Gyeongbokgung Palace

Seoul · Sydkorea · Palace

In 1527 a foal-sized beast reeking of raw flesh terrified the night guards of Gyeongbokgung so badly that the king moved out of the palace.

Gyeongbokgung, the main palace of the Joseon dynasty in Seoul, carries ghost stories with a royal seal. The state annals of 1527 tell how night guards were paralysed with fear when a shaggy beast, the size of a foal and reeking of raw flesh, slipped out of the guardroom – events that troubled the court so deeply that King Jungjong moved to another palace for a time. It was also here that Queen Myeongseong was assassinated in 1895 by Japanese agents in the palace's northern quarters, and her restless spirit is said to linger by Geoncheongung. Folk tradition adds a fire spirit dwelling in Gwanak Mountain south of the city, forever trying to set the palace ablaze. Today tourists walk in the guards' footsteps – most happily unaware of the annals' nocturnal visitor.

FAQ

Where is Gyeongbokgung Palace located?

Gyeongbokgung Palace is in Seoul, Sydkorea.