Myeongjeongjeon (main hall) (Seoul)

 palace, historical building

Myeongjeongjeon is the main hall Changdeok Palace. State affairs such as meetings with officials and royal banquets were held here.

Originally constructed in 1484, the hall was burned down during the Japanese invasion of 1592 and rebuilt in 1616. Myeongjeongjeon is the oldest main hall of all the palaces in Seoul. It is smaller than the two-story main halls of Gyeongbok Palace and Changdeok Palace because it was originally built as living quarters, especially for dowager queens, rather than as a throne hall.

Although it is a simple, one-story structure, Myeongjeongjeon was built on an elevated stone yard that imbued it with the dignity of a main hall.

Myeongjeongjeon is designated as National Treasure # 226.