Joseon Dynasty Gallery at the National Museum of Korea

Placed at an elevated height, the throne overlooks the surrounding space, in front of a special screen painted with an auspicious scene of the sun, moon, and five peaks, representing the king's domain. Over the king's head is a majestic canopy decorated with two mighty dragons, providing an enhanced sense of dignity and power. Together, the throne, screen, and canopy represent the realms of heaven and earth, symbolizing The Joseon dynasty of Korea had been a prospering nation in the earlier half of its history. Throughout the 14th, 15th, and 16th centuries, the Joseon dynasty led a golden age in Korean history, creating a stable political structure and churning out advances in the sciences and culture, namely the Korean alphabet, Hangul. Lee Seong-gye founded a new kingdom in July of 1392, the Joseon dynasty. Little did he know at the time that his newly founded kingdom would live on for more than 500 years. It is the last dynastic kingdom of Korea. Joseon is also known as the Yi dynasty, following the clan name of the ruling house. The palace can be divided into three major spaces according to their function. There is the political space like Geunjeongjeon. The living space like Gyotaejeon. And a garden palace for rest, Hwangwonjeong.