The Layout of Gyeongbokgung and Its Yin-Yang & Five Elements Design
- No Writer Profile
- Apr 5
- 3 min read
I started volunteering as a tour guide at Gyeongbokgung Palace in 2020, and I have come across countless breathtaking structures that captured my heart. From Gyeonghoeru Pavilion, where grand banquets were held, to the majestic Geunjeongjeon Hall, and the elegant Hyangwonjeong Pavilion nestled in the serene rear garden—each building holds its own unique charm. However, the one that I find the most fascinating, the one I love introducing to visitors the most, is Geoncheonggung Palace.
There’s a reason I have a particular fondness for this place. Despite its profound historical significance and captivating past, it remains tucked away in a secluded corner of the rear garden, often overlooked by visitors. Perhaps it is this very sense of being forgotten that makes me feel even more drawn to it.
Before I delve into the details of this extraordinary structure, let me first guide you on how to get there. Starting from the central area of Gyeongbokgung, you must pass through several major buildings and make your way to Gyotaejeon Hall. From there, take the side gate leading towards Jagyeongjeon Hall. Next to Jagyeongjeon’s ornate ten-symbols-of-longevity chimney, you will find another gate—step through it, and you will enter the rear garden. Walk past Hyangwonjeong Pavilion, and soon, you will come across a gate inscribed with the name Geoncheonggung. Step inside, and you will find yourself in a place brimming with history.
Now, let’s uncover the hidden beauty and significance of Geoncheonggung. It is, in essence, a palace within a palace, a private royal residence built within the vast expanse of Gyeongbokgung. Established in 1873 by King Gojong, it was constructed as a symbol of his newfound political independence from his father, Heungseon Daewongun. The complex originally consisted of five main buildings:
Jangandang: King Gojong’s personal quarters
Gonnyeonghap: the residence of his wife, Queen Myeongseong
Gwanmungak: a one-story hanok (traditional Korean house) that was later remodeled into a two-story Western-style building
Boksudang and Nokgeumdang: which served as the living quarters for court attendants.
Among these, Gwanmungak no longer exists—it was demolished due to poor construction, and no efforts have been made to restore it.
Two monumental historical events unfolded within the walls of Geoncheonggung.
The first was the arrival of electric lighting in Korea. The first electric streetlights in Joseon were installed right here in Jangandang, thanks to Edison’s electric company. However, the innovation was not welcomed by all. Many of the king’s officials feared the streetlights, mistaking them for ghostly flames. Furthermore, to power the lights, an electric generator was installed at Hyangwonjeong Pavilion, which caused an unforeseen tragedy—the heat from the generator led to the mass death of the fish in the pond. Faced with growing opposition, the king had no choice but to remove the lights.
The second, and far more tragic, event was the assassination of Queen Myeongseong in 1895. Known for her intelligence and political acumen, the queen recognized Japan’s colonial ambitions and sought to counter them by aligning with Russia. In retaliation, Japan orchestrated her murder right here, in Gonnyeonghap. This brutal act became one of the darkest moments in Korean history, forever marking Geoncheonggung as a site of sorrow.
Despite its rich and dramatic past, Geoncheonggung remains relatively unnoticed by most visitors. Its secluded location is one reason, but its modest, unadorned appearance also contributes to its quiet existence. Unlike other palace structures that boast vibrant dancheong (traditional multicolored decorative patterns), Geoncheonggung lacks any such embellishments. Some might assume this is because restoration work is incomplete—but in truth, Geoncheonggung was never meant to have dancheong in the first place. When King Gojong built it, he lacked the necessary funds to decorate the structures, leaving them in their natural, colorless state. The way it appears today is precisely how it looked from the very beginning.
Today, I have introduced you to Geoncheonggung—an extraordinary yet often overlooked palace within a palace. Whether you were already familiar with it or are hearing about it for the first time, I hope that the next time you visit Gyeongbokgung, you take a moment to seek out this hidden treasure. Stand within its quiet courtyards, feel the weight of its history, and imagine the lives that once unfolded behind these walls. For within this unassuming, forgotten palace lies a story of ambition, tragedy, and resilience—one that deserves to be remembered.
(Chaeyeon Ryu)
Kommentare