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South Korea -> SEOUL -> Gyeongbokgung Palace
Gyeongbokgung Palace
SEOUL, Seoul Municipality
Gyeongbokgung was built to be the primary palace of the Joseon Dynasty in 1394 by King Taejo. It is the largest, oldest, and the grandest of the five palaces but today is only a mere shadow of its original opulence and splendor. It was built by the first Yi King when the capital of Korea was moved to Seoul and was the center of royal power, activity, and residence for over 200 years.
Before the Japanese Hideyoshi invasion, Gyeongbokhung encompassed some 500 buildings. In 1592 many of the buildings were destroyed by the Japanese and King Kojong attempted to rebuild them in the late 1800’s. By 1872 about 200 buildings were completed but yet another Japanese occupation occurred and today only 10 buildings remain.
The National Folk Museum of Korea stands on its grounds. Gyeonghoeru Pavilion, an exquisitely beautiful pavilion in a lotus pond, Geunjeongjeon, the throne hall, and the Hyangwonjeong Pavilion are just a few of the marvelous and elegant structures in the grand garden landscape.
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