Changdeokgung (창덕궁) is among the best-preserved of all Korean palaces and is recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. It was established in 1405. During the Imjin War, all the palaces in Seoul, including Changdeokgung, were destroyed. It was rebuilt afterward and served as the main royal palace for several centuries.
Changgyeonggung (창경궁) was built in the mid-15th century by King Sejong
for his father, King Taejong. Like the other palaces, it was destroyed during the Imjin War and later rebuilt. In the early 20th century, during the Japanese colonial period in Korea, much of the palace was dismantled to make way for a modern park intended to showcase Japanese authority. The site was later used for a zoo, botanical garden, and museum. The zoo and botanical garden were relocated to Seoul Grand Park in 1983, and the palace has since been restored and is now a popular tourist attraction.
Deoksugung (덕수궁) was first used as a temporary palace by King Seonjo during the Imjin War, after the other palaces had been destroyed. It became an official palace in 1611 and was later renamed. In 1907, it was given the name Deoksugung. Gojong of Korea, the last king of the Joseon dynasty, lived there after being forced to abdicate in 1907 and remained in the palace until his death in 1919.
Gyeongbokgung (경복궁) was the first and largest of the palaces, established in 1395. During the Japanese occupation beginning in 1910, the palace was systematically demolished and altered, with hundreds of structures removed. By 1945, only about 40 pre-colonial buildings remained. Restoration efforts began in the 1980s and continue today, with many structures reconstructed and more planned.
Today, Gyeongbokgung hosts a changing of the guard ceremony twice daily. Visitors can also explore the National Folk Museum of Korea and the National Palace Museum of Korea located on the grounds. Those wearing hanbok (traditional Korean clothing) are granted free entry, adding a unique cultural experience to the visit.
Gyeonghuigung (경희궁) began construction in the early 17th century during the reign of King Gwanghaegun and was completed in 1617. Much of the palace was later destroyed by fire during the reign of King Sunjo, though it was rebuilt. During the Japanese occupation, the palace was dismantled, and the site was later used for Seoul High School. The school was relocated in 1980 to allow for restoration as part of a broader South Korean initiative to recover the Five Grand Palaces.
Comments
Post a Comment