Gyeonghuigung Palace 경희궁

Built in 1620, Gyeonghuigung Palace served as the residence of kings for 28 years since 1624. Its name translates to Palace of Serene Harmony and it truly lives up to the name with so few visitors meandering around. Known as the west palace now, but officially recognized as a royal villa during the Joseon period, the palace was enjoyed by some ten Korean kings. It was originally comprised of over 100 halls, but unfortunately most of them were burnt down either during the 29th year of King Sunjo, in 1829, or during the 20th year of the reign of King Gojong, and then later the remaining halls were burnt down during the Japanese colonial period so that schools could be built on the site for Japanese children. After the liberation in 1946, Seoul High School was built on the site and remained there until 1978. Finally, in 1985 the Seoul city government decided to reconstruct the palace grounds and restoration began. However, it was not to be. The area that was once immense and only for the palace had been invaded by urban growth and there was not as much space for the government to rebuild. Only 33% of the former palace has been reconstructed since then.Currently the Heunghwamun gate and the Sungjeongjeon Hall are open to the public.

Numerous events are held here including taekwondo demonstrations, food festivals, and more. Also, like other Korean palaces, there is a art gallery inside. For foreigners who want to enjoy art work and Korean palace at the same time, this would be a perfect place. Also, Kyeong-heegung is smaller than other palaces so it takes much shorter hours to look around!( see more about art gallery in Gyeonghuigung art gallery category)

Connected to Seoul museum of history.

1 Sinmunno 2(i)-ga, Jongno-gu, Seoul, South Korea

+82-2-724-0274~6

Free

Mondays, Jan. 1st