Joseon Dynasty in Seoul: Palaces and Museums
Yeshin JEON
jys1126@snu.ac.kr
This page introduces the legacy of the Joseon Dynasty (1392-1910) left in Seoul. The capital of the Joseon Dynasty, Hanyang, located in what is now a part of modern-day Seoul, served as the political and cultural center of the centralized state. A prominent architectural legacy of the Joseon Dynasty is the Five Grand Palaces. Among these palaces, Gyeongbokgung, Changdeokgung, and Deoksugung, which attract the majority of tourist interest, exemplify the dynasty's architectural and cultural heritage. Additionally, the National Palace Museum of Korea, located next to Gyeongbokgung Palace, offers exhibitions focusing on life in the royal family, paintings and calligraphy of the Joseon Royal Court, and royal rituals of the Joseon Dynasty. Furthermore, the National Museum of Korea explains the characteristics of the 15th to 19th centuries of the Joseon Dynasty from a national perspective, showcasing representative artifacts from this period.
All photos included in this page are from the official website of each site such as the Royal Palaces and Tombs Center, The National Palace Museum of Korea The National Museum of Korea.
1. The Five Grand Palaces of the Joseon Dynasty
Today, Seoul has the Five Grand Palaces of the Joseon Dynasty. These palaces located within the city walls of the Hanyang Doseong, are Gyeongbokgung, Changdeokgung, Changgyeonggung, Deoksugung, and Gyeonghuigung. Among these palaces, I would like to introduce Gyeongbokgung, Changdeokgung, and Deoksugung, which tourists mainly visit.
1-1. Gyeongbokgung Palace
Gyeongbokgung Palace, the main palace of the Joseon Dynasty, was first constructed in 1395, shortly after the establishment of Joseon in 1392. Today, only 30% of its original scale remains. The palace was destroyed during the Japanese invasions of Korea in 1592 but was reconstructed in 1867. During the Japanese colonial period (1910–1945), much of the palace’s structures were dismantled, and the Japanese Government-General Building was erected on its grounds, causing significant damage. After Korea's liberation, indiscriminate relocations, constructions, and expansions further altered its original form. However, restoration efforts began on August 15, 1995, with the demolition of the former Japanese Government-General Building. The first phase of the restoration was completed in 2010, and the second phase is scheduled for completion by 2045. For further information, go to https://royal.khs.go.kr/gbg.

Geunjeongjeon: The most symbolic building within Gyeongbokgung Palace, it served as the venue where the king and his officials conducted state affairs

Gyeonghoeru: The name signifies the ideal of the king and his officials meeting harmoniously through virtue. This pavilion was primarily used for hosting banquets for foreign envoys or court officials
1-2. Changdeokgung Palace
Changdeokgung Palace was built as a secondary palace to the primary palace, Gyeongbokgung Palace, in 1405. Changdeokgung Palace was designated as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1997. The palace was designed in an asymmetrical and organic layout, respecting the natural topography, including sloping hills and valleys, without significant alteration. In particular, the garden behind Changdeokgung is renowned for its landscaping that highlights the natural beauty of the surroundings. The garden in Changdeokgung Palace is divided into Buyongji Pond, Aeryeonji Pond, Gwallamji Pond, and Ongnyucheon Stream areas. For further information, go to https://royal.khs.go.kr/cdg.

Buyongji Pond Area: Buyongji Pond is the primary central garden of the Changdeokgung Palace and a relatively public space where learning and teaching activities were conducted.

Aeryeonji Pond Area: Aeryeonji is the second garden of the Changdeokgung Palace and the name "Aeryeon" means "love for lotus flowers."
1-3. Deoksugung Palace
Deoksugung was originally used as the residence of Prince Wolsan, the elder brother of King Seongjong. It was elevated to the status of Gyeongungung Palace when King Seonjo used it as a temporary residence during the Japanese invasion of Korea in 1592 (Imjin War). During the Korean Empire period (1897–1910), it served as the imperial palace when Emperor Gojong ascended the throne. Unlike other palaces, it is characterized by the coexistence of Korean traditional architecture and Western-style architecture. For further information, go to https://royal.khs.go.kr/dsg.

Jungmyeongjeon Hall: It is the tragic place where the Korea–Japan Treaty of 1905 was forcibly signed.

Seokjojeon Hall: Seokjojeon Hall is a Western-style stone building that was built as Emperor Gojong’s sleeping and living quarters.
2. National Palace Museum of Korea
The National Palace Museum of Korea is located next to Gyeongbokgung Palace.
For further information, visit http://www.gogung.go.kr/.
- B1: the Palace Calligraphy Room, the Royal Ritual Room, Joseon's Science and Culture Room,
- 1F: the "Korean Empire" room
- 2F: the King of Joseon room, the Royal Life room

National Palace Museum of Korea
3. National Museum of Korea
The National Museum of Korea is the largest in the country. If you want to see artifacts from the Joseon Dynasty, please visit the Medieval and Early Modern History section. For further information, go to www.museum.go.kr.

National Museum of Korea