Gyeonghuigung Palace · 경희궁

Built in the early 17th century, Gyeonghuigung Palace served as a secondary royal residence for Joseon kings and was known as the 'West Palace' due to its location. King Yeongjo famously spent much of his reign here, though the palace was later severely damaged during Japanese colonial rule when a school was built on its grounds. Today, restored structures like Sungjeongjeon Hall offer a peaceful glimpse into Korea's royal past amid the bustling city.

조선 후기 왕들이 이궁으로 사용했던 경희궁은 도성 서쪽에 위치해 '서궐'이라 불렸으며, 특히 영조가 재위 절반을 이곳에서 보낸 것으로 유명합니다. 일제강점기 학교 건립으로 크게 훼손되었지만, 발굴과 복원을 거쳐 숭정전 등 옛 모습의 일부를 되찾았습니다. 도심 한가운데서 조선 왕실의 흔적을 조용히 둘러볼 수 있는 곳입니다.

Photo credit: Korea Tourism Organization