Nestled in the heart of Jongno, Seoul, the magnificent Unhyeongung Palace immediately captures your attention with its elegant architecture and serene atmosphere, even from the bustling street outside.

Let me take you inside this historic palace, where tasteful decor and captivating amenities await.

From Anguk Station (Exit 4), head towards Nakwon-dong, and you’ll soon find yourself in front of the long stone walls of Unhyeongung Palace.

This palace served as the residence of Heungseon Daewongun, who governed during the early years of King Gojong’s reign until the young king reached adulthood.

I visited Unhyeongung in June to participate in a special program, arriving a bit early to take in the peaceful surroundings.

The first building I encountered was Sujiksa, located on the right. This was where the palace officials responsible for security once resided.

Across from Sujiksa is the Relics Exhibition Hall, offering a glimpse into the rich history of Unhyeongung and the late Joseon Dynasty through its collection of artifacts and exhibits.

Walking through a side tunnel, I arrived at Irodang, the palace’s main residence. Named after Heungseon Daewongun (Yi Ha-eung) and his wife Lady Min, Irodang stands as a testament to the grandeur of the era, more akin to a royal palace than a typical noble residence.

The backyard of Irodang is surprisingly vast, providing a tranquil space amidst the historical architecture.

Starting at Donghanggak and ending at Norakdang, the interconnected structures tell stories of the past. Walking along this path, you’ll eventually reach Noandang, Heungseon Daewongun’s primary residence.

That evening’s Discourse Concert (a talk-centered event without music) was held in Norakdang, a hall with significant historical importance, it was where King Gojong and Empress Myeongseong were married.

At 6:30 pm, our group gathered in front of Irodang for an insightful docent-led tour. Afterward, we returned to the visitor center for a brief tea break.

Before entering the interior spaces, we put on shoe covers to protect the delicate hardwood floors. After finishing our tea, we continued down the long corridor from Irodang to Namhaenggak.

The scent of aged wood and the gentle creaking of the floors beneath my feet transported me back in time, making me feel like I had stepped into another era.

Following the Discourse Concert, we enjoyed a traditional Korean music performance at Irodang. The audience’s quiet focus and appreciation created an atmosphere far different from any concert I had experienced before.

As I left, the soft glow of the palace lights illuminated Unhyeongung’s unique beauty, making for a memorable farewell to this historic site.

Visiting Unhyeongung Palace is always a delightful experience, but enjoying a quiet moment with a cup of tea amidst its tranquil surroundings makes it even more special.

 

Address : 464 Samil-daero, Jongno-gu, Seoul  OPEN GOOGLE MAP

Phone : +82-2-766-9090

Operation Hours : Tuesday - Sunday 9:00 - 18:00 (Monday closed)

Instagram : Check out more photos

Website : www.unhyeongung.or.kr

Admission fee : free

 

Source : https://blog.naver.com/hy7276/222865517816

Writer : Rosemary

Special thanks to Rosemary

 

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