[TREASURE] Injeongjeon of Changdeok Palace

Name: Injeongjeon of Changdeok Palace

Period: Joseon (1392-1910)

Location: Jongno District, central Seoul

Status: National Treasure

Injeongjeon is the main hall of Changdeok Palace.

The officials assembled here to wish the king a Happy New Year. Kings conducted state affairs, held national ceremonies and received foreign officials. It was equipped with various decorations that symbolized the formality and diplomacy of the palace in the Joseon Dynasty (1392-1910).

On either side of the building, there are corridors with roofs. The ground is paved with stones indicating the rank of officials. When the Crown Prince was proclaimed, or there was a national celebration, the king was congratulated by the officials in Injeongjeon. It was first built along with Changdeok Palace in 1405. It had been repaired several times and the present building was constructed in 1804. In the center of the ceiling, two sculptures of phoenixes hang.

The throne is placed behind high pillars in the center. Behind the throne, there is a folding screen with the painting of Irwoloakdo (The Sun, the Moon and the Five Peaks.) The top of the roof was decorated with a plum design, which was a symbol of an imperial family during the very end of the Joseon Dynasty. Injeongjeon, one of the three great halls along with Geunjeongjeon in Gyeongbok Palace and Myeongjeongjeon in Changgyeong Palace, was the main place that represents the history of the Joseon Dynasty.