Most people in Korea are aware of the four major palaces in Seoul but few have ever heard of Unhyeon Palace (Unhyeongung). This palace in Seoul did not start off as a royal palace at all and hardly looks like one either. Yet, it was here that Emperor Gojong was born and spent the first 12 years of his life prior to ascending to the throne, and his father, Regent Heungseon Daewongun, ruled the country as the Regent of Korea from 1863 to 1873. With Emperor Gojong being too young to rule the country at the time of his selection for such a task, his father, Heungseon, was given the titles of Daewongun and Regent of Korea and became the ruler of the country until his son had come of age. Even after Gojong became king, Heungseon Daewongun continued to be active in politics and lived out the rest of his life at Unhyeongung.
Although originally just a simple residence for Heungseon Daewongun, upon the appointment of Emperor Gojong as the future ruler of Korea, the residence was expanded, four gates were constructed, it was given the name Unhyeongung, and designated as an official royal palace. Unfortunately, as with many historical sites in Korea, this one too fell victim to Japanese conquest.
Following Korea’s liberation from Japan, the ownership of the palace was returned to the descendants of Heungseon Daewongun in 1948 who would continue to care for the residence until 1991 when the palace was sold to the city of Seoul. By this time, the palace was only a fraction of its original size and many of the buildings were in need of repairs. The city undertook restoration efforts and in 1993, opened the palace to the general public.
Today, this palace is the site of numerous cultural performances, including a royal wedding ceremony every spring and fall in commemoration of Emperor Gojong and Empress Myeongseong’s wedding which took place in Norakdang Hall at Unhyeongung. It can easily be reached via Exit #4 of Anguk Station on Seoul Subway Line 3. The palace is open year round, Tuesday through Sunday, and admission is free. There is also a small museum near the entrance where more information on Unhyeongung, Emperor Gojong, and Heungseon Daewongun can be found.
References:
Unhyeongung: http://www.unhyeongung.or.kr/index_eng.php
Visit Korea: http://english.visitkorea.or.kr/enu/SI/SI_EN_3_1_1_1.jsp?cid=264223
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