Heungnyemun Gate

In front of Heungnyemun, even now, at every hour on the hour, the gate guards perform their changing-of-the-guard ceremony. 140 years ago in Joseon, the same ceremony was held every day at the same spot. Only then it was every two hours, with 20-30 soldiers changing shifts, and a thorough inspection of belongings as well.

Heungnyemun also has a painful story. When Japan ruled Joseon, they tore down Heungnyemun and built the Japanese Government-General building in its place. This was to block the symbol of Joseon, Gyeongbokgung. Even after liberation, the Government-General building remained and was used as a government office and museum. In 1995, at last, the Korean government tore down that building and restored Heungnyemun. This gate contains the will to reclaim national pride.

Heungnyemun was completely demolished in 1914, and returned to its original location in 2001, reborn through thorough historical research. In the meantime, for 70 years, this gate did not exist. Joseon's second main gate had to disappear for so long.

Standing in front of Heungnyemun today and looking up at the ceiling, a blue dragon is painted on the east side and a white tiger on the west. The gate stands again, but the stories of the people who passed through it remain inside the gate still.

Passing through Heungnyemun, a stone bridge appears. Yeongjegyo. Crossing that bridge marks entry into the king's area.