Remember this radiant name Gyeongbokgung. It means Palace Greatly Blessed by Heaven. This palace stands as the main royal palace of the Joseon dynasty. Gyeongbokgung’s story begins in 1395. King Taejo established it three years after founding the Joseon dynasty. Jeong Do-jeon helped conceive its auspicious name.
Gyeongbokgung expanded under King Taejong and King Sejong the Great. Fire severely damaged it in 1553. King Myeongjong ordered a costly restoration that completed the following year. But tragedy struck again during the Japanese invasions of 1592 to 1598. Koreans angry at King Seonjo for evacuating Seoul torched Gyeongbokgung. For nearly three centuries Gyeongbokgung lay in ruins. The royal court moved to Changdeokgung Palace.
In 1867 Prince Regent Heungseon Daewongun led a grand reconstruction. Gyeongbokgung rose again with 330 buildings and 5792 rooms. It became a powerful symbol for Korea and its royal family. But dark times returned during the Japanese occupation of the early 20th century. In 1911 ownership of Gyeongbokgung land transferred to the Japanese governor-general. In 1915 over 90% of Gyeongbokgung’s buildings were torn down. The Japanese built their colonial headquarters on the site. Only a few structures survived including the Throne Hall and Gyeonghoeru Pavilion.
Since 1990 restoration efforts have been underway. The Government-General Building was removed in 1996. Heungnyemun Gate was rebuilt in 2001. Gwanghwamun Gate was reconstructed between 2006 and 2010. These efforts aim to restore Gyeongbokgung to its original glory.
Let’s step through Gwanghwamun the main gate of Gyeongbokgung. The name Gwanghwamun means virtuous transformation. Next we pass through Heungnyemun the second inner gate. Passing over the Yeongjegyo bridge you will notice several imaginary creatures known as Seosu. They guard the canal by the bridge.
Now we arrive at Geunjeongjeon Hall. Here the king granted audiences declared national importance and greeted foreign dignitaries. Minister Jeong Do-jeon named it diligent governance hall. Notice the pumgyeseok rank stones in the courtyard. These stones indicated where officials stood according to their rank.
Behind Geunjeongjeon lies Sajeongjeon Hall the king’s executive office. The king carried out his duties and met with officials here. Cheonchujeon and Manchunjeon flank Sajeongjeon. These buildings had ondol heating systems for the colder months.
Next is Gyeonghoeru Pavilion. This hall held important state banquets. King Gojong rebuilt it in 1867 on an artificial lake. Forty-eight massive stone pillars support the wooden structure. Square pillars represent earth. Cylindrical columns symbolize heaven. Three stone bridges connect the building to the palace grounds.
Gangnyeongjeon Hall served as the king’s living quarters. This building notably lacks a top roof ridge called yongmaru. Legend says the dragon yong cannot rest on top of the king when he sleeps.
Gyotaejeon Hall was the queen’s residence. This building also lacks a yongmaru ridge. Behind Gyotaejeon lies Amisan garden. Its hexagonal chimneys are decorated with longevity symbols.
Finally we reach Hyangwonjeong Pavilion. King Gojong built this hexagonal pavilion around 1873. It sits on an artificial island in Hyangwonji Lake. Chwihyanggyo Bridge connects it to the palace grounds. Hyangwonjeong means Pavilion of Far-Reaching Fragrance.
Gyeongbokgung stands as a testament to resilience. It embodies Korean history culture and architectural beauty. Its ongoing restoration ensures that its radiant prosperity continues to inspire.