Geoncheonggung Palace and Hyangwonjeong Pavilion at Gyeongbokgung to Open for 17 Days
by Lee Jonggil
Published 01 Oct.2025 09:00(KST)
Site of Empress Myeongseong's Assassination and Korea's First Electric Lighting
Guided Tours Available, Reservations Accepted First-Come, First-Served from the 2nd
The Gyeongbokgung Palace Management Office of the Cultural Heritage Administration announced on October 1 that the interiors of Geoncheonggung Palace and Hyangwonjeong Pavilion will be open to the public every Wednesday through Friday from the 15th to the 31st.
Geoncheonggung Palace was the residence of King Gojong and Empress Myeongseong. It is divided into Jangandang, the king's quarters, and Gonnyeonghap, the queen's quarters. This site holds significant historical importance as the location of Empress Myeongseong's tragic assassination and as the first place in Korea where electric lighting was introduced.
Hyangwonjeong Pavilion, whose name means "fragrance spreads far," is a hexagonal pavilion situated in the middle of the pond in front of Geoncheonggung Palace. It served as a retreat for the royal family and is considered a representative site of the rear garden of Gyeongbokgung Palace.
Access to these two areas, which is usually restricted, will be available twice daily at 10 a.m. and 2 p.m. A guide will accompany visitors to introduce the daily life and leisure of the Joseon royal family, with each tour lasting approximately 60 minutes.
Reservations will be accepted on a first-come, first-served basis through Nolticket starting at 2 p.m. on October 2. Each session is limited to 20 people, and each person can reserve up to two tickets. The admission fee is 10,000 won, which includes entry to Gyeongbokgung Palace. Reservations can be made up until the day before the tour.
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