Seoul | Autumn Palace Tour: Visit and Experience the 5 Great Palaces

The 'Palace Cultural Festival' is held at five palaces and Jongmyo in Seoul. Gyeongbokgung, Changdeokgung, Changgyeonggung, Deoksugung, and Gyeonghuigung are representative cultural heritages of Korea, encompassing the history of the Joseon Dynasty and the Korean Empire.

The 'Royal Palace Cultural Festival' brings life to the ancient palaces and Jongmyo, which have centuries of history and culture. The festival is held each spring and autumn at locations including Gyeongbokgung, Changgyeonggung, Changdeokgung, Deoksugung, Gyeonghuigung, and Jongmyo. The festival reinterprets palace culture based on the distinct characteristics and historical backgrounds of each palace, presenting rich attractions in the forms of performances, exhibitions, experiences, and ceremonies.

Gyeongbokgung was the first royal palace of the Joseon Dynasty, built in 1395 (the 4th year of King Taejo). The Joseon Dynasty was established in 1392 (the capital was moved to Hanyang in 1394). The palace buildings were constructed with Bugaksan (now Bukaksan) as a backdrop, and the wide Yukjo Street (now Sejong-ro and Gwanghwamun Square) in front of the main gate Gwanghwamun formed the center of Hanyang.

When Gyeongbokgung was built, the buildings were formally arranged in a straight line. Starting from the main gate Gwanghwamun, they constructed Xinglingmen, Genzhengmen, Gentiantian, Xinzangtian, Gangningtian, and Qiaotiantian, with auxiliary buildings and ponds built around them. Gyeongbokgung was where Kings Sejong, Seongjong, and Jeongjong were enthroned in the early Joseon Dynasty, and the Wuminzhen was created during King Sejong's reign.

Gyeongbokgung was the first royal palace of the Joseon Dynasty, built in 1395 (the 4th year of King Taejo). The Joseon Dynasty was established in 1392 (the capital was moved to Hanyang in 1394). The palace buildings were constructed with Bugaksan (now Bukaksan) as a backdrop, and the wide Yukjo Street (now Sejong-ro and Gwanghwamun Square) in front of the main gate Gwanghwamun formed the center of Hanyang.

When Gyeongbokgung was built, the buildings were formally arranged in a straight line. Starting from the main gate Gwanghwamun, they constructed Xinglingmen, Genzhengmen, Gentiantian, Xinzangtian, Gangningtian, and Qiaotiantian, with auxiliary buildings and ponds built around them. Gyeongbokgung was where Kings Sejong, Seongjong, and Jeongjong were enthroned in the early Joseon Dynasty, and the Wuminzhen was created during King Sejong's reign.

Deoksugung, Historic Site No. 124, was not originally a royal palace. Due to a palace fire during the Japanese invasions of Korea (Imjin Waeran) in 1592, it was used as a temporary palace from 1593. In the Joseon period, it was called Gwangnigung. In 1907, it was renamed Deoksugung to pray for the longevity of Emperor Gojong.

In 1418, after King Sejong (1397-1450) ascended the throne, he built Suganggung to house the retired King Taejong (1367-1422). This was the prototype of Changgyeonggung. Later, King Seongjong built Myeongjeongjeon, Munjeongjeon, and Tongmyeongjeon to house Queen Jeonghui (Sejong's queen), Queen Sohye (Deokjong's queen), and Queen Ansun (Yejong's queen), and named it Changgyeonggung. Many sad stories are associated with Changgyeonggung. It was completely burned down during the Imjin Waeran, and also burned during the Yi Gwal Rebellion and the Byeongja Horan. The stories of Queen Inhyeon and Jang Hui-bin during King Sukjong's reign, and Crown Prince Sado who was locked in a rice chest and died during King Yeongjo's reign, are buried in the gardens of Changgyeonggung. Changgyeonggung, Historic Site No. 123, was downgraded to Changgyeongwon during the Japanese colonial period and used as a zoo. To erase the remnants of Japanese rule, under the efforts of the entire nation, restoration to its original palace appearance began in 1987. Changgyeonggung has Honghwamun, Myeongjeongjeon, Tongmyeongjeon, Yanghwadang, and Chundangji Pond. Through a sky bridge, one can also enter and exit Jongmyo.

The palace of the Joseon Dynasty (1392~1897), which had Seoul as its capital, was built in 1617 and rebuilt in 1831. In 1865, with the expansion of Gyeongbokgung, it was partially demolished, and by the early 20th century it was completely demolished. Excavations began in 1985, and part of it was restored in 1994. Today, the area has been landscaped into a park, and the Seoul Museum of History is located here.