Yeon-gyeong-dang

Changdeokgung
Seoul, Korea

This compound, tucked away in the rear area of the palace grounds, was modeled on the traditional houses of the Korean gentry (yangban). It was built in 1827 during the reign of King Sunjo by his son the Crown Prince Hyomyeong, originally as a reception hall for the Crown Prince to use in receiving visitors. It became a guest house in the later years of the Joseon Dynasty, and is now used for state receptions such as a gathering of the wives of the G20 in 2010.