Unhyeongung
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Unhyeongung (운현궁; 雲峴宮) is a Korean royal residence located at 114-10 Unni-dong, Jongro-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 King Gojong. Gojong himself also lived in this palace until age 12 when he assumed the throne. The residence is open to the public; an admission fee is charged.
The site dates from the 1300s. Most 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 descendents under Japanese colonial rule, it was returned in 1948, and in 1993 they sold it to the Seoul government. It subsequently underwent 3 years of renovations to restore its earlier appearance. Today's complex is smaller than its previous extent, as Duksung Women's University now occupies part of its grounds. The remaining complex includes:
- Noan-dang Hall - Residence and working area for Prince Regent Hungson Taewongun. Women were not allowed in this area.
- Norak-dang Hall - Largest building within the complex, and wedding site of King Gojong and Queen Min.
- Iro-dang Hall - Women's residence.
- Sujik-sa - Servants' quarters.
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.
 Iro-dang. |
 Norak-dang. |
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[edit] References
- Unhyeongung, undated pamphlet available at the palace
