Exploring Korea » gwanghwamun station http://www.exploringkorea.com Fri, 22 Feb 2013 07:44:54 +0000 en-US hourly 1 http://wordpress.org/?v=3.5.1 Gyeonghuigung Palace http://www.exploringkorea.com/gyeonghuigung-palace/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=gyeonghuigung-palace http://www.exploringkorea.com/gyeonghuigung-palace/#comments Thu, 23 Jun 2011 06:08:29 +0000 admin http://www.exploringkorea.com/?p=340 Gyeonghuigung Palace

Gyeonghuigung Palace was constructed as a detached royal villa, where kings of the Jeseon Dynasty stayed during their daily excursions. It is one of the Palaces that make up the Grand Five Palaces built by the Joseon Dynasty. Its construction began in 1617 and was completed in 1623. Gyeonghuigung Palace was originally composed of 100 [...]]]> Gyeonghuigung Palace

Gyeonghuigung Palace Entrance

Gyeonghuigung Palace was constructed as a detached royal villa, where kings of the Jeseon Dynasty stayed during their daily excursions. It is one of the Palaces that make up the Grand Five Palaces built by the Joseon Dynasty. Its construction began in 1617 and was completed in 1623. Gyeonghuigung Palace was originally composed of 100 units of large and small structures. Gyeonghuigung like many palaces in Korea fell victim to disaster during the Japanese occupation. The Japanese destroyed the palace so that they could build a school for Japanese citizens.

In 1980 the old site of Gyeonghuigung Palace was designated a historic site. The Seoul Metropolitan Government excavated the old site to restore its major structures. Due to major urban growth in the area and decades of neglect, the government was only able to reconstruct about 33% of the former Palace. In 2002 this site officially opened its doors to the public.

After entering through the main Heunghwamun gate you can see the Sungjeongmun gate and the steps leading up to the palace. After heading up the steps you arrive into the courtyard. Here you can see Sungjeongjeon. It is the main hall of Gyeonghuigung Palace. Here, kings met with their subjects and arranged official ceremonies. Behind Sungjeongjeon is Jajeongjeon, the king’s living quarters. Also you can find Geumcheongyo bridge, which was part of the original palace in front of the Seoul Museum of History located on the old grounds of Gyeonghuigung Palace.  It was buried by the Imperial Japanese army but restored in 2001.

This palace is very small compared to the other Five Palaces. It is recommended that you also visit the Seoul Museum of history located nearby.

Admission / Opening Hours:
Weekdays: 09:00 – 18:00
Weekends and holidays: 10:00 – 18:00
Closed on Mondays and January 1st.

Entry to this palace is free.

How to get to Gyeonghuigung Palace:
The Palace is located near 5 subway stops.
Line 5 exit 7 at Gwanghwamun Station
Line 5 exit 4 at Seodaemun Station
Line 3 exit 6 at Gyeongbokgung Station
Line 2 exit 12 at City Hall Station
Line 1 exit 3 at City Hall Station
Please click on the map below for the location of the palace


View larger map Gyeonghuigung Palace Gyeonghuigung Palace Gyeonghuigung Palace Gyeonghuigung Palace Gyeonghuigung Palace Gyeonghuigung Palace Gyeonghuigung Palace Gyeonghuigung Palace Gyeonghuigung Palace ]]> http://www.exploringkorea.com/gyeonghuigung-palace/feed/ 0
Cheonggyecheon River http://www.exploringkorea.com/cheonggyecheon-river/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=cheonggyecheon-river http://www.exploringkorea.com/cheonggyecheon-river/#comments Wed, 22 Jun 2011 09:20:13 +0000 admin http://www.exploringkorea.com/?p=172

Cheonggyecheon river is 8.4km long and located in downtown Seoul, Korea. During the past 40  years Cheonggyecheon river had been covered up, neglected and a highway was built over it. In July 2003, then Seoul Mayor, Lee Myung-bak initiated a restoration project which took 2 years to complete and cost over 386 billion won. This [...]]]>

Cheonggyecheon Stream Main Entrance

Cheonggyecheon river is 8.4km long and located in downtown Seoul, Korea. During the past 40  years Cheonggyecheon river had been covered up, neglected and a highway was built over it. In July 2003, then Seoul Mayor, Lee Myung-bak initiated a restoration project which took 2 years to complete and cost over 386 billion won. This was criticised at the time but now locals and tourists enjoy the river everyday.

The river has a path on both sides and decorated with art, statues or special themes for events. At night-time parts of the river light up and you can enjoy a laser show.

At the start of the stream close to Gwanghwamun station special events and concerts are held.

The recommended walk for people is to arrive at Gwanghwamun station. Take the exit Gwanghwamun and start your journey. You can follow the course until it meets up with the Han River. On the way you will notice many interesting art pieces, people having picnics or learn about Korean history. For more information about events and walking courses you should take a look at the official site http://english.sisul.or.kr/grobal/cheonggye/eng/WebContent/index.html

How to get Cheonggyecheon River / Stream:

As the river is very long there are many starting points:

Subway Line 1: City Hall Station, Jonggak Station, Jongno 3-ga Station, Jongno 5-ga Station, Dongdaemun Station, Sinseoldong Station
Line 2: Euljiro 1-ga Station, Euljiro 3-ga Station, Euljiro 4-ga Station, Sindang Station, Sangwangsibni Station
Line 3: Jongno 3-ga Station
Line 4: Dongdaemun History & Culture Park Station
Line 5: Gwanghwamun Station <- main starting point
Exit towards Cheonggyecheon Stream


View larger map

Cheonggyecheon River Cheonggyecheon River (2) Cheonggyecheon River (5) Cheonggyecheon River (11) Cheonggyecheon River (12) Cheonggyecheon River (16) Cheonggyecheon River (21) Cheonggyecheon River (22) Cheonggyecheon River (24) Cheonggyecheon River (28) Cheonggyecheon River (34)

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