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Changgyunggung Palace historic site No.123 Changgyunggung Palace was originally built by King Sejong, the 4th king of the Chosun Dynasty, in 1418 for his retired father King Taejong, the 3rd king of the Chosun Dynasty, the name of the palace ws Suganggung Palace. In 1484, the palace was enlarged by King Sungjong, the 9th king of the Chosun Dynasty to accomodate the dowager queens, Junghee, the Queen of King Sejo, the 7th king, Queen Sohye, the Queen of King Dukjong, King Sungjong's father who passed away before he ascended the throne, Queen Ahnsun, the Queen of King Yejong. the 8th king of the Chosun Dynasty. The Myungjungjun, Munjungjun and Tongmyungjun Palace buildings were built in the enlargement progect. Then, the palace was renamed as "Changgyungung Palace". The palace buildings were completely destroyed by the fire during the Japanese invasion in 1593, and they were rebuilt in 1616. In 1830, the palace was destroyed again by and accidental fire and it was rebuilt in 1834. Myungjungjun building which was built in 1616 survived the fire in 1830, and it is the oldest structure in the palace. This palace building is designated as national treasure number 226. The Japanese colonial government built a zoo and a botanical garden in 1909, and it built a museum in 1911 on the grounds of the palace, and changed the name of the palace from "Changgyunggung Palace" to "Changgyungwon" which means garden to reduce the dignity of the palace to a garden. An extensive project to restore the palace to its original state was undertaken during the period from December 1983 to August 1986 by the Government of the 5th Republic of Korea as one of its programs to preserve national cultural independence. The name of the palace was restored to be "Changgyunggung Palace". The zoo and other amusement facilities were removed to the Nam Seoul Grand Park in November 1983 prior to the beginning of the restoration project. Myungjungjun, Binyangmun gate, and the corridors around the Myungjungjun that had been destroyed due to the construction of the former garden were reconstructed, and other buildings were repaired. The garden was restored to its original design. Honghwamun gate Honghwamun gate is the main gate of the Changgyunggung Palace, which is one of the oldest structures of the Chosun Dynasty. The gate is designated as the cultural No 384. Myungjungjun Myungjungjun was mainly used as a reception hall where the court officials offered new year greetings to the king and important national ceremonies were held. This building is unique in being in the architectural style of the Koryo Dynasty. Sungmundang Sungmundang building was constructed during the reign of King Kyungjong, the 20th king of the Chosun Dynasty, and the building was used by his scholars who passed the government examinations. The building was burned down in the accidental fire in 1830, and rebuilt later. The inscription on the plaque hanging on the pillar reading "Sungmundang" is said to have been written by King Yungjo. Tongmyungjun Tongmyungjun building was constructed in 1833, during the reign of King Sunjo, the 23rd king of the Chosun Dynasty. The building was used for celebrations of royal festivals, such as "Hwangap(60th birthday)". This building, like the "Daejojun" in the Changdokkung Palace, has no the central roof ridge. |