Gyeongbokgung royal library open for limited time

The royal library in Gyeongbokgung that served as King Gojong’s study during the Joseon era (1392-1910) is open to the public for a limited time.

Those visiting Jibokjae, a complex built in 1891 with two annex buildings, may read any of the 1,700 books about Joseon history and its royal family available there.

The royal library is believed to have housed about 40,000 books, according to the Korea Heritage Service, the state agency overseeing historic artifacts and sites. The collection, which includes books on Western science and technology, is held at Seoul National University and the Academy of Korean Studies, a think tank run by the Education Ministry.

Jibokjae, meaning a house of treasures, was a diplomatic outpost too, as King Gojong received US, UK, Austrian and Japanese envoys there. Such meetings took place at Hyeopgildang, a hall on Jibokjae’s left. The hall had “ondol,” the traditional Korean underfloor heating system.

To Jibokjae’s right is Palujeong, a pavilion that functioned as the king’s study. Some of its features, such as the glass windows, render the building less characteristic of traditional Korean pavilions, according to the KHS.

“Palujeong looks very much personal, not like an open venue for banquets, which usually took place at pavilions,” a KHS official said.

The complex is open from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. through October, closing on Mondays and Tuesdays. It will also close in July and August due to the hot summer weather.

It will be closed during the Chuseok holidays and on days when palace events take place. The 3,000 won admission ticket to Gyeongbokgung includes access to the library.