景福宮 경복궁 Gyeongbokgung Palace

Gyeongbokgung Palace was built in 1395 by the founder of the Joseon Dynasty, King Taejo, one year after he moved the capital from Gaesong to Seoul. It was the primary residence of the royal family.

The pace was destroyed by fire during the Japanese invasion of 1592, and it was finally restore in 1868, the 5th year of the reign of Prince Regent Daewongun, after three years of hard work.

Except for a few building including Gyeonghoeru Pavilion and Geunjeongjeon Hall, many of the palace buildings were demolished during the Japanese occupation. In 1990, the government launched another restoration project. Donggung (East Palace), Gangnyeongjeon Hall, Heungnyemen Gate have now been restored, and many other buildings will be restored by 2009.

Do check out the National Folk Museum of Korea and also the National Museum of Korea while you are here.