Oldest Royal Throne Hall of Joseon to Open to Public

▲ This image, provided by the Royal Palaces and Tombs Center of the Cultural Heritage Administration (CHA), shows Myeongjeongjeon Hall Interior at Changgyeonggung Palace in Seoul. (PHOTO NOT FOR SALE) (Yonhap)

SEOUL, Sept. 4 (Yonhap) -- Myeongjeongjeon Hall, the oldest existing royal throne hall from the Joseon Dynasty, located in Changgyeonggung Palace, will soon open its doors to the public.

The Cultural Heritage Administration's Royal Palaces and Tombs Center announced on the 4th that guided tours of Myeongjeongjeon will be available from October 26 to November 3, every Thursday through Sunday.

Designated as a National Treasure in 1985, Myeongjeongjeon is the main hall of Changgyeonggung Palace. As the central hall of the palace, it was the site of key state ceremonies, including royal coronations, the reception of foreign envoys, and other important state events, symbolizing royal authority.

Originally built in 1484 during the reign of King Seongjong (1469-1494), Myeongjeongjeon was destroyed during the Japanese invasions of Korea (1592-1598) and was rebuilt in 1616. Despite its relatively modest size, with five bays in the front and three on the side, the hall is considered a fine example of early Joseon palace architecture. It also retains the oldest surviving dancheong, or traditional decorative painting, among Joseon palace buildings.

The tours, which will be held twice daily at 10:30 AM and 2:30 PM, will allow visitors to view the brick floors, the king’s throne, and the Irworobongdo (a folding screen depicting the sun, moon, and five mountain peaks) while listening to detailed explanations from a guide.

The tours are open to participants aged seven and above, with a maximum of 16 people per session. Reservations can be made starting at 2 PM on October 6 through the Changgyeonggung Palace website (royal.khs.go.kr/cgg), and more information is available by phone (☎ 02-762-4868).