Gyeongbokgung

Welcome to the beating historical heart of South Korea. I am thrilled to guide you through the magnificent grounds of Gyeongbokgung. …

We begin our physical journey at the grandest threshold in the entire country. Standing before you is Gwanghwamun, the magnificent main southern gate of the palace complex. …

Having passed through the majestic Gwanghwamun and the subsequent Heungnyemun gate, you now find yourself standing at the edge of a staggeringly vast, open courtyard. Before you looms the magnificent main throne hall, but before…

You have now arrived at Geunjeongjeon, the undisputed architectural centerpiece of the palace. This is the main throne hall, and it is a structure of staggering significance. …

Leaving the overwhelming public grandeur of the main throne hall behind, we venture further north, stepping across an invisible boundary into the inner sanctum of the palace. You have now arrived at Gangnyeongjeon. …

As we walk to the northwest side of the main palace grounds, the enclosed courtyards suddenly give way to a breathtaking expanse of water and sky. Before you stands Gyeonghoeru, an absolute marvel of traditional engineering and…

Leaving the grand, formal entertainment space of Gyeonghoeru, we now stroll further north into what feels like a hidden, secret garden. The atmosphere here changes dramatically. …

Just a short distance north of the idyllic Hyangwonjeong pond, hidden behind unassuming walls, lies a complex that holds some of the darkest and most tragic memories of the modern Korean era. This is Geoncheonggung. …

As we make our way toward the northeast corner of the palace grounds, the traditional, low slung tiled roofs of the Joseon dynasty suddenly give way to a towering, multi tiered structure that looks quite different from anything…

As our extensive walking journey through Gyeongbokgung comes to an end, I want to invite you to take one final, lingering look around these majestic grounds. We have covered a tremendous amount of physical and historical ground…