Seoul City has completed the first phase of a project to transform the Gyeonghuigung site in Jongno-gu into a new historical and cultural park. This project aims to preserve the historical value of Gyeonghuigung and provide citizens with a space to experience history, leisure, and nature.
Gyeonghuigung was established in 1616, during the 8th year of King Gwanghae’s reign in the Joseon Dynasty. Known as Seogweol in the late Joseon period, it is one of the five major palaces alongside Gyeongbokgung and Changdeokgung. Despite its wide space connecting to Inwangsan Mountain, its historical significance has weakened due to damage and loss. The number of visitors has been lower compared to other palaces due to disconnection from surrounding roads.
In December 2023, Seoul City established a basic plan for the Gyeonghuigung site, aiming to create a historical and cultural park that harmonizes traditional palaces with natural landscapes. The Cultural Heritage Committee reviewed the plan in July last year, and the first phase was completed at the end of May this year.
The first phase focused on refurbishing the entrance areas of the palace and the king’s pathway, removing existing concrete paving and borders, and installing 장대석 (Jangdaeseok) stone masonry and traditional staircases. Traditional tree species were planted and a grass yard was created in the area between Heunghwamun and Sungjeongmun gates.
Landscaping includes 1,200 trees of 12 shrub species, including apricot trees, and 4,800 plants of 17 herbaceous species, including peonies. The 장대석 stone masonry extends for a total of 549 meters, with a staircase, benches, and street lights installed. Signage maintenance, drainage installation, and paving replacement were also carried out.
The new garden at Gyeonghuigung is a historical space, not merely a park. Citizens can experience the palace landscape of the Joseon Dynasty and appreciate a variety of trees.
Seoul City plans to create a climate environment forest at the Gyeonghuigung site, which functions to reduce fine dust and carbon. The Garden Connector project, which links disconnected green spaces nearby, will also be pursued concurrently. The Garden Connector aims to restore ecological connectivity by linking separated urban green spaces, with Gyeonghuigung playing a central role in this initiative.
Lee Soo-yun, head of Seoul City’s Garden City Bureau, stated, “Gyeonghuigung is a historical and cultural park and a living palace garden in citizens’ daily lives,” and added, “We will create an elegant garden city where history and nature harmonize.”
