Gyeongbokgung Geoncheonggung and Hyangwonjeong Interiors to Be Opened to the Public

The Cultural Heritage Administration's Headquarters of Royal Tombs and Historic Sites 'Light and Shadow of Joseon'

Geoncheonggung and Hyangwonjeong in Gyeongbokgung Palace will open next month. On the 29th, the Cultural Heritage Administration's Palace and Royal Tombs Headquarters announced that from the 7th to the 29th of next month, a pilot viewing of "Light and Shadow of Joseon: A Special Walk in Geoncheonggung and Hyangwonjeong" will be held every Thursday and Friday.

Geoncheonggung was built in 1873 after the reconstruction of Gyeongbokgung Palace. It is located at the northernmost part of Gyeongbokgung. While following the style of houses where common yangban (aristocrats) lived, its exterior is delicately decorated. It is also known as the first place in Korea to generate electricity and light electric lamps in 1887.

Geoncheonggung is also well known as the site of the Eulmi Incident in October 1895, where Empress Myeongseong was assassinated by Japanese troops. After the incident, King Gojong moved his residence to the Russian legation, and Geoncheonggung was demolished by the Japanese around 1909. It was restored to its current form in 2006.

Hyangwonjeong was a royal resting place during the late Joseon period. A pond was dug in the rear garden of Gyeongbokgung Palace in the north, and an island was created in the center, upon which a hexagonal pavilion was built.

Both buildings are usually restricted from internal viewing. By participating in the special viewing, visitors can tour the interior pavilions with a professional guide. You can also see Jangandang, where the king lived, and Gonnyeonghap, where the queen stayed.

To enter, applications can be made through Interpark Tickets starting from the 31st. Each session is limited to twenty people, and participation is allowed for those aged seven and above.

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.