'Beauty of Palaces in Transition' Changdeokgung Injeongjeon Interior Open to Public

Viewing with Commentary: Eojwa, Ilwol Obongdo, and More

The interior of Injeongjeon, the main hall of Changdeokgung Palace, will be opened to the public. On the 23rd, the Cultural Heritage Administration's Office of Palaces and Royal Tombs announced that starting next month, viewing opportunities will be provided every Wednesday through Sunday in connection with the existing guided tour programs (in Korean, English, Japanese, and Chinese).

Injeongjeon, a national treasure, is the place where important and official ceremonies such as the king’s enthronement, greetings from officials, and receptions of foreign envoys were held. Although it appears to have two stories from the outside, it is actually a double-height space open both above and below. At the center of the raised ceiling, two wooden phoenix carvings are hung, maximizing its authority.

Inside, there is the king’s throne called Eojwa (御座), and behind it is the Ilwol Obongdo, a painting symbolizing the universe with the sun, moon, and five mountain peaks. Modern elements can be found throughout, such as electric lights, glass windows, curtains, and wooden floors. These were installed when Emperor Sunjong moved to Changdeokgung in 1907, showing the palace’s transitional period appearance.

Admission is limited to twenty people per session. On Wednesdays and Thursdays, only regular guided tour visitors are allowed, while on Fridays, Saturdays, and Sundays, only those who have made advance reservations for the 'In-depth Look at Changdeokgung, Gweolnaegaksa' program (15 people) and on-site visitors (first-come, first-served for seniors aged 65 and over, 65 people) can enter. For more details, please refer to the Changdeokgung Management Office website.