- Address: 464 Samil-daero, Unni-dong, Jongno-gu, Seoul, South Korea
- Contact phone: +82 2-766-9090
- Website: unhyeongung.or.kr
- Opening hours: in the winter (November-March) - 09: 00-18: 00, the entrance to the palace is open until 17:30; in the summer (April-October) - 09: 00-19: 00, the entrance is open until 18:30
- Entrance fee: free entrance, audio guide rental - 1100 won ($ 1)
Unjongun Palace, also called the Royal Residence of Unhyonggun, has a rich history and stands out among similar structures in South Korea with its gracefulness and unique architecture.
Location:
There is Unhyonggun in the Chonnogu area in the north of Seoul , the capital of the Republic of Korea.
History of the palace
The first information about Unjongun Palace dates back to the 14th century. The early buildings were almost completely destroyed, the complex began to rebuild and expand, its territory increased significantly. It was possible to get inside the palace through one of the 4 gates. The current structure dates back to the 19th century. In the middle of this century, the residence belonged to Prince Li Khaiin. During the years of the Japanese occupation, his descendants took the palace and returned it only in 1948. And in 1993 the residence was transferred to the city government of Seoul, as a result of which large-scale restoration works were carried out in Unkhyonggun and almost completely restored the building in its original form.
What interesting things can you see in the palace?
Unghyongun is surrounded by a beautiful European-style park, but with a local flora. On the territory of the palace complex are currently located several buildings, institutions and organizations, including the University of Duxung for Women and the Unkhyon Kindergarten.
It should be noted that Unkhyongun looks like an Italian villa, built in the Neo-Renaissance style. Particular attention is drawn to white walls and a tall gray roof. Inside the complex, several parts can be distinguished. The most interesting are the halls for ceremonial receptions and audiences, as well as a residential area for women and office space. The largest construction is Norakdan, where the solemn ceremony of the marriage of King Kojon and Queen Ming took place. In the structure of Herodan, Kojon's parents lived, and in Noandan they received important guests, and the male part of the royal family rested here. A building for servants and guardians was also preserved. All the halls and pavilions of the Unhyonggun Palace are richly furnished with furniture and various utensils. You can see the wax figures of the royal couple and court servants.
How to get there?
To visit the Unhyongun Palace, you can use:
- ground transportation (buses), the stop for the exit is called Jongno);
- subway (line 3, station Anguk, exit No. 4 or line 5, station Jongno 3ga, exit No. 5);
- by taxi.