Changgyeonggung Palace: 40 Years of Restoration and Historical Value

Changgyeonggung Palace Celebrates 40th Anniversary of Name Restoration

Historical Value and New Direction for Restoration

Seoul, South Korea – The Cultural Heritage Administration is organizing a symposium to commemorate the 40th anniversary of the restoration of Changgyeonggung Palace. The symposium, titled “Changgyeonggung Symposium: 40 Years of Restoration,” will take place on the 28th of this month at the National Palace Museum.

The symposium will commence with a keynote lecture by Professor Kim Dong-wook, an honorary professor at Kyunggi University. Professor Kim’s lecture, titled “The Historical and Cultural Value of Changgyeonggung Palace Beyond the Passage of Time,” is expected to set the tone for the event.

Following the keynote lecture, there will be presentations on various aspects of Changgyeonggung Palace. Topics will include the architecture and characteristics of the palace during the late Joseon period, changes in boundaries and spatial arrangement during the Japanese colonial era, transformations in the landscape and vegetation, and research on restoration plans to revive the palace’s former glory.

The symposium will feature renowned experts in the field, with Professor Cho Jae-mo from Kyungpook National University serving as the moderator. Other participants include Jang Soon-yong, the director of Tae Chang Architects, who was involved in the restoration design in the 1980s, and Lee Kyung-mi, the director of the Institute of Historical Architecture and Technology, who contributed to the restoration and renovation plan in 2010. Additionally, Professor So Hyun-soo from Seoul National University, who recently presented research on the direction of the palace’s landscape maintenance, will join as a panelist.

The Cultural Heritage Administration has announced plans to gradually proceed with the restoration and maintenance project of Changgyeonggung Palace from next year. Through this symposium, the aim is to explore the historical and cultural value of the palace as a royal residence, and propose new directions for restoration and maintenance in line with the changing times.

Changgyeonggung Palace, established in 1484 to accommodate three queens of the Joseon Dynasty, has undergone various incidents, fires, and reconstructions, resulting in changes in its structure and function. During the Japanese colonial period, it was renamed Changgyeongwon and housed a zoo, botanical garden, and museum. However, in 1983, it regained its original name and has since undergone extensive restoration work to gradually restore its original appearance.

The symposium will provide a platform for experts to share research results and engage in comprehensive discussions on the maintenance and preservation of Changgyeonggung Palace. The restoration of this historic site reflects efforts to preserve and promote Korean cultural heritage for future generations.