Junghwajeon Hall

Deoksugung Palace
Seoul, Korea (Palace Map)

Official government ceremonies were conducted with the king presiding in Junghwajeon and its surrounding courtyard. These ceremonies included gathering officials, receiving ambassadors, etc. Junghwajeon was built in 1902 as a two-story building, burned in the fire of 1904, and rebuilt in 1906 with only one story. The building's importance can be measured by the large number (9) of wenshou on the roof. In spite of its early-20th-century construction the hall is traditional both inside and out. Its courtyard is set up with rank stones to tell the officials where to stand, and the hall itself is approached by a traditional three-lane staircase; only the king could use the middle lane. Inside, the tall and impressive throne is backed by a Joseon royal screen.