korea Five-Palaces
Gyeongbokgung Palace, the Best Palace from the Joseon Dynasty
Gyeongbokgung Palace is the best palace from the Joseon Dynasty (1392-1910), and it is the first palace to have been built from among the five major palaces from that dynasty.
It was burnt down during the imjin waeran (Hideyoshi’s invasions of Korea), but was rebuilt under the supervision of Regent Heungseon Daewongun during the period of King Gojong’s reign
The central area, which connects Gwanghwamun Gate– Heungnyemun Gate– Geunjeongmun Gate– Sajeongjeon Hall– Gangnyeongjeon Hall – Gyotaejeon Hall, is the core area of the palace, and it was built symmetrically according to geometrical order.
Visitors can see the essence of a refined royal palace at Gyeongbokgung Palace.
Changdeokgung Palace, Which Shows Ancestral Koreans’ View about Nature
Changdeokgung Palace was the second palace to be built after the construction of Gyeongbokgung Palace, which was the official royal palace of the Joseon Dynasty (1392-1910).
It was built as an igung (a temporary palace that was used in case the official royal palace cannot be used due to wars or disasters).
It became a central place during the Joseon Dynasty as many kings conducted their governance of the dynasty when they stayed at this palace.
It boasts its natural beauty as its buildings were arranged in harmony with the natural topology.
It was listed as a UNESCO World Heritage in 1997.
Changgyeonggung Palace, a Palace with Elegance
Changgyeonggung Palace was built by King Sejong in 1418 to honor the former King Taejong.
It is the only palace among Joseon’s palaces that faces the east. This was done in order to emphasize independence.
The space of Naejeon Hall, which is a living quarter in the royal palace, is well developed.
It was used as an auxiliary residential area in Changdeokgung Palace
Deoksugung Palace, Where Visitors Can Feel the Beauty of Korea
The original name of Deoksugung was Gyeongungung, but it was changed to Deoksugung after King Gojong abdicated the crown to King Sunjong in 1907.
Unlike other palaces of the Joseon Dynasty (1392 – 1910), this palace does not have a mountain in its background and is located on flat land.
The location of the palace played an important role in reorganizing the road network of the Hanyang City Wall around Deoksugung Palace in order to protect the palace from the great external powers at that time.
Gyeonghuigung Palace, a Site Where the Footsteps of Kings Can be Sensed
Gyeonghuigung Palace is not well known even though it is one of 5 major palaces of the Joseon Dynasty.
It was completely destroyed during the Japanese Occupation period (1910-1945).
Even though part of the palace was excavated and restored, it is still in a relatively shabby condition compared to its original state.
Since its opening to the general public in 2002, its old splendor is being restored by descendants in the 21st century.