A Study on the Remodeling of Injeongjeon Area at Changdeokgung Palace in 1908

A 1908 remodeling of the Injeongjeon area at Changdeokgung Palace, a historic site in South Korea, revealed a deliberate attempt by Japanese colonial authorities to diminish the palace's symbolic power. The study identified key changes—including renaming the area Alhyunso (Ekkensho), exclusive Japanese involvement, and the influence of Ito Hirobumi—that mirrored the Ekkensho audience hall at Japan’s Meiji Palace. By comparing architectural plans from both sites, researchers confirmed that the remodeling aimed to reduce the majesty of the Joseon Dynasty's palace, reflecting broader colonial strategies during the occupation period.

Woo, Don-Son, & Kee, Sehwang. (2014). A Study on the Remodeling of Injeongjeon Area at Changdeokgung Palace in 1908. Journal of Architectural History, 23(2), 53–64. https://doi.org/10.7738/JAH.2014.23.2.053