Gyeongbokgung


The largest of the five palaces that Seoul residents are so proud of is Gyeongbokgung, the "palace of radiant happiness." It is a network of numerous buildings that several centuries ago served as the residence of the royal family. Here, on a vast territory, you can plunge into the depths of the centuries and see the ritual of changing the guard, which takes place three times a day at the Gyeongbokgung Palace, as it was in ancient times.

The history of the creation of the Gyeongbokgung Palace

The date of construction of the famous Gyeongbokgung dates back to the Joseon period. It was then that the legendary palace was built on the basis of the project created by the royal dignitary Chon Dodzhon, which is now partially included in the UNESCO World Heritage List. The area occupied by the palace complex is amazing - it is 410 thousand square meters. km. When the Japanese army invaded South Korea in 1592, many buildings were barbarously burned, and then, in 1860, reconstructed. The palace complex acquired its final appearance only in the 90s of the last century, when they began to restore historical monuments in the country.

What is interesting about the Royal Palace of Gyeongbokgung in Seoul?

Gyeongbokgung in the Republic of Korea is interesting not only to connoisseurs of ancient Korean architecture and national color, but also to ordinary tourists. On the territory of the palace complex there are 330 buildings, in which there are 5792 rooms. In 1911, 10 buildings were damaged, which were completely demolished by the Japanese and in their place was built a house for the governor-general. Here's what now offers to see the palace-museum in the open air to its visitors:

  1. The buildings of the palace complex are separated by carefully paved paths, from which a magnificent panorama of the palace itself and the surrounding skyscrapers open up. This combination of antiquity and the modern world is very colorful.
  2. Changing of the Guard. This colorful theatrical show each time attracts the attention of hundreds of spectators. As the royal guardsmen specially trained volunteers appear in bright national costumes of blue, red and yellow colors, and each garment is unique and unlike the other.
  3. National Folklore Museum of Korea. This is one of two museums located in the palace. He is one of the twenty most visited museums in Korea. Here is an exposition that clearly shows the life of the Korean people from the earliest time until the beginning of the Joseon Dynasty.
  4. Qinjonjon. The throne room of the Gyeongbokgung Palace is a light, airy structure on wooden supports, decorated with colorful carved decorative elements depicting mythical creatures and animals. It shows the luxury with which the then-nobles could afford to live.
  5. Pavilion Gyeonghveru. It is interesting because it was erected with the help of 48 marble columns, which stand in the center of an artificial lake. At the time when the lotus blossoms, the entire surface of the pond is decorated with these extraordinary floating flowers. The image of the palace room is immortalized on a banknote with a face value of 10 thousand Korean won.
  6. Sakura. The Gyeongbokgung Palace, where sakura blossoms in the spring, has long become a favorite place for people to relax. The mirror of the artificial lake reflects the amazing pink buds.
  7. Kitchen. On the territory of the complex, in room number 7, there is a tea room where you can drink traditional herbal Korean tea on the background of the historic interior. The tea room is combined with a souvenir shop where you can buy very unusual handicrafts in memory of a tourist trip to Seoul.

How to get to Gyeongbokgung Palace in Seoul?

Due to the fact that the palace complex is located in the heart of the city, it is not difficult to find it. For those who will travel from the periphery, it is recommended to take the metro line # 3, and get off at Gyeongbokgung station. Depending on the season, the palace is open for visits from 9:00 to 17:00 or until 18:00. Next to Gyeongbokgun there are hotels (Sky Guesthouse, Hanok Guesthouse Huha, NagNe House, Hans House), where you can stop to explore the palace for a few days without haste.