Unhyeongung | |
Korean name | |
---|---|
Hangul | 운현궁 |
Hanja | |
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. It is currently a museum and is open to the public free of charge.
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.
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. The remaining complex includes:
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 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.