Special Opening of Geoncheonggung Palace in Gyeongbokgung Where the Eulmi Incident Occurred

The First Place in South Korea to Generate Electricity and Light Electric Lamps
Gungneung Heritage Headquarters Prepares Exhibition Offering a Glimpse into Life at the Time

The Cultural Heritage Administration's Palace and Royal Tombs Division announced on the 14th that Geoncheonggung in Gyeongbokgung Palace will be specially opened from the 15th of this month until the 18th of next month. It is the place where electricity was first generated in Korea in 1887, illuminating electric lights. Built in 1873 in the style of a yangban (aristocratic) residence, it served as the living quarters for King Gojong and Empress Myeongseong. It is also the site where the Eulmi Incident occurred, in which Empress Myeongseong was assassinated by Japanese troops. The building was demolished when King Gojong moved to the Russian legation, but the Cultural Heritage Administration restored it to its current form in 2006.

To coincide with the special opening, the Palace and Royal Tombs Division has prepared an exhibition offering a glimpse into royal court life at the time. Jangandang, King Gojong’s quarters, has been arranged as the king’s office and living room, while Gonnyeonghap, Empress Myeongseong’s quarters, has been set up as the queen’s audience room, living room, and court ladies’ quarters. A division official explained, “The windows of Chusubuyongnu, the west pavilion of Jangandang, are opened to provide a full view of Hyangwonjeong. Visitors can also see artifacts such as the yongsang (the king’s throne decorated with dragon motifs and painted red), yonggyo-ui (the king’s ceremonial chair decorated with dragon motifs in gold on red paint), mungap (a low cabinet for storing documents or stationery), and gyeongdae (a woman’s dressing table with a mirror) in each room.”

Admission is free (separate from Gyeongbokgung Palace entrance fee). Visitors can enter without prior reservation. However, visits are not allowed on the palace’s closed days: the 16th, 22nd, 29th of this month, and the 5th and 12th of next month.