Visiting Unhyeongung Palace is one of the best things to do in Seoul. Despite not being as impressive a Palace as Gyeongkgung or Chanyeonggung, it is a very calm and beautiful Palace.
Unhyeongung Palace is a cultural heritage, designated as a historical place. In this post I tell you what to see in the Unhyeongung Palace, I add practical information to visit it and some curiosity.
VISIT UNHYEONGUNG PALACE, SEOUL
In the past, the Palace was not considered as such. It was a residence used by South Korean royalty. But with the passage of time, the residence gained importance, coming to be considered a Palace.
The Korean name for Gyeongbokgung Palace would be "Gunggwol". The term “Gung” refers to the residence space, while the word “Gwol” refers to the political space. This means that in Gyeongbokgung the daily and political life of the Royal Court was carried out; but in Unhyeongung resided the Royal Family of Heungseon Daewongun, regent and father of King Gojong.
At the end of the Joseon period, most of the historical events, revolutionary policies, isolation policy, etc., took place in this royal residence, all of which highlight its historical symbolism.
As soon as you enter, you will find a huge patio that leads through a small door to the interior patio of the Palace and the attached buildings. Unhyeongung's main building is Noandang Hall, built in September 1864.
Among other famous constructions, Norakdang, Irodang, and the four access doors to the palace stand out, although at present only one door has remained.
Norakdang and Noandang, the two most important buildings in Unhyeongung Palace
Norakdang, being the central building of the palace, was the scene of the great holidays of the royal family. On the other hand, Noandang was the space designated for Daewongun's office, the most significant construction in this man's life, since it was the place where he spent the most important moments of his life and where he died. The office is in a traditional Korean architectural style, with stone and wooden roofs.
Irodang and its secret garden
Irodang, another of the most important buildings in the enclosure, is located next to Norakdang. It has the shape of a square, and inside there is a small beautiful garden.
You will be able to walk between buildings, contemplate some of the rooms decorated with some antique furniture, porcelain objects, a screen, paintings... The decorated rooms present us with what the Palace was like and how it was decorated in the past.
Opening hours for Unhyeongung Palace
From April to October: 09:00-18:00
From November to March: 09:00-17:00
* Access is allowed up to 30 min before closing.
*Every Monday the Palace is closed.
*Admission is free.
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