The Joseon Dynasty at a Glance
A traveler-friendly overview of the Joseon dynasty — background that makes Korea's palaces and heritage sites much more interesting.
Language
Joseon was a dynasty that lasted just over 500 years (1392–1897), and its traces are still everywhere in Korea today. Knowing a bit of the background makes the palaces and heritage sites much more interesting.
The essentials
- Moving the capital to Hanyang (Seoul) — the city was built around Gyeongbokgung Palace.
- A Confucian state — Jongmyo Shrine and Neo-Confucian philosophy were the foundation of society.
- The creation of Hangul — King Sejong created a writing system for the common people.
Connecting it to your trip
Gyeongbokgung and Changdeokgung were palaces where the king lived; Jongmyo is the shrine holding the memorial tablets of kings and queens. Seeing them together helps the story click into place.
Where to see it
Seoul's five grand palaces, Jongmyo Shrine, and heritage sites like Suwon Hwaseong Fortress are the highlights. Many of these are UNESCO World Heritage Sites.
A palace guided tour or audio guide adds a lot of understanding you'd otherwise miss.
Nearby Attractions
Nearby Food
Travel Guides
Suggested Next Destinations
Related articles
Last verified:
Photo credits