Restoration Work on Donhwamun Gate at Changdeokgung Palace to Begin Next Month

Visitors Enter Through Kumhomun for a While, Exit Location Undecided

Donhwamun Gate of Changdeokgung Palace is entering renovation work. According to the Cultural Heritage Administration on the 28th, the Palace and Royal Tombs Headquarters will prepare for the construction starting from the 11th of next month. Accordingly, access to Donhwamun Gate will be prohibited for the time being.

The Palace and Royal Tombs Headquarters will close the gates of Changdeokgung Palace on November 12. The entrance used by visitors will be changed, and various facilities will be relocated. During the construction, visitors will enter through Geumhomun Gate, located to the west of Donhwamun Gate.

The headquarters is also considering establishing a separate exit. It is reported that there has been ongoing discussion about having separate entrances and exits to alleviate inconvenience for visitors who gather on weekends or holidays.

Donhwamun, the main gate of Changdeokgung Palace, was first built in May 1412. Its name means that the king bestows great virtue and cultivates the people with sincerity. It was destroyed during the Imjin War and is known to have been rebuilt in 1609. In the past, it was used as the main gate when the king traveled or during various ceremonies. Officials typically entered and exited through Geumhomun Gate.

Designated as a Treasure in 1963, this gate attracts numerous visitors every year. However, monitoring conducted over three years starting in 2020 pointed out the need for repairs. It received an 'E' grade indicating repair was necessary. Accordingly, the Cultural Heritage Administration decided last year, after review by the National Heritage Repair Technology Committee, to dismantle and repair some components of the upper and lower parts of the building. The construction is expected to continue until 2026.