The Palace of Shining Celebration, completed in 1623, used to consist of a warren of courtyards, buildings, walls and gates spread over a large area. But it was destroyed during the Japanese annexation and a Japanese school was established here. Only the main audience hall, Sungjeongjeon, and the smaller official hall behind it along with a few paved courtyards, walls and corridors have been restored.

The impressive entrance gate, Heunghwamun, has toured around Seoul, and was moved to its present site in 1988. To the left before you reach the palace buildings is the SeMA Gyeonghuigung Museum of Art hosting regularly changing art exhibitions of a variable quality and interest.


Lonely Planet's must-see attractions

Nearby attractions

1. SeMA Gyeonghuigung Museum of Art

0.1 MILES

Two large, white hangar-like structures make up this branch of Seoul Museum of Art. Periodically changing exhibitions of a variable quality and interest…

2. Seoul Museum of History

0.15 MILES

To gain an appreciation of the total transformation of Seoul down the centuries, visit this fascinating museum, which charts the city's history since the…

3. Heunghwamun

0.17 MILES

The impressive entrance gate to Gyeonghuigung has toured around Seoul, and was moved to its present site in 1988.

4. Hammering Man

0.23 MILES

Constructed from 50 tonnes of steel by American artist Jonathan Borofsky, this 22m-tall superman of a blacksmith built in 2002 is caught still in the…

5. Sajikdan

0.27 MILES

This impressive stone altar in a tranquil park surrounded by low stone walls and ornate wooden gates dates back to 1395 and King Taejo, founder of the…

6. Agriculture Museum

0.35 MILES

Much more interesting than it sounds, this museum has imaginative displays that relate to the history and practice of farming on the Korean peninsula…

7. Sejong Gallery

0.46 MILES

The regularly changing exhibitions at the gallery in the Sejong Center, the largest cultural complex in Seoul, are generally worth a look for an insight…

8. Daelim Contemporary Art Museum

0.49 MILES

Daelim specialises in exhibitions on photography, design and fashion. The building, which was originally a family house, was remodelled by French…