Gyeongbokgung, founded in 1395, was the first royal palace of the Joseon dynasty. Taejo moved in on the 28th day of the 12th month of 1395, and Chŏng Tojŏn named it for great blessings. It was completely burned in 1592 during the Imjin War. Queen Sinjeong, as regent, ordered reconstruction in 1865, Gojong moved in in 1868, and work finished in 1888, when about 500 buildings stood.
Geunjeongjeon, the main throne hall, was rebuilt in 1867 and is the largest main hall of any Joseon palace. Gyeonghoeru, an elevated hall on an artificial island, was also rebuilt in 1867. The layout follows a north-south axis and the three-gate, three-courtyard principle of the Kaogongji.
Japan began auctioning the palace's buildings in 1910, and only 40 remained by the end of the colonial period. Restoration from 1990 to 2010 rebuilt 89 buildings, and a second plan runs to 2045. A guard-changing ceremony is held twice daily.
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