Gyeongbokgung, the original palace of Joseon Dynasty, was constructed by King Taejo, Joseon founder Yi Sung-gye, in his 3rd year of enthronement after the foundation of Joseon in 1392 and settlement of it capital. The name Gyeongbokgung was chosen by Jung Do- Jun, Joseon's major government figure, who borrowed a phrase from the Book of Odes, meaning 'wishing a ten thousand-year blessing

for the king.'

Located in the South, Gwanghwamun is the main gate of Gyeongbokgung, meaning “The great virtue of the king shines up on the entire nation.” It was built in 1395, a beginning stage of Joseon Dynasty, with 3 gates at its entrance; the one in the center was for the king’s passage, and the other two, for government officials.

Gwanghwamun went through much turmoil, it was burned down during the Japanese Invasion in 1592 and rebuilt by King Kojong’s father Heungsun later. It was moved, as the Joseon Headquarters moved into the Palace, and burned down again during the Korean War. It was reconstructed by late president Park Jung-Hee in 1969, but is being rebuilt today to restore its original figure and structure, as the reconstruction was done in ferroconcretes. It is going to be the figure of King Kojong’s time. This model is a simplified image of Gwanghwamun, as you cannot see its real figure today due to the un-going reconstruction.