◈ Where is Deoksugung Palace?

In 1592, Seonjo fled to Uiju because of the invasions of Japan and after he came back, there was no palace for the king to stay since all the palaces including Gyeongbokgung, Changdeokgung and Changyeonggung palace were burnt down. So, he chose Wolsan daegunga, which was the largest house of royal family, as his temporary palace and stayed there. In February of 1608, Seonjo died in the bed of the temporary palace and Gwanghaegun became the king there. In the third year of Gwanghaegun, 3 years, Gwanghaegun, the temporary palace was named Gyeongungung. Its main gate was Inhwamun, placed in the south, but later, it was rebuilt. On top of that, Daeanmun, placed in the east, changed its name to Daehanmun and became the main gate. In 1906, Junghwajun, which was burnt down, was restored.
Seokjojeon was built in 1909. Sunjong lived there after Gojong handed over the throne to him on July 20th, 1907. Seokjojeon was called Deoksugung Palace from that time.

◈ Goals
 
• What relationship does Deoksugung palace have with our history?
• Why was its name changed several times?
• Why was the modern building of Deoksugung palace built?
• What was the big change of the palaces in the late of Joseon?
 
◈ Visiting Deoksugung palace beforehand

 

▲ Jeonggwangheon

 

▲ Jeokjodang

 

 
▲ Deoksugung Doldam gil

⊙ Where is Seoul History museum?
 
Seoul is the place where all countries including Goguryeo, Silla, Baekje and Joseon had at least once occupied, and also the capital of Baekje. It is the reason why Seoul became a contested place for all the kings in Korea, because its location is powerful and well connected and makes the country flourish. Seoul also became the capital of Joseon with the original name of Hanyang and enjoyed the glory.

◈ Goals
 
• Let’s look for the past of Seoul
• What kind of people lived in Seoul?
• Let’s take a look at the change of Seoul.
• Let’s look at a day in the life of people living in Seoul.
 
◈ Visiting the Seoul History Museum beforehand

 

[정관헌, Jeonggwangheon]

Jeonggwangheon was the relaxing place for King Gojong. It shows both Korean and Western architectural designs.

[석조전, Seog-jo jeon]

Seog-jo jeon is a western 3 stories building made of stones. The bedrooms for the King and the Queen, the lobby, and the reception room were on 2nd floor and 3rd floor. On the 1st floor, there is a waiting room for servants. People in Jo-seon era built every palatial residence with wood but Seog-jo jeon was made of stone, not coordinated with others. All of these are for the Japanese people to show off their ability to build toward Joseon.