SEOUL, Oct. 9 (Korea Bizwire) – In a symbolic move to reclaim its cultural heritage, South Korea is set to reopen a pathway between two of its most significant royal sites in Seoul, reversing a divisive action taken during Japanese colonial rule.
The Cultural Heritage Administration announced that starting October 9, it will open the gates along the palace wall on Yulgok-ro, reconnecting Changgyeonggung Palace and Jongmyo Shrine. This move allows visitors to move directly between these two historic sites for the first time in nearly a century.
“Visitors can now travel between Changgyeonggung and Jongmyo through the Yulgok-ro entrance, experiencing the space that connects these two crucial royal compounds,” an official from the Royal Palaces and Tombs Center explained.
Changgyeonggung Palace, part of the Eastern Palace complex along with Changdeokgung, served as a residence for the royal family during the Joseon Dynasty (1392-1910). Jongmyo Shrine, a UNESCO World Heritage site, houses the ancestral tablets of Joseon kings and queens.
Originally, these sites were separated only by a wall and connected by forest. However, in 1932, during the Japanese occupation, colonial authorities constructed Yulgok-ro, effectively severing this historic link. Local lore suggests this act disrupted the flow of energy from Bukhansan Mountain to the royal sites, a significant consideration in traditional Korean geomancy.
In response to the disruption of this historical link, Seoul initiated the Changgyeonggung-Jongmyo Historical Restoration Project in November 2010. The project involved moving Yulgok-ro underground and creating a walkway above, completing the palace wall path in 2022.
While the physical connection has been restored, access will be limited. “This measure considers Jongmyo’s historical significance and current visitation policies,” the Royal Palaces and Tombs Center stated. Unlike other palaces, Jongmyo maintains restricted visiting hours on weekdays due to its sacred nature.
The gates will be open daily during the 2024 Royal Culture Festival from October 9-13. Thereafter, they will open on weekends, holidays, and the last Wednesday of each month, which is designated as Culture Day in South Korea.
Image credit: The Cultural Heritage Administration, Seoul City, Yonhap / photonews@koreabizwire.com
