• Journal of architectural history
• /
• v.11 no.4 s.32
• /
• pp.129-142
• /
• 2002

The Kyeongbok Palace was completely renewed during the reign of King Sejong, the fourth King of the Joseon Dynasty(1392-1910). The repair was done for the two main purpose; one was to obtain the dignity of the main palace of the dynasty, the other was to make the palace suitable for the performing of the various ritual ceremonies. It was under the reign of King Sejong that every detail of the procedure of the royal ritual ceremony. The procedure of ritual ceremony changed the buildings of the palace. The quarter of Sajeong-jeon, King's office, was changed remarkably from the original form as the building became the beginning and ending point of King's moving during the ritual ceremonies. The site of the palace had ill reputation from the point of geomancy since its establishment. King Sejong ignored the rumor and kept the palace as usual. In his later year's, Sejong had tried to build a detached quarter and a Buddhist shrine in the palace. But he had to give up his plan because of the retainer's strong opposition. The original layout of the Kyeongbok Palace could be remained as the King renounced his controversial personal wish. King Sejong deserves a full credit for the establishment of the Kyeongbok Palace as the main palace of the Joseon Dynasty.

• Journal of the Korean Institute of Landscape Architecture
• /
• v.41 no.3
• /
• pp.56-71
• /
• 2013

This study was carried out to investigate the construction background of multi-functional vacant grounds in the rear gardens of Kyeongbok Palace and Kyeongun Palace, by understanding the building history of multi-functional vacant ground during the Joseon Dynasty with a special reference to the places formed in the period of King Kojong. The multi-functional vacant grounds in the Palace were the important element from the political aspect of Joseon Dynasty, and became an infrastructure of a state - run organization. The vacant space between Kwangyeonlu(廣延樓) and Haeonjeong, the whole region of Yeolmujeong(閱武亭), Seochongdae(瑞蔥臺), and Chundangdae(春塘臺) were investigated as the multi-functional places, where the events were held for the royal family in the Changdeok Palace after the establishment of the Joseon Dynasty. Various events such as the archery competition, official examination and military training were held at the places. After the inauguration of King Kojong, Kyeongmudae(京武臺) was made in the process of the reconstruction of the Kyeongbok Palace. The Kyeonghee Palace was used as the off-palace rear garden after the year that King Kojong returned to the Kyeongun Palace. The characteristics of two spaces were to apply the space organization of the Changdeok Palace into the rear garden outside of Sinmumun(神武門), Kyeongmudae at Kyeongbok Palace and the pedestrian overpass was established to connect the spaces efficiently in Kyeonghee Palace. Especially, the multi-functional vacant ground in the rear garden during the period of King Kojong functioned as the place to show off the internal and external independence of a nation and to show the authority and dignity of King at the point of time that accelerated the plundering Joseon Dynasty by Japanese imperialism powers, beyond the meaning of national event space that had existed before, such as official examination or archery test. In addition, the fact that the multi-functional vacant ground used as training place for military exercise where many people were mobilized was considered to reflect the contemporary situation.

• Journal of architectural history
• /
• v.13 no.1 s.37
• /
• pp.53-69
• /
• 2004

Located in a rear garden of Changdeok Palace, Yeonkyeong-Dang is valued as the most characteristic building of the houses of aristocrats of the later Joseon Dynasty. The time of the construction has been much debated, however, it is perceived through this research that the construction was completed in September 1827(the 27nd year of king Sunjo's reign). The shape of the buildings during this period resembles a letter ㄷ as shown in the picture of Dong-Kweol. We previously described that the purpose of Yeonkyeong-Dang was to carry the portrait of king Yikjong while keeping the shape of building when it was first established until the 8th year of king Heonjong (1842). In 1865 (the 2nd year of king Gojong's reign), it was reconstructed with very different outlook which has remained the present shape. The characteristic features of the residences of aristocrats were reflected in newly reconstructed Yeonkyeong-Dang. The structure was largely divided into two quarters that occupied by male and female residents respectively. The two quarters were bordered by fences and added with a study and a pavilion. The reconstruction was conducted by king Gojong's father, Daewon- Goon and its purpose was to prepare a separate house for the king and queen before the kings wedding that was about to come. During the 19th century, building an imitation of houses of aristocrats became quite a trend in the palace. Built in 1847, Nakseon-Jae was precedented and followed by Yeonkyeong-Dang. Also later Geoncheong Palace was built in Kyeongbok Palace in 1873. All of the three buildings imitated houses of aristocrats. Divided residences of male and female sections and splendid decorations were common features. Nakseon-Jae was the smallest in the structure of spaces, ornamentation of details and its sizes, Yeonkyeong-Dang was the second and Geoncheong Palace was the most distinguished building. The constructions of these three buildings created an innovative architectural wave in the 19th century palace. Yeonkyeong-Dang was the building that mediated the new flow of architectural structure in the 19th century palace.