Introduction
One of the amazing things about Seoul is that some of the most interesting historical sites are right in the middle of the business districts. Located near the Jongno Police Station and the Japanese Cultural Center, Unhyeongung Royal Residence is one such site.
Unhyeongung Royal Residence was the home of young Gojong, who later became Emperor during the Joseon Dynasty. Under order of Queen Mother Jo, Unhyeongung was renovated into a grand, palace-like house with four gates. Gojong’s father, Yi Haeung, or better known as Heungseon Daewongun, continued to live at Unhyeongung for most of his life. Damaged during the Japanese colonial period and the Korean War, the Unhyeongung Royal Residence seen today is a much smaller version of the majestic structure that it used to be.
Entering through the front gate, the first noticeable sight is a small row of rooms to the right. This area, called Sujiksa, housed the servants and guards. To the front, left-hand side of Sujiksa is a structure called Norakdang. Many important events, such as birthday parties and ceremonies, as well as the wedding ceremony for Gojong and Myeongseong, were held here. To this day, traditional wedding ceremonies continue to be held at Norakdang.
Norakdang also served as one of the two women’s quarters. The most notable structure inside Norakdang is the kitchen, which was used for food preparation when hosting important events. Right outside Norakdang, there are several rock structures along the path to Irodang. The rock structures are said to resemble various animals. To the left of Norakdang lies Irodang, the main building of Unhyeongung. This was where the wife of Heungseon Daewongun resided. Irodang's most prominent feature is its tall steps and square shape. It was built this way in order to help protect the women inside from intruders. Outside Irodang lays an old well on one side of the wide, open yard. To the right of Norakdang lies Noandang.
Noandang served as the men’s quarters and was where Heungseon Daewongun received his guests. The word noan means "old man" and carries with it the connotation of comfort and ease. Thus, it served as the leisure quarters for the men. However, Noandang was not just a place of rest and entertainment. As the father of a young Emperor, Heungseon Daewongun carried out all his business from Noandang.
Upon exiting Noandang, there lies an Exhibition Hall to the far right. The Exhibition Hall houses a small collection of interesting artifacts and information. Items such as a scale model of Unhyeongung, writing tools, traditional wedding garments, and more, can be seen here.
Next to the Exhibition Hall, there is also a small coffee shop and tea room where visitors can enjoy a nice beverage while taking in the sights of Unhyeongung.
Current Status
Historical Site No.257
Closed
Mondays * If Monday falls on a public holiday, the palace will be open.
Activity Information
Traditional Clothing Experience
Visitors can try on and learn more about traditional clothing of the Joseon Dynasty. You can wear the cloth and walk through Unhyeongung Palace, and take photos.
- Venue: Planned exhibition hall
- Dates: When the palace is open
- Hours: Summer 10:00-18:00, Winter 10:00-17:00
Operating Hours
Summer season (April-October) 09:00-19:00 Winter season (November-March) 09:00-18:00 * Last admission is 30 minutes before closing.
Admission Fees
Free admission
Restrooms
Available
Interpretation Services Offered
Available in English, Japanese, and Chinese
- Operating hours: Summer 09:00-18:00 / Winter 09:00-17:00 - Rental fee: 1,100 won
* Rent an audio guide and listen while walking through Unhyeongung Palace.
* Purchase a ticket for the audio guide rental at the ticket booth and submit the ticket at the audio guide rental counter.
* A government-issued ID card or passport must be submitted for audio guide rental. The ID card or passport will be returned when the audio guide is turned in. * The palace is not responsible for lost bags and other personal belongings.
Region : Jongno-gu Seoul
Type : Art Museums/ Art Galleries
The Savina Museum provides visitors with fresh and exciting pieces that reflect the diverse and dynamic aspects of Korean modern art. Museum organizers actively...
Theatre Changdeokgung (창덕궁 소극장)
Region : Jongno-gu Seoul
Type : Auditoriums
Theatre Changdeokgung is located across from Changdeokgung Palace in the Gugak-ro Special Cultural Zone of Seoul. To recreate the traditional Korean entertainme...
Yoo’s Family (유즈패밀리)
Region : Jongno-gu Seoul
Type : Transmit Culture Institutions
Yoo’s Family is hanok residence occupied by the Yoo family. Yoo's Family offers cultural experiences for foreigners interested in Korean culture and customs.
