Hyangwonjeong Pavilion

Walking through Gyeongbokgung Palace, I stumbled upon Hyangwonjeong Pavilion, and it felt like discovering a serene secret tucked away in the busy city. The small hexagonal pavilion, built on a little island in the middle of a tranquil pond, seemed to float peacefully on the water. Crossing the wooden Chwihyanggyo Bridge—aptly named “the bridge intoxicated with fragrance”—I found myself naturally slowing down, taking in the calm surroundings and admiring the elegance of the pavilion. Originally built during the reign of King Gojong in the late 19th century, it’s a beautiful example of harmony between architecture and nature. I visited in early spring, when the pond was still and the trees just beginning to bloom. The reflections on the water were soft and dreamy, and the entire scene felt like it was straight out of a painting. I later learned that the pavilion even had ondol (traditional Korean floor heating), which speaks to the thoughtful design of the Joseon era. What I loved most was how peaceful it felt. While the main palace areas were crowded, Hyangwonjeong was quiet and almost meditative. I sat on a bench nearby and just watched the koi swim lazily in the pond while soaking in the stillness. If you’re visiting Gyeongbokgung, don’t miss this little corner of calm. It’s a beautiful place to take a break, reflect, and enjoy a different side of the palace grounds.

A charming place. Re-live Korea's ancient period as walk through this pavilion admiring the serenity the royal grounds.

Beautiful pavilion with connecting bridge, surrounded by lilies

Hyangwonjeong Pavilion is a beautiful two-story hexagonal pavilion located within the grounds of Gyeongbokgung Palace in Seoul, South Korea. It was built in 1873 by King Gojong and is situated on a small island in the middle of Hyangwonji Pond, connected to the main palace grounds by a wooden bridge known as Chwihyanggyo. The name "Hyangwonjeong" translates to "Pavilion of Far-Reaching Fragrance," reflecting the serene and tranquil setting. The pavilion is a prime example of traditional Korean architecture, blending harmoniously with the surrounding nature, and is particularly stunning during the spring and autumn seasons when the pond is surrounded by blooming flowers or colorful fall foliage. Visitors can admire the pavilion from the surrounding area, but direct access to the pavilion and bridge is typically restricted to preserve its historical integrity. The pavilion is a popular spot for photography due to its picturesque reflection on the water and the overall peaceful atmosphere it creates. Hyangwonjeong Pavilion is located towards the northern section of Gyeongbokgung Palace, so visitors should allow time to walk through the palace grounds to reach it. It’s a quieter part of the palace compared to the main halls, offering a tranquil space for reflection. While visiting Gyeongbokgung Palace, exploring the Hyangwonjeong Pavilion area is highly recommended, especially for those looking to capture the scenic beauty of traditional Korean architecture set against a natural backdrop.

Quite possibly the prettiest place to take photos in all of Gyeongbokgung Palace. Came in January so the lake around the pavilion was frozen which made it even more beautiful and spectacular. Unfortunately the gate was closed to the pavilion, but still very worthwhile to see. Lots of benches are around which is convenient, and on a clear day you can see the city skyline in the background which makes it even more picturesque.

Hyangwonjeong Pavilion at Gyeongbokgung Palace is an absolute gem. Nestled on a tranquil pond, this beautifully restored pavilion offers a perfect blend of nature and traditional Korean architecture. The serene ambiance and picturesque views make it a must-visit, especially during spring and autumn when the surrounding foliage is breathtaking. Although I couldn't walk across the Chwihyanggyo Bridge during my visit, the experience was still incredibly worthwhile. Highly recommend visiting if you're in Seoul!

Another building you cannot enter. It beautiful to take photos of.

The bridge by the pavilion is closed for the public, but it's still worth just sitting by the pond, espcially when the weather is nice. I can imagine reading a book here, it's calm even with the tourists around and there's lot of benches to use.