Which South Korean palace in Seoul is the largest of the Five Grand Palaces?

The South Korean palace in Seoul that is the largest of the Five Grand Palaces is Gyeongbokgung Palace. Its name means “Palace Greatly Blessed by Heaven,” and it was the principal royal palace of the Joseon dynasty.

Gyeongbokgung was established in 1395, soon after the Joseon court made Hanyang—modern Seoul—the dynasty’s capital. The complex included royal residences, government offices, ceremonial halls, gardens, and gates arranged according to Confucian ideas about hierarchy and order. Its main throne hall, Geunjeongjeon, hosted major state ceremonies and royal audiences.

The palace was destroyed by fire during the Japanese invasions of Korea in 1592 and remained largely unrepaired for centuries. Major reconstruction began in the late 19th century under King Gojong, although later damage and demolition during the Japanese occupation left much of the original complex gone. Modern restoration continues to recover its historic appearance.

Gyeongbokgung is often confused with Changdeokgung, another Joseon palace known for its gardens and UNESCO status. Gyeongbokgung, however, was the dynasty’s main palace and the largest of Seoul’s Five Grand Palaces.