In the east of Gyeongbokgung Palace, there is a place called “Donggung Palace” or “the Eastern Palace,” where the crown prince lived and studied. East Asians believed that the east represented the rising sun and the beginning of spring, a time of rebirth and renewal for all living things. This is why the Crown Prince's quarters were required to face east. The Crown Prince, who would lead the future of Joseon, was regarded as the hope.
Nowadays, only Jaseondang Hall and Bihyeongak Hall remain in the Eastern Palace area of Gyeongbokgung Palace. They, along with other buildings, were demolished due to the Japanese invasion of Korea in 1592. Jaseondang Hall was first built in 1427, during the 9th year of King Sejong’s reign, and was rebuilt for the first time in 1867. However, the Japanese Empire demolished the Eastern Palace in 1914 by using the excuse of holding the “Joseon Product Exhibition”. Lastly, the buildings were restored in 1999.
The Eastern Palace was originally outside the palace. Jaseondang Hall was the first building of the Eastern Palace built in the palace, and Bihyeongak Hall was originally located next to the Sajeongjeon Hall but was relocated to the area of the Eastern Palace during the reign of King Jungjong. It was the bed chamber used by the Crown Prince and Princess. Its name means “a place to cultivate benevolence”. The Bihyeongak Hall, on the other hand, was the site of royal council meetings and other official business presided over by the Crown Prince. To "make a name for himself" and "to shine brilliantly" are both implied by the name.
The Crown Prince had a busy schedule daily and usually moved around in the Eastern Palace. He woke up in Jaseondang Hall in the early morning and went to greet the king and queen. He might return to the Eastern Palace to have an early breakfast if the king and queen didn’t ask him to stay. After having the meal, he would head to Bihyeongak Hall for the class, receive morning reports, and meet his retainers. The afternoon schedule was similar to the morning. After all the schedule, he then went to bed and slept for about five to six hours.