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| ▲ This image provided by the Korea Heritage Service (KHS) shows Injeongjeon Hall, the iconic building of Changdeokgung Palace, a UNESCO World Heritage site. (PHOTO NOT FOR SALE) (Yonhap) |
SEOUL, Feb. 20 (Yonhap) -- Injeongjeon Hall, the iconic building of Changdeokgung Palace, a UNESCO World Heritage site, will open its doors to the public next month, state-run agency announced on Thursday.
The Korea Heritage Service (KHS) said a special viewing program will be held every Wednesday to Sunday throughout March, allowing visitors to explore the interior of Injeongjeon.
Designated as a National Treasure in 1985, Injeongjeon serves as the central hall of Changdeokgung Palace. The name Injeong translates to "benevolent governance," and historically, the hall hosted significant state ceremonies such as royal coronations, weddings, New Year’s greetings from officials, and receptions for foreign envoys.
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| ▲ This image provided by the Korea Heritage Service (KHS) shows Injeongjeon Hall, the iconic building of Changdeokgung Palace, a UNESCO World Heritage site. (PHOTO NOT FOR SALE) (Yonhap) |
Although it appears to have two stories from the outside, the interior is an open, high-ceilinged space adorned with elaborate decorations symbolizing royal authority. Inside, the king’s throne, "eojwa," is positioned against the backdrop of the Ilwol Obongdo, a painting of the sun, moon, and five mountain peaks representing the world under the king’s rule.
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| ▲ This image provided by the Korea Heritage Service (KHS) shows Injeongjeon Hall, the iconic building of Changdeokgung Palace, a UNESCO World Heritage site. (PHOTO NOT FOR SALE) (Yonhap) |
Following Emperor Sunjong’s relocation to Changdeokgung in 1907, the building underwent renovations, incorporating modern features such as electric lighting, glass windows, and curtains—offering insight into the transformation of royal palaces in the modern era.
The special viewing program provides an up-close experience of Injeongjeon’s interior. On Wednesdays and Thursdays, visitors can explore the hall as part of an existing guided tour of palace pavilions. On Fridays, Saturdays, and Sundays, access will be extended to other palace office quarters, including the Gwollaegaksa (Government Offices Within the Palace).
Each tour will be limited to 20 participants at a time, and interior viewings may be canceled in case of rain. While admission is free, visitors must pay the standard entrance fee for Changdeokgung.
More details are available on the palace's official website (royal.khs.go.kr/cdg).
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