[Photo] Exclusive Chilgung to be opened to public

Chilgung, literally “Seven Palace,” is not actually a palace but a shrine for royal concubines who gave birth to kings like Yeongjo (1694-1776). Because they were not royalty by birth, these women could not be officially identified as “queens.” Chilgung was named thus because it honors seven royal consorts who gave birth to a future king. The shrine was moved several times before settling into its current location behind Gyeongbok Palace and near the Blue House in 1929. Formerly open only through the Blue House tour program because of its proximity to the Blue House guest house, Chilgung will be open to the public via online reservations (www.royalpalace.go.kr) for a trial period starting June 1. The photo shows public visitors to Chilgung on June 1. (Blue House photo pool)