[TREASURE] Myeongjeongjeon of Changgyeong Palace

Name: Myeongjeongjeon of Changgyeong Palace

Period: Joseon (1392-1910)

Location: Jongno District, central Seoul

Status: National Treasure

Myeongjeongjeon is the main building in Changgyeong Palace. Officials assembled here to wish the king a happy new year. Kings also conducted state affairs, held national ceremonies and received foreign officials in this building.

It was built in 1484, in the year of King Seongjong of Joseon Dynasty (1392-1910), but it was reconstructed in 1616 after being burnt down during the Japanese Invasion in 1592. While Geunjeongjeon in Gyeongbok Palace and Injeongjeon in Changdeok Palace are large two-story buildings, Myeongjeongjeon is a small single-story building. It is relatively smaller because it was built as a residence for the Queen’s mother. It contains five rooms in the front and three rooms at the side. Supports for the eaves were not only placed on the top of the pillars but also between pillars, called the multi-beam style.

They were soundly constructed without decoration. It was typical style of the early Joseon Dynasty — vigorously constructed and well balanced. The floor was covered with stones. Behind the throne, there was a folding screen called Irwoloakdo, which was embroidered figures of the sun, the moon, and the five famous mountains in Korea. In front of the stairs outside the building, there were 24 platforms, indicating the rankings of the government officials. Although it was rebuilt after the Japanese Invasion of Korea in 1592, it still represents the style of the early Joseon Dynasty, and is considered a valuable cultural asset for the history of its architecture.