Unhyeon Palace | |
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Unhyeon Palace was the private house of Heungseon Taewon-kun
(Lee Ha-ung), the father of King Kojong (the 26th monarch of the Choson Kingdom). Born here,
Kojong also lived here until the age of 12. While Lee ruled as regent from 1863 to 1873, the
attached houses (Noan-dang and Ajae-dang) and main wings of Norak-dang and Iro-dang were built.
The shrine to Lee's ancestors Unsin-Kun and Namyon-Kun were also constructed during
this period. Kyonggun-mun and Konggun-mun were gates for the exclusive use of King Kojong and
his father, respectively, through which they could go to nearby
Changdok Palace.Except for the front gate, this palace is a representative structure of the last days of the Chosun Dynasty (1392-1920). The palace has been designated Distorical Site #257. Most of the reform polices of Lee's 10 years in power were mapped out and implemented here. Some of the buildings still remaining are Noan-dang, Norak-dang, and Iro-dang, as well as Yongno-dang (a separate house to the north). A Western-style house was built by Lee's grandson (Yongson-Kun Lee Chun-yong) in 1910. 
In November 1948, Duksung Women's University purchased 11,855 square meters (3,586 pyong) of the land
and buildings in the western part of the palace and used it for school buildings for some time. Seoul
City Hall bought some parts of the palace in 1993 and restored them to their original state after two
years of repair work. The city government displays various articles left by Lee's family and furniture
of the time, which it has collected over the years.
 Just before the wedding of King Kojong, the palace was known as the "Palace of the Queen" as it was used for the wedding preparations. The queen lived here during the time of preparation and was instructed in her future duties as the Queen. Nowdays, the palace is used as an exhibition area for traditional art performances, modern dances, and creative dances. One of the main attractions of the palace is its re-enactment of the Royal Marriage of King Kojong and Queen Myongsong twice each year. 
(See more pictures of the re-enactment of the Wedding Ceremony of King Kosong) Hours: Closed Mondays Nov. ~ Feb. - 09:00 ~ 18:00 Mar. ~ May, Sep. ~ Oct. - 09:00 ~ 19:00 Aug. - 09:00 ~ 20:00 Admission: Adults (25 to 64 years old): 700 won (groups: 550 won) Youths (13 to 24 years old) and soldiers: 300 won (groups: 250 won) * 12 and under, 65 and over: Free Directions: Subway line 3, Anguk Station, exit 4, 50 meters | |
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