore the palace as well.
Interestingly, many people know the museum but are unaware that a royal palace stands right next to it. Because it attracts fewer visitors than the other palaces, Gyeonghuigung offers a peaceful and quiet experience.
[Final Thoughts]
That concludes my introduction to Seoul's five royal palaces. The story ended up being much longer than I originally intended😅, but I hope it helps you decide which palace to visit and understand why Seoul has five different palaces in the first place.
Personally, I think each palace has its own unique charm. If you have enough time, I highly recommend visiting all of them. Admission fees are very affordable, making them perfect places for a relaxing stroll while learning about Korea's history.
Comments
Post a Comment