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Gyeongbokgung Palace (경복궁), also known as Gyeongbokgung Palace, was first built in 1395. It is the largest of the five palaces of the Joseon Dynasty (1392-1910), and also the residence of the kings throughout their reign.
However, throughout its turbulent history, Gyeongbokgung Palace has been destroyed and rebuilt many times. It is the embodiment and witness to the history and traditions of Korea for over eight decades.
The highlight of architectural art.
The pristine white snow covering Gyeongbokgung Palace is like a gift from nature, making the skillful blend of ancient Chinese architecture and traditional Joseon dynasty architecture evoke the nostalgic beauty of a bygone golden age.
The palace uses five traditional Korean colors—blue, white, black, red, and yellow—symbolizing the five elements. This harmonious blend of colors creates a majestic atmosphere for Gyeongbokgung.
Covering an area of 400,000 m2, the Gyeongbokgung Palace comprises the following main areas: Can Chinh Palace, Khanh Hoi Pavilion, Quang Hoa Gate, Khang Ninh Palace, and Giao Thai Palace. The main axis of the palace is Quang Hoa Gate and Can Chinh Palace.
Other areas were built asymmetrically, creating a harmonious unity and a clear hierarchy.
The most notable is the Geunjeongjeon Hall (근정전). This is where the throne was located and where official court activities took place, such as holding court sessions or receiving foreign envoys. The hall is primarily constructed of wood and sits in the center of a large rectangular courtyard. A two-tiered stone platform sits atop it. The interior is decorated with exquisite and meticulous carvings depicting dragons and phoenixes. Geunjeongjeon Hall is the largest and most magnificent hall in the Gyeongbokgung Palace complex.
Geunjeongjeon Hall is the largest and most magnificent hall in the Gyeongbokgung Palace complex.
Furthermore, one of the most beautiful places in Gyeongbokgung Palace is Gyeonghoeru (경회루), situated in the middle of an artificial lotus pond, next to the artificial Mansesan (만세산) rock formation. This place was often used to hold banquets for foreign envoys or for important national events, to reward members of the royal family, and to perform rain-making ceremonies.
The structure of Khánh Hội Lâu is entirely made of wood, built from 48 large stone pillars and a wooden staircase connecting the first and second floors. Inside, round pillars symbolize the sky, while outside, square pillars symbolize the earth. The landscaped garden features pavilions and meticulously manicured flowers and plants, typical of Korean garden art. Unlike in summer, Khánh Hội Lâu is quieter and more tranquil in winter.
The serene yet magnificent beauty of Khanh Hoi Lau in winter.
Wishes in names
Each structure within Gyeongbokgung Palace is named with a meaning reflecting blessings and admonitions from ancestors. For example, Geunjeongjeon (근정전) means "All matters will be properly managed if the king shows diligence."
Gwanghwamun is the main southern gate of the palace. Originally named Nammun (남문), it was changed to Gwanghwamun during the reign of King Sejong (세종대왕), meaning "The king's virtue illuminates the entire nation."
The South Gate of Gwanghwamun means "The king's virtue illuminates the entire nation."
Regarding the name Gangnyeongjeon (강녕전), it refers to the king's resting place. In Korean culture, "gangnyeong" is one of the Five Blessings, signifying "good health." The name was chosen with the intention of wishing the king continued good health. Similarly, the name Gyeongtaekjeon (교태전) expresses the desire for harmony between yin and yang, and favorable childbirth.
And finally, there's Gyeongbokgung. The two words Gyeongbok (경복), used in Korean poetry, signify a wish for the king, his descendants, and the people to always be blessed with great fortune in an era of peace. Perhaps the sacred wish embedded in these two words, Gyeongbok, has come true, as the Joseon dynasty became the most influential dynasty and has left the most cultural legacy in Korea today.
The meaning of the two words "Gyeongbokgung" (meaning "blessing" or "happiness") was fulfilled when the Joseon dynasty became the most influential dynasty.
The four seasons throughout the centuries
The architecture of Gyeongbok Palace preserves its ancient yet majestic beauty, exuding the awe-inspiring power and dominance of the imperial court. It possesses a unique beauty at any time of year, but it is especially stunning in autumn and winter.
Ancient ginkgo trees, their leaves a dazzling golden hue, blanketed the castle's roof, illuminating a corner of the palace grounds.
In autumn, the scenery here becomes even more magnificent. Surrounding the ancient palace and towers are old ginkgo trees whose leaves blanket the castle roofs, their golden foliage illuminating a corner of the sky, while layers of maple leaves, redder than fire, reflect themselves on the calm, blue lake…
Snow covering the intricate reliefs gives Gyeongbokgung Palace a magical and romantic beauty.
And then, very gently, as winter arrives, the magical and magnificent coloration of the foliage in the royal gardens is gradually replaced by the pristine beauty of the cold. The lakes are covered with a thin layer of ice, and on the eaves, snow blankets the exquisite carvings, giving Gyeongbokgung Palace a truly mystical beauty and the romantic charm of a Korean winter. The present-day nature here blends with and enhances the majestic grandeur of the ancient pavilions and structures that have stood for centuries.
