Gyeongbokgung was in 1395, three years after the Joseon Dynasty was founded by King Taejo (Yi Seong-gye), when the construction of the main royal palace was completed after the capital of the newly founded dynasty moved from Gaeseong to Seoul (then known as Hanyang). The palace was named Gyeongbokgung, the “Palace Greatly Blessed by Heaven.” With Mount Bugaksan to its rear and Mount Namsan in the foreground, the site of Gyeongbokgung Palace was at the heart of Seoul and, indeed, deemed auspicious according to the traditional practice of geomancy. In front of Gwanghwamun Gate, the main entrance to the palace, ran Yukjo-geori (Street of Six Ministries, today’s Sejongno), home to major government offices. Along the central axis upon which Gwanghwamun Gate stood was the nucleus of the palace, including the throne hall, council hall and king’s residence.
The Cultural Heritage Administration opens the Gyeongbokgung palace to visitors for nighttime viewing four times a year. The first 2015 nighttime opening lasts for six days – Gyeongbokgung Palace from February 11 through 16.
The cultural event provides visitors a special opportunity to experience the quaint beauty of the ancient Korean royal palace.
The opening hours of the Gyeongbokgung Palace are daily from 7 to 9 pm (last entrance at 8 pm). The opening areas of each palace include Gwnaghwmun Gate, Heungnyemun Gate, Geunjeongjeon Hall and Gyeonghoeru Pavilion in Gyeongbokgung.
The number of daily visitors is limited to 2,200 each in total, and the ticket purchase is limited to two per person. The admission fee is 3,000 won to Gyeonggokgung.
The ticket sales begin February 4, 2 pm only through Auction Ticket and Interpark Ticket, but foreign visitors can buy the tickets by phone (Auction Ticket 1566-1369) between 9 am to 5 pm, Monday through Saturday during the sales period, and the on-site purchase is also available. The daily on-site purchase quota for foreign visitors to the Gyeongbokgung is 50.
During the period from February 11 through 15, the National Palace Museum of Korea prolongs its opening hours until 9 pm (last entrance at 8 pm).
[SOURCE: Korea Cultural Heritage Foundation
(http://www.chf.or.kr)%5D
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