The Guide for Visiting Gyeongbok Gung

One of Korea's top pride, treasures, and a popular tourist destination is the main palace of the Joseon dynasty, Gyeongbokgung Palace. The palace offers a first-hand experience of Korea’s history and culture. However, Gyeongbokgung is great in size and structured as if it was a maze. 

The most common places you might miss are the flower steps of Gyotejeon Hall, Amisan. Gyeotejeon Hall is the queen’s private living space located behind Gangnyeongjeon Hall, the king's living space. Back in the Joseon dynasty, the queen was strictly prohibited from seeing her family again after marriage. This meant that the queen often had to cope with loneliness. The flower steps were constructed to create a space or sight of relaxation, using the floral beauty to bring a sense light of joy. 

Amisan is located behind Gyeotejeon Hall and can be quickly reached through a passageway on the left. Sometimes the exterior walls of the main building would be opened and folded up, showcasing a beautiful spectacle of nature. There are a few noticeable orange chimneys decorated with carvings connected to the building for ondol, a floor heating system where servants would make a fire to heat the floor. In the spring, beautiful flowers start to bloom to announce the coming of the warmth of the year. The summer showcases a mixture of colorful flowers that is followed by fall when the colors start to fade away. By winter, an icy chill gives it a unique, simple, elegant look that looks heavenly when it is covered in a layer of snow. 

Gyo Tae Jeon Flower Steps in the Fall

Located behind the living area of the royal family, this pavilion called Hyang won Jeong is a two-story building that was a quiet and peaceful place of rest. The pavilion is complemented by the mountain peak behind and the pond that reflects it, creating a mystical appearance. This place is a perfect photo zone and is beautiful from all angles. If you look closer, you will notice the white bridge that connects the building to the land. That bridge is called Chee Hyang Gyo and was rebuilt two times; once when it was destroyed in the Korean War and another when it was realized that the bridge was not on the right side. There are stories that during the reign of 26th king Gojong, people skated on the pond when it froze.

Hyang won jeong from Different angles

If you go further down the left, you will find a building divided into three parts. This building is called Jibokjae, a royal library where scholars studied while enjoying the scenery of Hyang won Jeong and was also used to greet foreign envoys. The architecture of this building is very modern and is a combination of the Qing style(Chinese) and traditional Korean with an octagonal pavilion on the left with glass windows. Jibokjae is sometimes open for tourists to go inside and read books regarding Korean history and provides an educational and interactive experience.

Jibok Jae from afar

Make sure not to miss out on these buildings that will improve your experience at Gyeongbok Gung. To further enjoy your visit, there are various traditional foods available around the palace and many hanbok rental stores where you can become a Korean royal, knight, and so much more. Enjoy your experience and have a great time.

Works Cited

"경복궁 아미산 굴뚝." Wikipedia, Wikimedia Foundation, 14 Sept. 2024, ko.wikipedia.org/wiki/%EA%B2%BD%EB%B3%B5%EA%B6%81_%EC%95%84%EB%AF%B8%EC%82%B0_%EA%B5%B4%EB%9A%9D.

"경복궁 향원정 (景福宮 香遠亭)." 국가유산포털, www.heritage.go.kr/heri/cul/culSelectDetail.do?ccbaCpno=1121117610000&pageNo=1_1_2_0. Accessed 23 Mar. 2025.

"봄과 함께 고종의 서재 '집옥재'에서 느끼는 책내음." 국가유산청, www.cha.go.kr/newsBbz/selectNewsBbzView.do;jsessionid=q7hGtFh3AoZflUDPaObwGCyGWkzFIiJXPX9z5DCz0BelBlVBz3DT1JSRsJKrfOw9.cha-was02_servlet_engine1?newsItemId=155704691&sectionId=b_sec_1&pageIndex=1&mn=NS_01_02&strWhere=&strValue=&sdate=&edate=. Accessed 23 Mar. 2025.