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Nearly destroyed by the Japanese government in the early 20th century, the walled palace complex is slowly being restored to its original form prior to destruction. As of 2009, roughly 40 percent of the original number of palace buildings still stand or are reconstructed.
Gyeongbokgung was originally constructed in 1394 by King Taejo, the first king and the founder of the Joseon Dynasty, and its name was conceived by an influential government minister named Jeong Dojeon. Afterwards, the palace was continuously expanded during the reign of King Taejong and King Sejong the Great, but was severely damaged by fire in 1553; its costly restoration, ordered by King Myeongjong, was completed in the following year. However, the majority of the palace was burnt to the ground during the Japanese invasions of Korea (1592–1598). The palace site was left in ruins for the next three centuries.




























































