Huijeongdang Hall is a unique pavilion. It was originally used as the king’s sleeping quarters and later became the king’s office and reception hall. The term “Huijeong” in its name refers to the meaning “to unfold bright politics”. It was also said to be the actual main building where the king stayed the most.

There is no record showing when Huijeongdang Hall was built. Instead, a palace building named Sumundang Hall was demolished, rebuilt, and renamed Huijeongdang Hall in 1496. It had gone through a series of destructions and reconstructions before it was burned down for the last time in 1917. Thus, the present Huijeongdang Hall was rebuilt in 1920 with the disassembled materials of Gangnyeongjeon Hall of Gyeongbokgung Palace. The reconstructed Huijeongdang Hall was decorated in a Western style, which was different from either the original appearance or Gangnyeongjeon Hall.
Huijeongdang Hall has a special architectural style. It retains a traditional Korean exterior to a great extent. In contrast, its interior is decorated in a Western style, including all the spaces ranging from the corridor and drawing room to the conference hall. Western carpets, lamps, tables, and other furniture have been restored to those imported from the United Kingdom and Japan at that time. In the drawing room, where the king received foreign envoys, two large paintings are hanging on the wall. They are the splendid landscape of Chongseokjeong Pavilion and the picturesque landscape of the myriad things on Geumgangsan Mountain, painted by Kim Gyujin, who was a famous calligrapher. Also, a royal garage to keep the emperor’s car was built in the space, which was originally the court conference of high officials. Tourists often stop here to get some rest while exploring the area.
Behind the westernized Huijeongdang Hall, there stands the Daejojeon Hall, which was used as the bedroom hall for the emperor and empress. Let’s go to Daejejeon Hall and find out more stories!