Image: Gwanghwamun, the main gate of Gyeongbokgung Palace. Photo: Korean Drama Insider personal collection.
Part One: Gyeongbokgung Palace
For the next five weeks, we’re stepping inside Seoul’s Five Grand Palaces—each with its own history, personality and role in Korea’s royal story.
From the grandeur of Gyeongbokgung to the peaceful gardens of Changdeokgung and the unexpected Western architecture of Deoksugung, these palaces offer far more than beautiful backdrops. Together, they tell the story of the Joseon Dynasty, the Korean Empire and centuries of royal life in Seoul.
This week, we begin with the grandest of them all: Gyeongbokgung Palace.
The oldest and largest of Seoul’s five royal palaces, Gyeongbokgung, sometimes translated as Gyeongbok Palace, was built in 1395 at the base of Bugaksan Mountain by King Taejo, also known as Yi Seong-gye. After overthrowing the Goryeo Dynasty and founding Joseon, he established Gyeongbokgung as the new dynasty’s principal palace. Its name is commonly translated as “Palace Greatly Blessed by Heaven.” Because of its location in northern Seoul, it is also known as the Northern Palace.
During the reign of King Sejong the Great, Gyeongbokgung became an important center of scholarship, science and culture. King Sejong is best known for overseeing the creation of Hangul, Korea’s writing system, during a period often remembered as one of Joseon’s great cultural golden ages.
In 1592, the palace was destroyed by fire during the Japanese invasions of Korea known as the Imjin War. It remained largely in ruins for more than 270 years, while Changdeokgung served as the primary royal residence.
Gyeongbokgung was finally rebuilt in 1867 under Heungseon Daewongun, the father and regent of King Gojong. The enormous reconstruction created a sprawling complex of hundreds of buildings containing royal residences, government offices and ceremonial spaces.
Tragedy struck the palace in October 1895, when Queen Min—later known as Empress Myeongseong—was assassinated inside the palace grounds. King Gojong left Gyeongbokgung soon afterward, and the palace’s role at the center of royal life came to an end.
During the Japanese colonial period, more than 90% of the palace buildings were removed or destroyed. A major restoration program began in 1990, and the work continues today. The first phase restored 89 buildings, while long-term plans aim to gradually recover more of the former palace complex.
Today, visitors can explore its grand throne hall, peaceful pavilions and reconstructed royal residences. Many also rent traditional hanbok from nearby shops and stroll through the grounds dressed in the styles once worn during Korea’s royal era.
And because restoration is still ongoing, each return visit may reveal another piece of Gyeongbokgung’s remarkable history brought back to life.
Take a Piece of Seoul With You
Inspired by the palaces, gates and hidden pathways of Seoul, our Seoul Scapes lock screens bring a little Korean beauty to your everyday screen.
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