Travel and Tourism

Gyeongbokgung Palace is one of the Five Great Palaces, built by Joeson Dynasty (1392-1910). Four others are Changdeokgung Palace, Deoksugung, Chaggyeonggung and Gyeonghuigung.  The Five Great Palace is The Culture Monument which is the most be admired and the most visited by tourists in Korea.

Gyeongbokgung Palace
The meaning is Palace that be blessed by Heaven.  This palace was built in 1395 as the main palace of Joseon Dynasty.  On the front yard, there is a wide range of paving stones.  Standing in the middle, a building called Geunjeongjeon, place where the emperor holding the government, meetings, receive foreign guests and the ceremony of inauguration.  On the side yard of Gyeongbokgung, there is a pool with glorious pavilion. This pavilion is used if the emperor makes a reception.

Meanwhile, the back yard is a place where the concubine living. In here, there is a pool with a small island in the middle and the beautiful building called Hyangwonjeong standing there.

Changdeokgung Palace
Built in 1405, Changdeokgung is a palace where the family of the emperor was living.  Part of the palace that most famous was ‘Secret Yard’ located on back yard.  Tours at Changdeokgung must be guide by travel guide except on Thursday in April to November.  The tour take in 1 hour 20 minute, with 3000 won cost or about $ 3.

Changgyeonggung Palace
Built by the fourth king of Josoen Dynasty, King Sejong (1418-1450), dedicated for his father, King Taejong.  This palace was often used for the residence of empress and concubine.  During the Japanese colonialism (1905-1945), this palace is used as the zoo and botanical garden.

Deoksugung Palace
This palace is ever be the main palace for The Great Han Dynasty (1897-1910).  Deoksugung appears as the center of modern history of Korea in 1897.  Inside of this palace, there were two western -style buildings namely Seokjojoen and National Art Museum of Deoksugung.  Both of these buildings were made from stone, not wooden, like other palaces.  These buildings were built by The Great Han Dynasty as effort to modernization.

Gyeonghuigung Palace
In the past, this palace was the second palace where the emperor lived in emergency condition.  During Japanese invasion to Korea, the Japanese school was moved to this palace.

And then… how important of these palace for Korean people ?

“These buildings were the ‘gate’ between us and our ancestor as the founders of this nation that bring us at now on.  That’s why the government is willing to spend much cost for their renovation and conservation.”