Table of Contents
Introduction
The grand royal palaces of South Korea offer a window into the rich history and culture of this fascinating country. Built centuries ago, these stunning palaces were the seats of power, home to kings and queens throughout Korea’s different historical eras. Today, they stand as monumental reminders of the past, allowing visitors to vividly imagine what life was like within their once-hidden walls.
In this article, we will embark on an illuminating journey through South Korea’s most famous palaces to uncover their origins, unique architecture, and enduring legacies. From the sprawling grounds of Gyeongbokgung Palace in bustling Seoul to the mountain fortress of Namhansanseong, these ancient sites unveil Korea’s long heritage as a kingdom ruled by dynasties and royalty. Their elegant pavilions and serene gardens transport us to the bygone era of elaborate royal culture. Join us as we explore the history contained within the walls of these magnificent palaces!
Gyeongbokgung Palace
The grandest and most famous of all Seoul’s palaces, Gyeongbokgung was built in 1395 during the early Joseon dynasty. As the main royal palace, it served as the king’s residence and was the center of government administration for over 500 years. Located in the heart of modern-day Seoul, this majestic complex contains over 7,000 rooms spread across its expansive grounds.
Two of Gyeongbokgung’s most stunning architectural highlights are Gyeonghoeru Pavilion and Hyangwonjeong Pavilion. Gyeonghoeru, an elegant two-story structure built on an island in the palace’s pond, was used to host important state banquets. Hyangwonjeong featured hexagonal exquisite columns, orange-brick floors, and intricate artwork, making it a tranquil place for the royal family to relax.
Many significant events took place within Gyeongbokgung’s walls, including the coronation of King Gojong in 1895 and the raising of the Korean Empire’s flag in 1897. Today, it stands as a proud symbol of centuries of dynastic rule.
Changdeokgung Palace
Built in the early 15th century, Changdeokgung Palace served as the secondary palace to Gyeongbokgung but rose to prominence after the latter was destroyed during a Japanese invasion in 1592. Changdeokgung was favored by many Joseon kings due to its beautiful natural setting featuring a large garden, known today as the Secret Garden.
The Secret Garden incorporates elegant pavilions tucked away amidst wooded areas, streams, and ponds, creating a serene space for royalty to quietly reflect. The palace’s main hall, Injeongjeon, features exquisite eaves and architectural detailing set against a tranquil lotus pond.
In 1997, Changdeokgung was designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site for its unique blend of architecture, nature, and Korean style. It represents over 600 years of royal history in an idyllic natural environment.
Changgyeonggung Palace
First built in 1104 and reconstructed in 1616, Changgyeonggung Palace lies east of Changdeokgung and housed Korean royalty for centuries. It served as a temporary shelter for the royal family when the Japanese invaded Seoul in 1592 and destroyed the city’s other palaces.
Myeongjeongjeon Hall is one of Changgyeonggung’s most striking structures, built in an ornate Chinese-influenced style with vivid paint colors and complex roof lines. The palace grounds also contain beautiful ponds and pavilions nestled amongst pine trees, juxtaposing built structures with natural beauty.
The understated elegance of Changgyeonggung offers an intimate look into Korea’s royalty through the centuries.
Deoksugung Palace
Deoksugung Palace has the unique status of being the only Seoul palace where you can view both traditional Korean and Western-style architecture. It was originally built as a royal residence in 1593, then later served as the main palace during the transitional period to modernization at the turn of the 20th century.
King Gojong resided here after 1897 when Gyeongbokgung became unsuitable as a royal home due to its dilapidated state. Deoksugung became a fascinating blending of Korea’s past and future, incorporating neoclassical Western-style buildings as well as traditional Korean palace structures. The famous Changing of the Royal Guard ceremony takes place here, allowing visitors to experience a tradition dating back centuries.
Gyeonghuigung Palace
Gyeonghuigung Palace offers a distinctly different royal architecture style compared to Korea’s other palaces. Built in 1617, it forgoes the typical multi-colored paints and ornate details seen elsewhere. Instead, the structures utilize simple stonework, minimal decoration, and have an airy, open layout.
The palace is also unique for its location. Set against the slopes of Bugaksan Mountain, Gyeonghuigung provides a peaceful change of scenery from Seoul’s more urban settings. Though one of the lesser-known royal palaces today, it represents an alternative regal elegance.
Changgyeonggung Palace
Built in 1104 and reconstructed in 1616 after destruction by fire, Changgyeonggung Palace served as a temporary shelter for royalty when Japanese invaders attacked Seoul in the late 16th century. Myeongjeongjeon Hall is one of the palace’s main structures, featuring distinctive eave supports and vivid paint colors.
Junghwajeon Pavilion was used as a science and astronomy laboratory during the Joseon dynasty. At Changgyeonggung, visitors can imagine scholars making groundbreaking discoveries centuries ago within the palace walls. Though it lacks the grandeur of Korea’s primary palaces, Changgyeonggung offers an intimate glimpse into lesser-known corners of royal life.
Hwaseong Fortress
Perhaps Korea’s most impressive architectural achievement, Hwaseong Fortress in Suwon combines both palace and fortress elements into a single massive construction project. Built in the late 18th century under King Jeongjo, it incorporates high walls, ornate gates, and defensive structures spread across miles of land.
Within its partially palace-inspired grounds lies pottery kilns, royal living quarters, and landscaped gardens, juxtaposing regal lifestyle with military defense. Due to its sheer scale and unique blending of purpose, Hwaseong achieved UNESCO World Heritage status in 1997.
Namhansanseong
High in the mountains of Gyeonggi-do province sits South Korea’s largest mountain fortress, Namhansanseong. Encircled by towering stone walls up to 5 meters high, it was built in the 7th century as both a military stronghold and emergency shelter for the royal court. Its strategic location provided defensive visibility across surrounding valleys.
Namhansanseong witnessed a famous ancient battle when it was sieged by the Silla army in 672 and briefly held as a command post. Though it ultimately fell, the fortress remains an outstanding example of mountain defense engineering. As with many Korean palaces, it allows visitors to vividly imagine past power struggles and events.
Conclusion
South Korea’s ancient palaces offer windows into a hidden world of dynasties, royalty, culture, and history spanning over many centuries. While on the surface they dazzle with gorgeous architecture, their true magic lies in allowing our imaginations to unveil the past. As we stroll through their gardens and halls, the whispers of kings and queens from eras long gone seem to come alive once more.
The enduring grace and beauty of these palaces pay homage to Korea’s proud legacy as a kingdom, their stones inscribed with the stories of the nation. From bustling modern-day Seoul to remote mountain fortresses, South Korea’s palaces unveil the rich tales of the peninsula’s dynastic histories for all to discover.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: How many main royal palaces are there in Seoul?
A: There are five grand royal palaces in Seoul – Gyeongbokgung, Changdeokgung, Changgyeonggung, Deoksugung, and Gyeonghuigung.
Q: Which palace has both traditional Korean and Western architecture?
A: Deoksugung Palace uniquely incorporates both traditional Korean palace buildings as well as Western-style neoclassical structures.
Q: What status do Changdeokgung and Hwaseong Fortress share?
A: They are both designated as UNESCO World Heritage Sites – Changdeokgung in 1997 and Hwaseong Fortress in 1997.
Q: What is distinctive about Namhansanseong?
A: It is South Korea’s largest ancient mountain fortress, with high defensive stone walls and strategic views from its mountain location.
Q: Why is the Secret Garden at Changdeokgung Palace so named?
A: It was a secluded, walled garden used as a private royal retreat hidden away from the main palace grounds, keeping it “secret” from the outside world.