Introduction

This is the home of Empress Myeongseong, who was wed to Gojong, the 26th emperor of Joseon. She was murdered by a Japanese at the dawn of Oct. 8, 1895, while striving to implement open door policies and reformations and secure the country’s independence based on her excellent diplomatic skills. She lived in this house from her birth to the time she turned eight. It had been originally built as a grave hut for Min Yu-jung, the father-in-law of King Sukjong in 1687 (13th year of King Sukjong). The only building that remained intact used to be the main building; however, the site had a makeover by recovering its servants’ quarters, men’s quarters, and annex in 1995. There is also a stele with the phrase, “Empress Myeongseong Tangagng Guri, (誕降舊里)” which was built to celebrate the old village where the empress was born.

A memorial hall was built in front of her home to exhibit various pieces of data and keepsakes; a performance center (literature and arts center) has also been built with 161 seats to play video content on Empress Myeongseong.

Empress Myeongseong Memorial Hall

The memorial hall, located across the Birth Home of Empress Myeongseong, was built to establish the right historical viewpoint by correcting the distorted history. The exhibition room with an area of 520 m2 displays data related to Emperor Gojong and Empress Myeongseong, including their portraits. It is a place often visited by tourists during the spring and fall, as it blends in perfectly with the natural environment that changes according to the season. A wide parking lot around the memorial hall, public toilets, and the pond have been built to make the viewing convenient and enjoyable for the visitors.

Rebuilding of Gamgodang

It is the private home of Queen Inhyeon and the residence of Empress Myeonseong from the time she was eight to the point she was selected as the queen. The name was chosen by King Yeongjo, and it was initially located in Anguk-dong before being moved to Ssangmun-dong in 1966. Finally, Yeoju assumed the building in 2004 and completed rebuilding the structure in 2008.

Information for Visitors

• Location 71 Myeongseong-ro, Yeoju-si
• Contact +82-31-881-9730~3
• Website Yeoju Sejong Culture & Tourism Foundation