Jagyeongjeon Hall was the residence hall of the king’s mother. The hall was also known as Daebijeon Hall after the king's mother, who held the title "Daebi." The name “Jagyeong” means “may the king’s mother enjoy the blessings”. On the right side of the hall, there are the Cheongyeonnu Pavilion and Hyeopgyeongdang Hall. Cheongyeonnu is in the middle to connect the Jagyeongjeon and Hyeopgyeongdang. The king's mother lived in all three structures that make up the Jagyeongjeon complex, which is surrounded by a floral wall.
Jagyeongjeon Hall was built in 1867 for Queen Sinjeong, who was the adoptive mother of Emperor Gojong. However, a fire had destroyed the hall. Until 1888, it was rebuilt in the 25th year of Emperor Gojong’s reign. After being destroyed by fire twice, it is the only remaining old residence hall in Gyeongbokgung Palace.
You may see a stone guardian in front of the stairs. It was originally at both ends of the wall at Gyeongbokgung Palace, which used to be the Dongsipjagak and Seosipjagak watchtowers. The stone guardian was on the railing of the stairway at the Seosipjagak watchtower. In 1923, the Seosipjagak watchtower was torn down to build a tram line during the Japanese invasion of Korea. Many royal palaces of the Joseon Dynasty were demolished and relocated at that time. Therefore, a lot of cultural assets were moved and scattered around.
The cultural assets and heritage we now have are limited and precious. Let’s strike while the iron is hot and move on to figure out more interesting places!