Consider yourselves standing before Myeongjeongjeon. This is the main hall of Changgyeonggung Palace. It is more than just an old building. It whispers tales of kings, queens, and a dynasty’s rise and fall.
Myeongjeongjeon is special. It is Seoul’s oldest palace main hall still standing. It dates back to 1616. This makes it a valuable example of 17th-century Joseon architecture. The hall was initially built in 1484 during King Seongjong’s reign. It faced destruction during the Japanese invasion of 1592. It was rebuilt, preserving the early Joseon Dynasty style.
Notice its modest size. Myeongjeongjeon is a single-story building. Other palaces like Gyeongbokgung have grand two-story halls. Myeongjeongjeon’s smaller size reflects its original purpose. It was initially built as a residence for the Queen’s mother.
Look at the stone yard. It is elevated and two-tiered. This is called a woldae. You can see wide, flat stones in the courtyard. A three-level walkway runs through the center. The king alone used this central path. This showed the king’s dignity.
Imagine grand feasts here. The courtyard hosted ceremonies for the king’s mothers and grandmothers. The area was enclosed by Myeongjeongjeon Gate. Royal guards used the roofed wall area, called a haenggak, for funeral preparations.
Inside Myeongjeongjeon, officials gathered. They wished the King a Happy New Year here. Kings conducted state affairs within these walls. They held national ceremonies and greeted foreign envoys.
The hall has five rooms in front and three on the sides. Its roofs have a unique shape. They are called “eight” shaped. Pillars support the eaves. They are placed both on top of and between the pillars. This is the multi-beam style. The construction is strong without excessive decoration. It reflects the early Joseon Dynasty’s vigorous yet balanced style.
The floor inside is covered with stones. Behind the throne stands a folding screen. It is called Irwoloakdo. It displays embroidered figures of the sun, moon, and Korea’s five famous mountains.
Outside the building are 24 platforms in front of the stairs. These platforms indicated the rankings of government officials.
Myeongjeongjeon stands as a testament to resilience. It represents the architectural style of the early Joseon Dynasty. It is a valuable cultural asset. Its history echoes through the stones beneath our feet. This hall connects us to Korea’s rich past.