[On-site Video] Strolling the Path Once Walked by Joseon Kings... Changgyeonggung-Jongmyo Forest Trail Restored After 90 Years

Reconnected After 90 Years Since 1932 Disconnection
Restoration of Bukshinmun, Used by Kings Traveling Between Changgyeonggung and Jongno

[Asia Economy PD Yoon Jin-geun] The path between Seoul's Changgyeonggung Palace and Jongmyo Shrine, which was severed by Japanese colonial rule, has been reconnected after 90 years.

On the 21st, the Seoul Metropolitan Government held an event to open the space between Changgyeonggung and Jongmyo to citizens on the promenade created above the Yulgok-ro tunnel.

In the past, Changgyeonggung and Jongmyo were connected by a forest separated by a wall. However, in 1932, the Japanese colonial government built the Jongmyo Through Road (now Yulgok-ro), severing the connection.

Since November 2010, the city has undergrounded Yulgok-ro and transformed the aboveground space into an 8,000㎡ green area. Additionally, the palace walls were restored on top of the Yulgok-ro tunnel, and a 340m-long palace wall path was created.

The 503-meter-long palace wall restored by the Seoul Metropolitan Government incorporates some stone materials and foundation stones from the old Jongmyo Shrine wall. The photo shows the remains of the northern wall of Jongmyo Shrine, located along a walking path. Photo by Jin-geun Yoon, PD yoon@

While creating the promenade, the city restored 503 meters of palace walls that had been demolished by the Japanese. Some of the stone materials and foundation stones from the old Jongmyo walls were used in the restored palace walls. The remains of the northern wall of Jongmyo (old facilities) were preserved along the promenade.

The Bukshinmun Gate, which unofficially connected Changgyeonggung and Jongmyo when the king visited Jongmyo, was also restored. However, both the Bukshinmun Gate and the passageway on the Changgyeonggung side are currently closed.

The citizen opening ceremony was attended by Seoul Mayor Oh Se-hoon, Seoul City Council Chairman Kim Heon-gi, Cultural Heritage Administration Commissioner Choi Eung-cheon, and People Power Party lawmaker Choi Jae-hyung, among others.

Mayor Oh said, "This place where we are standing now is a painful site that had to be severed when the road was built by the Japanese in 1932," adding, "I am pleased and moved to return this historic space to the citizens."

Commissioner Choi of the Cultural Heritage Administration said, "The Yulgok-ro promenade will become a space where any citizen can enjoy, appreciate, and reflect on its historical significance at any time," and added, "The Cultural Heritage Administration will strive to lead the preservation of disappearing cultural heritage through cooperation, coexistence, and mutual growth."

Seoul Mayor Oh Se-hoon and other distinguished guests are passing through Bukmun Gate after completing the 'Changgyeonggung-Jongmyo Connection Restoration Project Public Opening Event' held on the tunnel roof of Yulgok-ro, Jongno-gu, Seoul on the 21st. Photo by Kang Jin-hyung aymsdream@

Mayor Oh and other key guests walked along the promenade while listening to a guide's explanation. They also briefly passed through the temporarily opened Bukshinmun Gate.

Citizens also visited the promenade. Mr. Kim Seong-jin (79) said, "The Japanese divided the palace and cut off the ridge of Bukhansan Mountain, so being on this reconnected path brings a fresh sense of emotion." Mr. Jo Jae-ryang (56) said, "The open views of Bukaksan and Inwangsan Mountains are new, and it is impressive to walk the path while looking at the forests of Jongmyo and Changgyeonggung together."