[Korea Tour Guide] Seoul - Gwanghwamun Gate (광화문) / Gyeongbokgung Palace (경복궁)

 

Founded in 1395 by the first king of the Joseon Dynasty, Gwanghwamun is the main gate of Gyeongbukgung Palace. Roughly meaning “may the light of enlightenment blanket the world,” the name symbolizes the resounding dedication that the people of the Joseon Dynasty had in creating a new dynasty. Constructed solely out of granite, its center is an entrance that resembles a rainbow, called Hongyemun. Above that is a gate tower.

Gwanghwamun holds a painful memory in Korean history. During the Japanese occupation of Korea, in order to dampen the spirits of the Korean citizens, the Japanese governing general destroyed the gate and built his own government building. The present appearance of the gate is that of 1968 when it was rebuilt using concrete, and it’s location is about 10m behind the original spot. Though Gwanghwamun is the most beautiful of the five palace gates, it was not designated by the Korean government as a national treasure because it is made purely of concrete. The government is now in the process of removing the Japanese building and restoring the palace.

Gwanghwamun has its name written on a sign on the gate, and it was personally written by then-president Park Jeong-Hui. On either side of the gate you can see the word “Haetae” facing south. Haetae is a mythical unicorn-lion that is said to protect palaces from fire. According to Pungsujirisang, there was a fire around Gwanaksan Mountain, so in order to protect the palace from fire from the mountain, these fire-eating Haetaes were put beside the gate.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Gyeongbokgung Palace

 

Built in 1395, Gyeongbokgung Palace is also commonly referred to as the Northern Palace because its location is furthest north when compared to the neighboring palaces of Changdeokgung (Eastern Palace) and Gyeonghuigung (Western Palace) Palace. Gyeongbokgung Palace is arguably the most beautiful, and remains the largest of all five palaces.

The premises were once destroyed by fire during the Imjin War (Japanese Invasions, 1592-1598). However, all of the palace buildings were later restored under the leadership of Heungseondaewongun during the reign of King Gojong (1852-1919).

Remarkably, the most representative edifices of the Joseon Dynasty, Gyeonghoeru Pavilion and Hyangwonjeong Pond, have remained relatively intact. Woldae and the sculptures of Geunjeongjeon (The Royal Audience Chamber) represent past sculptures of contemporary art.

The National Palace Museum of Korea is located south of Heungnyemun Gate, and the National Folk Museum is located on the eastern side within Hyangwonjeong.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Gyeongbokgung Palace Special Open Night (경복궁야간개장)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Postal Code: 03 045
Phone: + 82-2-3700-3904 to 5, + 82-2-738-9171
Website: www.royalpalace.go.kr
  (Korean, English)
Address: 161, Sajik-ro, Jongno-gu, Seoul

 

Directions: [Subway]
1) City Hall Station (Seoul Subway Line 1 & 2), Exit 3.
2) Gyeongbokgung Station (Seoul Subway Line 3), Exit 6 & 7.
3) Gwanghwamun Station (Seoul Subway Line 5), Exit 1, 2 & 8.
  * Connected through the underground exit.

  [Bus]
  Red Bus: 5500-2, 9602, 9706, 9708, 9713
  Blue Bus: 103, 150, 401, 402, 406, 408, 607,704
  Green Bus: 0212, 1711, 7016, 7018, 7022, 8000
  Village Bus: Jongno 09, Jongno 11

Contact and Information: • 1330 Travel Hotline: + 82-2-1330 (Korean, English, Japanese, Chinese)

• For more info: + 82-2-3700-3904 ~ 5,
+ 82-2-738-9171

 

Admission Fees
* Gwanghwamun Gate is free of charge.
* Gyeongbokgung Palace
- Adults 3,000 won / 2,400 won (for more than 10 people)
- Teenagers 1,500 won / 2,000 won (for more than 10 people)

Restrooms
Available

Facilities for the Handicapped
*Wheelchair rentals available