The name 'Jungmyeongjeon' translates to 'Hall of Continuous Brilliance.'
It was originally built as a royal library and a private residence for Emperor Gojong.
The building survived a major fire in 1925 that destroyed much of its interior decoration.
It served as the site for the 'Hague Secret Emissary' mission, where Gojong attempted to appeal the Eulsa Treaty internationally.
The architectural style is characterized by its distinct red-brick exterior and semi-circular arched windows.
For a period during the Japanese colonial era, the hall was used as a private facility, the Seoul Club, losing its royal status.
Restoration work completed in 2010 focused on returning the exterior to its original 1901 appearance.
Jungmyeongjeon Hall is a historical building within the Deoksugung Palace area that served as the primary residence of Emperor Gojong after the 1904 palace fire. Constructed in 1899, the red-brick building was designed by Russian architect Afanasy Seredin-Sabatin, featuring a blend of Western-style Renaissance architecture. It is most historically significant as the site where the 1905 Eulsa Treaty was forcibly signed, stripping the Korean Empire of its diplomatic sovereignty. Following the treaty, Emperor Gojong utilized the hall as his office and a library to plan resistance movements against colonial occupation. The structure was designated as a Historic Site of South Korea in 2006. Today, it functions as an exhibition space documenting the history of the Korean Empire and the struggle for independence. The interior has been restored to reflect its early 20th-century appearance, including the chamber where the infamous treaty negotiations took place.
The front facade, which highlights the distinct Western-influenced red-brick architecture and the arched entryway.
Bring a government-issued photo ID, as it is sometimes requested for entry to specific exhibition zones.
The exhibits feature detailed historical documents; allow extra time if you wish to read the translated records of the Eulsa Treaty.
Since it is located slightly detached from the main palace compound, check the map carefully as it is tucked into a quiet, residential-style street.
Do not confuse the ticket gate of the main Deoksugung Palace with this site; Jungmyeongjeon has its own separate entry point.
Closed on Mondays.
Maintain a quiet tone as the site is considered a location of national mourning and historical reflection; do not touch the preserved artifacts.
