Royal Culture Festival in KOREA

Let's go Gyeongbokgung Palace

Seoul is an important city in Korea. Among the many ancient dynasties, Joseon is the longest dynasty in Korean history. When the Joseon Dynasty was founded, Seoul was designated as the capital of Korea. With its long history and diverse cultural heritage, Seoul is always crowded with tourists. There are many palaces in Seoul, and as social distancing has eased, the Royal Culture Festival is now underway in Seoul. From May 10 to May 22, 2022, major palaces are open for free. Today, we're going to look around Gyeongbokgung Palace.

 

 

Main Royal palace of the Joseon Dynasty, Gyeongbokgung Palace

Gyeongbokgung was established on 1395 as the main palace, the principal one of all the royal palaces bulit for the Joseon Dynasty. It is located between Baegaksan Mountain in the north and Yukjogeori(now called Sejong-daero) in the south which, as it was placed just outside the palace's main gate, Gwanhwamun, becated the center of the dynasty's politics and economy. The name of the palace, Gyeong-bok(경복, literally meaning "brilliance and fortune"), given by Jeong Do-jeon(a contributor to the founding of the country), reflects its founders' wishes for the dynasty to thrice and prosrper.

• In front of Gwanghwamun, which is the main gate of Gyeongbokgung Palace, an event is held twice a day for the gatekeeper's shift. It will be held at 11 a.m. and 1 p.m., so please check your schedule and watch it. Due to the influence of Corona, there is a change in the size and time of the event. When I checked on May 17th, I heard that it will be held twice a day at 10 a.m. and 1 p.m. For more information, please call the Korea Cultural heritage Foundation.(+82-2-3210-1645)

 

Gate Guard Duty Performance

 

• Geunjeongjeon Hall is the main hall of Gyeongbokgung Palace, and if you look at Geunjeong, the name of it, it means that you will work hard and manage the world well. It is a symbolic building representing Gyeongbokgung Palace, and it is also the most colorful and prestigious place where the king's dignity is revealed. It was the place where the official events of the country were held, such as the king's enthronement ceremony, the inquiry of the Munmu White House, and the reception of past and foreign envoys. It was rebuilt in the 4th year of King Gojong's reign after being burned down during the Japanese Invasion of Korea in 1592.

 

Geunjeongjeon Hall is the main hall of Gyeongbokgung Palace

 

• Gyeonghoeru is a place where the king gave big banquets or entertained foreign envoys. In addition, it is a place where past tests and rain rituals were held. It was a small pavilion at the time of its foundation, but in the 12th year of King Taejong's reign, a new pond was built and a large pavilion was built. It is said that Gyeonghoeru Pavilion, which was burned down in the Japanese Invasion of Korea in 1592, was rebuilt in the 4th year of King Gojong's reign.

 

Gyeonghoeru

 

Tour Information

Gyeongbokgung Palace Management Office offers free guided tours in Korean and Various lauguages. 

The guide in English is at 11 a.m.

Departure Point : In front of the Gyeongvokgung information Office at Heungnyemen Gate

Duration : 1~1.5 hours

 

Phone : +82-2-3700-3900

Address : 161, Sajik-ro, Jongno-gu, Seoul

Piblic Transportation : Gyeongbokgung Station, Exit 5, Subway Line 3

                             Gyeongbokgung Station, Exit 2, Subway Line 5