Sinmumun Gate

Sinmumun is the north gate of Gyeongbokgung. The north symbolizes winter, death, and strong yin energy. So the north gate of Gyeongbokgung was always kept locked — to prevent the yin energy of the north from disturbing the palace.

There were rare occasions when this gate was opened. During droughts, when rain rituals were held, and when the king wanted to go to the archery field on what is now the Blue House grounds, Sinmumun was briefly opened.

In February 1896, King Gojong escaped Gyeongbokgung through this Sinmumun and fled to the Russian legation. It was five months after Empress Myeongseong's assassination. Some records suggest that the north gate was a more secret passage than Geonchunmun. The moment Joseon's last king slipped out of the palace, the north gate opened for a moment.

Behind the north gate, the Blue House comes into view. After liberation, Sinmumun was closed for a long time due to Blue House security concerns, and was only opened to the public in 2006.

Standing in front of Sinmumun today, the black tortoise (Hyeonmu) painted on the gatehouse ceiling guards the north. The closed gate still seems to block the yin energy of the north.

Turn your steps to the west gate, Yeongchumun.