Thank you for coming all this way. This is Honghwamun Gate, the main entrance to Changgyeonggung Palace. The palace's history started with King Sejong, the creator of Hangul, constructing Suganggung Palace for his father King Taejong. Later, during King Seongjong's rule, the palace expanded to accommodate three queens of former kings - his grandmother and mother - earning the name Changgyeonggung Palace.

Changgyeonggung Palace was constructed on the eastern side of Changdeokgung Palace, designed to complement the landscape. Unlike other Hanyang palaces, the main building, Jeongjeon, and the palace gate were positioned towards the east. Nestled below the Eungbong hillside of Baegak Mountain, it stood adjacent to Changdeokgung Palace, leading to the collective reference to both as the Eastern Palaces. Its primary function was as an inner palace reserved mainly for the royal family.

During the Japanese Invasions of Korea between 1592 and 1598, the palaces in Hanyang suffered fire damage. When Prince Gwanghae began rebuilding the palaces, Gyeongbokgung Palace was left out, elevating the status of Changdeokgung Palace. Consequently, it gained significant importance akin to Gyeongbokgung Palace during the late Joseon era. Alongside it, Changgyeonggung Palace became an essential space. These places bear the dramatic tales of King Sukjong, Yeongjo, and Jeongjo during the late Joseon era. It shares the tales of Queen Inhyeon, King Sukjong's wife, and Huibin Jang, who banished Queen Inhyeon and then died by taking a poison drink. It also delves into the history of Prince Sado, who tragically died in a grain chest, and his wife, Hyegyeonggung Hong.

Changgyeonggung Palace held immense significance for King Jeongjo. Both he and his father, Prince Sado, were born there. Sadly, one of the most heart-wrenching events in the Joseon royal family happened there when Prince Sado passed away while King Jeongjo was just 11 years old. It's tough to imagine how King Jeongjo felt - unable to defy his grandfather, King Yeongjo's words, or stop caring about his father, Prince Sado.

King Jeongjo, upon becoming king, tore down the northern wall of Changgyeonggung Palace to make a gate leading to his father's shrine, Gyeongmogung Palace. He called the Changgyeonggung gate 'Wolgeunmun,' which means 'I will visit every month,' and the Gyeongmogung gate 'Ilcheomun,' meaning 'I will look every day.' While Ilcheomun vanished with Gyeongmogung Palace, Wolgeunmun still stands above the Changgyeonggung Palace parking lot. It's a sight worth a quick stop on your way to Sung Kyun Kwan.

Let's continue on our path. Now, we're off to Sung Kyun Kwan. Just follow the wall of Changgyeonggung Palace until you hit the junction with Sung Kyun Kwan University. Hang a left, walk up that way, and you'll find the entrance to Sung Kyun Kwan near Sung Kyun Kwan University.