Statue of Haechi at Gyeongbokgung Palace in Seoul, Guardian Beasts of Ancient Korean Lore

경복궁 해태 같다

22 Sajik-ro 9-gil, Jongno-gu, Seoul, South Korea (Pilun-dong)

Seoul's mythical creature

3.7

Introduction

The Xiezhi Statue of Gyeongbokgung Palace, located in Seoul, is also known as the Six Ministries Street Xiezhi Statue. During the Joseon Dynasty, the Six Ministries Street, located 80 meters in front of the Gwanghwamun Gate, was named after its many important Korean government offices. A photograph taken in 1890 shows a square stone in front of the Xiezhi stone statue, which served as a symbol for those of lower status than the king to dismount from their horses or palanquins. It can be seen that during the Joseon period, everyone, regardless of age or gender, began by walking in front of the Xiezhi statue of Gyeongbokgung Palace before entering the palace. This scene reveals the strict rules and ceremonial atmosphere of the Joseon court at that time.

Address

22 Sajik-ro 9-gil, Jongno-gu, Seoul, South Korea (Pilun-dong)

Opening hours

Open 24 hours.
Opening hours of Gyeongbokgung Palace: March to May and September to October, 9:00-18:00. June to August, 9:00-18:30. November to February, 9:00-17:00, with last admission one hour before closing. Closed on Tuesdays for Gyeongbokgung Palace and other royal palaces, and on Mondays for Changdeokgung Palace, Changgyeonggung Palace, and Deoksugung Palace. Visiting hours may vary depending on specific circumstances.

Transportation

Traffic: Take the subway line 3 to Jingfu Palace station, exit at gate 5 and walk for 5 minutes. Take the subway line 5 to Guanghuamen station, exit at gate 2 and walk.

Phone 景福宫文化财咨询处：82-2-3700-3904~5，旅游咨询处(首尔旅游咨询) 82-2-738-9171。守门将换岗仪式 82-2-3210-1645~6。

Website http://www.royalpalace.go.kr/html/main/main.jsp(Korean, English) 。