Donhwamun Gate, the main gate of Changdeokgung Palace, is the oldest wooden main gate among the existing gates of the royal palace and is designated as Treasure No. 383. In the Joseon Dynasty, only the king and foreign envoys were allowed to enter through the central gate of Donhwamun Gate. Its name literally means "the king put his people on the right path by great virtues" and symbolizes the idea of emphasizing etiquette and morality over punishment.

Donhwamun Gate was built in 1412 during the reign of King Taejong. However, it was burned down by fire during the Imjin War during the Japanese Invasion of 1592. It was then rebuilt in 1609, along with Changdeokgung Palace, and has remained there until today.

The gate is a two-story building with five sections divided by pillars. The left and right ends were blocked by walls, and the middle three gates were used as entrances. The central gate was exclusive to the king, while the left and right gates were open only to high-ranking officials.

In 1413, the year after the gate was built, a 9,000-kilogram bronze bell was hung on the second floor of the gate to solemnly announce the time of dawn and evening. The gate was restricted from opening for a period of time unless there was an important reason for showing a permit. It rang 28 times to announce the curfew at night and 33 times to lift the curfew in the early morning. A drum called “Eomgo” was also set up to announce the time of noon and to remind officials of the king’s arrival and departure.