Welcome to Gyeongbokgung Palace, the majestic Palace Greatly Blessed by Heaven. You are standing at the heart of Korean history. First established in 1395 by King Taejo, the founder of the Joseon Dynasty, this was the primary and grandest of the Five Grand Palaces of the capital. As you look around, you will notice the imposing peaks of Bugaksan Mountain directly behind the palace walls. This setting was no accident; it was carefully chosen according to the principles of geomancy, known in Korea as Pungsu-jiri, to ensure the prosperity of the nation and the royal line. Throughout the centuries, this ground has seen the invention of the Korean alphabet, the birth of kings, and periods of both incredible cultural flourishing and deep tragedy. Shake off the city noise and prepare to step back six centuries into a world where every gate and courtyard was designed to reflect cosmic order and royal dignity.