Unhyeongung

Unhyeongung
Korean name
Hangul 운현궁
Hanja 雲峴宮
Revised Romanization Unhyeongung
McCune–Reischauer Unhyŏnkung

Unhyeon Palace (Hangul: 운현궁; Hanja: 雲峴宮), also known as Unhyeongung Royal Residence, is a former Korean royal residence located at 114-10 Unni-dong, Jongno-gu, Seoul, Korea. It was formerly the residence of Prince Regent Daewon-gun, ruler of Korea during the Joseon Dynasty in the 19th century, and father of Emperor Gojong. Gojong himself also lived in this residence until age 12 when he assumed the throne.[1][2] It is currently a museum and is open to the public free of charge.

History

The site dates from the 14th century. Early buildings were damaged or destroyed over the years, but some of the early construction remains. Under the direction of Queen Mother Jo, Unhyeongung was converted into a grander complex with four gates.

Although the residential complex was taken from Daewon-gun's descendants under Japanese colonial rule, it was returned in 1948, and in 1993 they sold it to the Seoul government. It subsequently underwent three years of renovations to restore it to its earlier appearance.[3]

Today's complex is smaller than its previous extent, as Duksung Women's University now occupies part of its grounds, as well as other smaller businesses including Unhyeon Kindergarten and Byeolhadang hanok guesthouse.[4] The remaining complex includes:

Structures

Some of the interiors have been refurnished, and contain mannequins dressed in typical clothing styles for various stations of life in Korean history. The complex also contains a small museum. The residence is open to the public; an admission fee is not charged.

Norakdang Hall

Norakdang is the largest building within the complex and is the site of wedding of King Gojong and Empress Myeongseong. Norakdang also was as one of the two residence buildings for women.

The most notable structure inside Norakdang is the kitchen, which was most likely used for food preparation when hosting important events. The hall held many important events such as birthday parties and related ceremonies.

The traditional wedding ceremony continues to be held at Norakdang.[1]

Sujiksa at Unhyeongung

Noandang Hall

Noandang was where Heungseon Daewongun received his guests and also served as the leisure quarters for the men. The hall was not just a place of leisure and entertainment. Heungseon Daewongun, as the father of a young Emperor, carried out all his business from Noandang.[1]

Irodang Hall

Irodang is one of two woman's residences on the residence complex.

Sujiksa

Sujiksa is a small row of rooms to the right from the entrance. These rooms provided housing for the servants and guards.[1]

Royal wedding ceremony

Royal wedding ceremony reenactment of King Gojong and Empress Myeongseong, along with members of the royal court

Unhyeongung is the site for the last Royal wedding ceremony, a reenactment of King Gojong and Empress Myeongseong's wedding that took place on the grounds of Unhyeongung on March 21, 1866. This reenactment takes place in the spring and fall of every year.[5][6]

This ceremony is an exact reenactment, based on thorough historical research and consultation by the palace’s counsel panel, of the regal and grandeur style of the imperial family's royal wedding ceremony. This reenactment offers visitors an opportunity to experience the spectacular and elegant traditional royal costumes and lifestyles of the Joseon dynasty.[7][8]

See also

References

  1. 1 2 3 4 "Imagine Your Korea : Official site". Visitkorea.or.kr. Retrieved 2010-08-22.
  2. ↑ Lee, Sun-min (18 September 2010). "This is no ordinary Chuseok". Joongang Daily. Retrieved 9 April 2013.
  3. ↑ "Unhyeongung Palace". Virtualtourist.com. Retrieved 2010-08-22.
  4. ↑ "Prologue". Yoo's Family. Retrieved 2016-11-02.
  5. ↑ "Imagine Your Korea : Official site". Visitkorea.or.kr-event. Retrieved 2010-08-22.
  6. ↑ Joe, Yonghee (23 September 2004). "Holiday fun for the foreigner". Joongang Daily. Retrieved 9 April 2013.
  7. ↑ "Archived copy". Archived from the original on 2011-07-22. Retrieved 2010-08-22.
  8. ↑ "Court Wedding Reenacted at Unhyeon Palace". Chosun Ilbo. 29 April 2004. Retrieved 9 April 2013.

Bibliography

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Coordinates: 37°34′34″N 126°59′14″E / 37.5761219°N 126.9872332°E / 37.5761219; 126.9872332

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