▲ This image of Gyeonghoeru Pavilion is provided by the Korea Heritage Service. (PHOTO NOT FOR SALE)(Yonhap)

 

SEOUL, Aug. 24 (Yonhap) -- Gyeongbok Palace, the main royal palace of the Joseon Dynasty, will open some of its major buildings to visitors for special tours beginning next month, the Korea Heritage Service said Monday.

 

The KHS' Royal Palaces and Tombs Center will offer special tours of Gyeonghoeru Pavilion and Hyangwonjeong Pavilion every Wednesday and Friday from Sept. 2 through Oct. 30.

 

▲ This image of Hyangwonjeong Pavilion is provided by the Korea Heritage Service. (PHOTO NOT FOR SALE)(Yonhap)

 

Gyeonghoeru Pavilion, designated a national treasure, stands in a pond northwest of the palace's main throne hall, Geunjeongjeon. Its name means "pavilion for auspicious gatherings," and it was used during the Joseon period for royal banquets with officials and receptions for foreign envoys.

 

As part of the special tour, visitors can climb to the second floor of Gyeonghoeru, which is normally off-limits, and take in views of the palace buildings against the surrounding mountains.

 

Hyangwonjeong is a hexagonal pavilion in the palace's northern rear garden. It was used as a place of relaxation for kings and members of the royal family and stands in the middle of Hyangwonji Pond in front of Geoncheonggung Palace.

 

During the special tour, visitors will cross Chwihyanggyo Bridge and walk to Hyangwonjeong while listening to explanations from a national heritage guide, offering a glimpse into the leisure culture of the Joseon royal family.

 

The tours will be held twice a day, at 10 a.m. and 2 p.m. Reservations can be made starting at 10 a.m. Monday through the website of the Royal Palaces and Tombs Center.

 

Each tour will be limited to 25 participants.

[ⓒ K-VIBE. 무단전재-재배포 금지]