The Korea Heritage Service announced Tuesday that visitors to Gyeongbokgung Palace will be temporarily prohibited from accessing the elevated stone platform of Geunjeongjeon, the palace's main throne hall, until the end of October. During this restricted period, tourists will only be able to observe the historic structure from the courtyard below rather than stepping onto the woldae, the elevated stone terrace that surrounds the hall.
This access limitation represents part of ongoing efforts to preserve the fragile stonework of one of Korea's most significant cultural treasures. Authorities began implementing seasonal restrictions on woldae access last year, particularly during the busy spring and fall tourist seasons when visitor numbers peak. The decision follows safety concerns highlighted in the 2023 Monitoring Report on Priority Cultural Heritage Sites, which assigned Geunjeongjeon a C grade in safety inspections, indicating the structure requires careful observation and monitoring.
Extensive restoration work was conducted between 2021 and 2023 after experts raised concerns about the structural stability of both the upper and lower sections of the woldae's east side. Photos from 2021 documented visible damage to the stone platform before the repair work began, demonstrating the urgent need for preservation efforts.
Geunjeongjeon holds immense historical significance as the original main throne hall of Gyeongbokgung Palace, constructed in 1394 during the early Joseon Dynasty. This grand structure served as the center of royal power, where kings conducted important state affairs, presided over official ceremonies, and received foreign diplomatic envoys. The hall's courtyard was regularly filled with high-ranking officials, including military officers, who gathered to pay their respects to the monarch during formal court proceedings.
Between 1399 and 1546, seven kings of the Joseon era (1392-1910) held their coronation ceremonies in this very hall, cementing its role as the heart of Korean royal tradition. As the largest and most formal building within the palace complex, Geunjeongjeon represented the pinnacle of royal architecture and ceremonial importance.
The current structure is actually a reconstruction, as the original building was destroyed during the devastating Japanese invasions of 1592. The hall was meticulously rebuilt in 1867, during the fourth year of King Gojong's reign, restoring this symbol of Korean sovereignty. In recognition of its cultural and historical value, Geunjeongjeon was designated as National Treasure No. 223 in 1985.
Gyeongbokgung continues to be the most popular destination among Seoul's five major royal palaces, attracting massive numbers of both domestic and international visitors. According to the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism, the palace welcomed an impressive 6.44 million visitors in 2024 alone, including approximately 2 million international tourists, underscoring the ongoing challenge of balancing public access with heritage preservation.
