Honghwamun Gate of Changgyeonggung Palace

Basic information

Designation

Treasure No.384

Category

Architecture

Era

조선 광해군 8년(1616년)

Designated year

1963

Location

종로구, 서울특별시— 서울특별시 종로구 창경궁로 185 (와룡동, 창경궁)

Coordinates

37.578801, 126.996264

Honghwamun Gate, the front gate of Changgyeonggung Palace, was constructed in the 15th year of the reign of King Seongjong (1484) of Joseon. However, it was burnt down in Japanese Invasion of 1592 and then rebuilt in 1616, the 8th year of the reign of King Gwanghaegun. It is a two-story building with three kan (a unit of measurement referring to the distance between two columns) in the front and two kan at the side, and it is unique in that it is facing the east. The three kan of the first floor have two doors each for people to go in and out. The upstairs is floored and has small plank doors at the front and rear sides of the wall which are possible to open and close. The roof with four sides is an ujingakjibung (hipped roof), showing a trapezoid shape when viewed from the front. The sculptures at either end of rooftop and on the edges of a mildly pitched roof are enhancing the dignity of building. Following numerous cycles of repairs and repainting (dancheong – red and blue painting) the gate has lost its unique beauty, but together with many buildings such as Changgyeonggung and Changdeokgung Palaces, it still has important value as a source for research into wooden construction in the early 17th century.

Location