Geunjeongjeon Hall

Geunjeongjeon is the grand hall you see straight ahead once you're inside the palace gates — the ceremonial heart of Gyeongbokgung, where Korean kings held court, greeted foreign visitors, and were crowned. Its name means 'hall of diligent rule.'

It looks like two stories from outside, but step back and you'll notice it's really one tall open space inside, built that way on purpose to feel grand and imposing. In the courtyard, rows of stone markers show exactly where each official had to stand — line your photo up along them for a perfectly symmetrical shot.

Honest tip: avoid 11am-1pm when tour groups peak. You can't go inside — it's viewed from the courtyard only.