Seoul » Jongno-gu » Unhyeongung (small palace)
Unhyeongung (small palace) 
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| Introduction | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| The amazing thing about Seoul is that some of the most interesting historical sites are right in the middle of the business district. Located nearby the Jongno Police Station as well as the Japanese Cultural Center, Unhyeongung (small palace) is one such site. Unhyeongung (small palace) was the home of young Gojong who later became Emperor in the Joseon Dynasty. Under the orders of Queen Mother Jo, Unhyeongung (small palace) 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 (small palace). Damaged during the Japanese colonial period and the Korean War, the Unhyeongung (small palace) seen today is a much smaller version of the majestic structure that it used to be. Entering the front gate, the first noticeable structure is a small row of rooms to the right. This structure, called Sujiksa, housed the servants and guards. A little bit to the front and left of Sujiksa, there is a structure called Norakdang. Many important events such as birthday parties, ceremonies, as well as the wedding ceremony for Gojong and Myeongseong were held here. To this day, traditional wedding ceremonies are still 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 most likely used for food preparation when hosting important events. Right outside Norakdang, there are several rock structures along the path to Irodang. Supposedly, the rock structures look like certain animals. To the left of Norakdang lies Irodang, the main building of Unhyeongung. This was where the wife of Heungseon Daewongun resided. Irodang is most notable because of 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, comfortable and at 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 ofUnhyeongung (small palace), writing tools, traditional wedding garments, and more can be seen there. Next to the Exhibition Hall, there is also a small café and a tea room where visitors can enjoy a nice cold beverage while taking in the sights of Unhyeongung (small palace). | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Current Status | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Historical Sie No.257 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Closed | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Every Monday | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Operating Hours | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| November ~ March 09:00-18:00 April ~ October 09:00-19:00 |
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| Admission Fees | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
* Entrance is allowed until 30 min earlier the closing. * Age under 12, age over 65, the disabled, relief recipients enter free. |
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| Interpretation Services Offered | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| English, Japanese and Chinese | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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| Available | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Local Transportation | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| From exit 4 of Anguk Station (Seoul Subway Line 3), walk 500 meters.
From exit 4 of Jongno 3-ga Station (Seoul Subway Line 5), walk 300 meters towards Anguk Station. |
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