Gyeongbokgung Palace holds a wealth of well-known historical significance, but there are also lesser-known stories and intriguing aspects of its establishment.
- Jeong Do-jeon’s Influence on Its Name
It’s widely known that Jeong Do-jeon, a prominent scholar-official of the early Joseon Dynasty, played a key role in naming Gyeongbokgung. However, what’s lesser known is how deeply Confucian ideals shaped his choice. The name, “Gyeongbok,” was derived from a phrase in Shijing (Book of Songs), one of the classical Confucian texts, expressing the hope that the king, his descendants, and the entire nation would flourish in peace and prosperity. - Symbolism in Design
While Gyeongbokgung’s architecture follows the traditional Korean principles of baesanimsu (a site backed by mountains and facing water), this placement also had a symbolic purpose. The palace was located to face Namsan (Southern Mountain) and protected by Bugaksan (Northern Mountain), a location meant to channel good fortune and prosperity to the nation. Many believe this positioning was a form of geomantic energy, intended to solidify the rule of the Joseon Dynasty and protect the kingdom from outside forces. - Construction Superstitions
During the construction of Gyeongbokgung, some records suggest that astrologers and geomancers were consulted to choose the most auspicious dates for laying foundations and erecting key structures. There were even rumors that rituals were performed to ensure the palace’s longevity and protection against foreign invaders. - Restoration Mysteries
After the palace was severely damaged during the Japanese invasions and the later colonial period, there were secret debates among some Korean officials on whether the palace should be restored at all. Some believed that the palace’s tragic history, including the assassination of Empress Myeongseong within its walls, carried lingering negative energy that might affect future generations.
These lesser-known stories add depth to the already rich history of Gyeongbokgung Palace, showing how its creation was deeply intertwined with symbolism, Confucian thought, and even mysticism.