Dynamic Maze (Insa-dong) (다이나믹 메이즈(서울 인사동점))
Region : Jongno-gu Seoul
Type : Others
Dynamic Maze is exactly what it sounds like: a vast maze requiring a variety of skills to complete tasks and find the exit. This indoor maze course has obstacle...
Alive Museum (Insa-dong) (박물관은 살아있다 (인사동 본점))
Region : Jongno-gu Seoul
Type : Museums
With an area over 1,280㎡, Alive Museum is located in Insa-dong, a neighborhood known for its mixture of historical and modern atmosphere. Exhibitions include op...
Region : Jongno-gu Seoul
Type : Hanok
The Moon Guesthouse is situated near a number of interesting tourist destinations including Unhyeongung Palace (3min on foot), Bukchon Hanok Village (5min on fo...
Sieunjae (시은재)
Region : Jongno-gu Seoul
Type : Hanok
Located in Gyeongun-dong, Jongno-gu at the very heart of Seoul, Sieunjae is a hanok with a longstanding tradition. It has three guestrooms including the anbang...
Region : Jongno-gu Seoul
Type : Inn/Motel
Ultari Hostel is located between Jongno 3-ga Station and Anguk Station of Seoul Subway, giving easy access to famous tourist attractions in and near Jongno. Th...
The Place Seoul (traditional Korean-style guesthouse) [Korea Quality] / 멀티스페이스 곳 [한국관광 품질인증]
Region : Jongno-gu Seoul
Type : Hanok
“The Place Seoul” is located in a small alley in Gyedong-gil, Jongno-gu, Seoul. It is a guesthouse made by remodeling an 80-year-old traditional Korean house. ...
Region : Jongno-gu Seoul
Type : Hanok
Located in Unni-dong, Jongno-gu, Seoul, Charm Hanok Guesthouse is traditional Korean house-style accommodations built over 100 years ago. While it keeps the or...
Region : Jongno-gu Seoul
Type : Western Food
Dining in Space is a resturant overlooking Changdeokgung Palace and serving course meals of French cuisine.
Jirisan Restaurant (지리산)
Region : Jongno-gu Seoul
Type : Korean Food
Jirisan is one of the representative Korean restaurants in Insa-dong, an area known for its traditional culture. One of the trademarks of this restaurant, besid...
Doore (두레)
Region : Jongno-gu Seoul
Type : Korean Food
Stew cooked with fermented soybean paste is this restaurant's signature dish.
Rice with beef soup contains pyogo mushrooms and seaweed. The ugeoji soup is also ...
Nwijo (뉘조)
Region : Jongno-gu Seoul
Type : Korean Food
Nwijo (뉘조) is a Korean restaurant specializing in wild vegetable cuisine. The name ‘Nwijo’ means ‘the god of the silkworm,’ and likens wild vegetables to silkwo...
Dawon (Traditional Tea Garden) (전통다원)
Region : Jongno-gu Seoul
Type : Bars/ Cafes/ Clubs
Dawon is a tea house that operates in a hanok (traditional Korean house). Located in the busy tourist area of Insa-dong, this place offers the visito...
Region : Jongno-gu Seoul
Type : Craft Workshops
Gru is a shop dedicated to the promotion of Fair Trade items. Items in Gru are made by women living in impoverished areas in Asia. These environment-friendly cl...
Insa Gallery (인사갤러리)
Region : Jongno-gu Seoul
Type : Craft Workshops
Located at the Jongno-bound entrance of the Insa-dong main street in Jongno-gu, Seoul, Insa Gallery specializes in Korean traditional mother-of-pearl lacquer cr...
Gallery Park Young Sook (Atelier Seoul) (박영숙요 (아틀리에서울))
Region : Jongno-gu Seoul
Type : Craft Workshops
Gallery Park Young Sook (Atelier Seoul) is the gallery of the modern potter, Park Young Sook. The gallery displays and sells white porcelain representing the Jo...
Tong-In Store (통인가게)
Region : Jongno-gu Seoul
Type : Souvenir Shops
Tong-In Store is the oldest traditional crafts shopping center in Korea. It is home to over 100 shops that sell ancient and contemporary traditional crafts, as ...
Directions
[Subway] Anguk Station (Seoul Subway Line 3), Exit 4. - Walk straight out of the exit 50 m.
VisitKorea does not guarantee the quality of products or services introduced on its site and is not responsible for any direct or indirect losses resulting from use of said products or services.