Where in the World?

Question: Where in the world can you explore a sprawling 14th-century palace complex, once frequented by a "Great" king who personally invented his nation's alphabet?

Answer: Gyeongbokgung Palace in Seoul, South Korea

Known as the "Northern Palace," Gyeongbokgung is a 14th-century site and the largest of the "Five Grand Palaces" built during the Joseon Dynasty—Korea's longest-ruling family, which reigned from 1392 to 1897.

Founded by Yi Seong-gye (King Taejo), the Joseon Dynasty adopted Neo-Confucianism as its official ideology—emphasizing morality, education, and social harmony. King Taejo had Gyeongbokgung built in 1395, and it served as the main royal palace for over 200 years, earning its nickname of the "Northern Palace" thanks to its location farther north than the other four palace complexes. Designed to embody the principles of harmony and balance, its buildings and gardens were arranged in accordance with the traditional Chinese concept of feng shui.

Soon after the Northern Palace was built, the Joseon Dynasty experienced a cultural and scientific golden age during the reign of King Sejong the Great (1418-1450), who was said to have a special affinity for the Gyeonghoeru Pavilion located within the royal complex (see the "Fun Facts" section below to learn more). King Sejong would go on to invent the Korean alphabet (Hangul) and promote advancements in various fields.

Up until the mid-15th century, Koreans wrote in Chinese, the language of their dominant neighbor. But the Chinese characters did not entirely translate all the Korean cultural understandings. King Sejong decided his nation needed a language of its own. He turned to top scholars for advice before beginning a two-year process to create Hangul, which gives every symbol its own sound and meaning, so that anyone—scholar or pauper—could sound it out once they memorized each symbol. This democratization was popular with the people, but it took a while to become the norm: Chinese remained the official language for generations. Even after Hangul was universally adopted, it was deemed a threat: Japan banned its use while occupying Korea during World Wars I and II. But, in the end, Hangul has prevailed, used in both North and South Korea, yielding near 100% literacy.

Throughout its history, the palace has undergone numerous reconstructions and renovations, having been destroyed and rebuilt several times due to conflicts and invasions. Most notably, the palace was burnt to the ground during the Imjin war (also known as the Japanese invasions of Korea, taking place from 1592-1598) and left derelict for the next 273 years. In the 19th century, the palace's 7,700 rooms were restored under the rule of King Gojong. However, by the early 20th century, much of the palace was systematically destroyed once again by Imperial Japan during its occupation of Korea.

Since the 1990s, the walled palace complex is gradually being restored to its original form. Conservation efforts at Gyeongbokgung Palace have been ongoing, with the Korean government and cultural organizations working tirelessly to preserve and restore this important historical site. In recent years, several major restoration projects have been undertaken, including the reconstruction of the Gwanghwamun Gate—the main entrance to the palace—which was completed in 2010 after a three-year project.

Nowadays, Gyeongbokgung Palace is a sprawling compound that covers an area of approximately almost 4.5 million square feet and includes multiple museums, ornamental gardens, and some of Seoul's most impressive architectural sights. Visitors can explore the various halls, pavilions, and courtyards within the complex, each offering a unique glimpse into the lives of the Joseon royalty and the intricate architecture of the period. For example, the stunning Geunjeongjeon Hall was the main throne hall where the king conducted official ceremonies and received foreign envoys.

Located within the palace grounds are a few of Seoul’s most prominent museums—such as the National Palace Museum of Korea—which houses an extensive collection of artifacts and artworks from the Joseon Dynasty, including royal clothing, furniture, and paintings. The National Folk Museum of Korea—also situated within the complex—showcases the daily lives of ordinary Koreans throughout history with exhibits revolving around traditional crafts, customs, and folklore.

The ornamental gardens of Gyeongbokgung Palace are another major attraction, offering a serene escape from the hustle and bustle of modern Seoul. The Hyangwonjeong Pond—with its picturesque pavilion and bridge—is a favorite spot for visitors to relax and take in the tranquil surroundings. The Royal Secret Garden, or Huwon, is a beautifully landscaped area that was once exclusively used by the royal family for leisure and entertainment.

7 Fun Facts About Gyeongbokgung Palace:

• One of the most popular attractions at Gyeongbokgung Palace is the changing of the guard ceremony, which takes place twice daily at the main gate. Visitors can witness the colorful and impressive display of traditional military customs, complete with intricate costumes and musical performances.


• Many Joseon kings were crowned here, including the 2nd King Jeongjong, 4th King Sejong, 6th King Danjong, 7th King Sejo, 9th King Seongjong, 11th King Jungjong, and the 13th King Myeongjong.


• The name "Gyeongbokgung" translates to "Palace Greatly Blessed by Heaven," reflecting the Joseon Dynasty's belief in the divine right of kings.


• The palace complex is home to over 500 buildings, each serving a specific purpose within the royal court.


• During the Japanese colonial period, many of the palace buildings were demolished or repurposed, including the transformation of the main throne hall into a museum showcasing Japanese art and artifacts.


• The iconic Gyeonghoeru Pavilion—a two-story structure built on an artificial island within the palace grounds—was used for royal banquets and special occasions and is believed to have been a favorite spot of King Sejong the Great (the inventor of the Korean alphabet).


• The palace grounds are also home to a variety of wildlife, including a colony of stray cats that have become a popular attraction for visitors.

Visit Gyeongbokgung Palace and walk in the footsteps of the Joseon Dynasty during our South Korea & Japan: Temples, Shrines & Seaside Treasures adventure.