Gyeongbokgung Palace 🇰🇷

Gyeongbokgung, historically also referred to as Bukgwol, is a major royal complex in Seoul, South Korea. Initially established in 1395 under King Taejo as the primary palace of the Joseon dynasty, its name translates to "great blessings palace." The site was laid out according to traditional design principles, positioning major state altars such as Jongmyo to its left and Sajikdan to its right, with government offices placed directly in front of the grounds.

The complex developed into a center of scientific and cultural innovation during the 15th-century reign of Sejong the Great. Under Sejong, the grounds accommodated facilities for producing movable type, the Ganuidae astronomical observatory, and the Borugak Jagyeongnu water clock. The palace was also the site where the native Korean script, Hangul, was developed by the monarch and his scholars.

In 1592, Gyeongbokgung was destroyed by fire during the Imjin War and lay largely abandoned for nearly 270 years. A full-scale rebuilding began in the late 19th century under Queen Sinjeong and King Gojong, restoring hundreds of halls. Following Japan's colonization of Korea in 1910, the grounds were systematically dismantled and altered as a display of imperial authority. By 1945, only 40 pre-colonial structures remained, with vast numbers sold or relocated, and modern Western-style administrative buildings erected in their place.

After sustaining damage during the Korean War, the palace was designated a Historic Site of South Korea in 1963. Extensive restoration programs initiated in the 1990s led to the demolition of Japanese colonial structures and the re-creation of dozens of original buildings, with ongoing reconstruction efforts planned to continue through 2045.

Today, Gyeongbokgung serves as a prominent historic destination. Within the complex, visitors can explore two distinct cultural repositories: the National Palace Museum of Korea and the National Folk Museum of Korea. A reenactment of the traditional changing of the guard ceremony is held twice each day, and the grounds are opened for nighttime visits during designated parts of the year.

The complex is easily reached by public transit via Gyeongbokgung Station on the local subway system. Free admission is granted to visitors who arrive wearing hanbok, the traditional clothing of Korea.