▲ The old view of Heungdeokjeon Hall before it was demolished by Japanese colonial rule (Photo=Courtesy of the Cultural Heritage Administration)


The news is that the Heungdeokjeon Hall of Deoksugung Palace, where the last royal ceremonies of the Korean Empire were held, will be restored.



The Palace Relics Headquarters of the Cultural Heritage Administration announced on the 28th that restoration work on the Heungdeokjeon area of ​​Deoksugung Palace, which was damaged during the Japanese colonial period, will begin in earnest from November.



In 2011, the government secured Seonwonjeon, Heungdeokjeon, and Heungbokjeon areas through land exchange with the United States. It was also used for the construction of the sanctuary.



Although it existed for a short period along with the other two districts, it is a valuable place as a symbolic space where the last royal ceremonies of the Korean Empire were held.



Heungdeokjeon was originally built to restore the royal portraits (images and photographs of the king) that were lost in the fire of Seonwonjeon, located on the east side of Deoksugung Palace. moved space).



Also, during the passing of Queen Hyojeong (consort of King Heonjong) and Empress Sunmyeonghyo (consort of King Sunjong) in 1904, and concubine Sunheon (consort of King Gojong, mother of King Yeongchin) in 1911, Binjeon (殯殿) is the name of the king or queen until the award goes out. It was used as a hall for holding a coffin).



Based on the results of excavations conducted from 2013 to 2016, as well as various photos and documentary records, the Cultural Heritage Administration's Palace Relics Headquarters identified the layout of various buildings such as the corridor in front of the main hall of Heungdeokjeon, and the surrounding halls and three gates.



Also, it was confirmed that the tree on the right in front of Heungdeokjeon in the photo at the time is still a picture tree.



When the restoration of the Heungdeokjeon area is completed by 2027, the Cultural Heritage Administration’s Palace Relics Headquarters will recreate the royal ceremonies of the Korean Empire flag and hold exhibitions related to the coat of arms so that visitors at home and abroad can experience its historicity. no see.


▼ Heungdeokjeon area layout plan (Photo = Provided by the Cultural Heritage Administration)

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