Gyeongbokgung Palace

Was very blown away by the architecture and tragic history of Gyeongbokgung palace complex, the seat of power for the Joseon Dynasty.

Originally built in 1395, it housed the king, his family and entourage, and was the location for daily business, government activities, and ceremony. Alot of important history happened here, including the invention of Hangul, the Korean writing system which helped greatly improved literacy in Joseon Dynasty and was a much easier alternative to learn than the thousands of Hanja characters borrowed from the Chinese and applied to the Korean language.

However, during the Japanese Invasions of Korea 1592-1598, the palace was burned to the ground. Sources vary, but say that the court had fled Seoul and was burned by Korean slaves wanting to eradicate the symbol of their oppression, or that locals were angry that the court had fled in light of the invasions. Turns out if you abandon your palace it might get burned down!

Gyeongbokgung sat in ruins for nearly three hundred years when it was rebuilt in 1867. But, It was only a few years later in 1895 when Empress Myeongseong was assassinated by Japanese agents. She was a powerful queen that had courted an Alliance with Russia and was a valuable target to take out. Afterward, her husband, The King, was so heart broken that he moved the Royal Court and never returned.

Over the coming decades, the palace complex was torn down during the Japanese Occupation of Korea, and over 90% of the palace had been torn down to make way for the Japanese colonial headquarters, the Government General Building.

Today, only a couple of the original buildings from 1867 remain. The first two pictures were original. Reconstruction of the palace began in earnest in 1990, and is planned to continue through 2045. As they rebuild, they are also excavating and documenting everything prior to rebuilding, so it takes a very long time and is very expensive.

Very glad Stef and I got to explore this piece of history. It really shined a light on the makings of Korea and the history behind it.

Second Gate