This palace was established as the main royal palace by the founder of the Chosun Dynasty, Sung-kye Lee after the foundation of the Chosun Dynasty in 1392. Many kings acceded to the thrones at Geunjeongjeon of this palace and is the oldest palace of the Chosun Dynasty. During Japanese invasion of Korea in 1952, most buildings were destroyed by fire and they were reduced to ashes. After they were unattended as ruins, Daewonkun restored the palace in 1868 during the King Kojong era. In February of the year after the Empress Myungsung was killed in 1895, the King Kojong fled from the palace to Russian legation and moved his residence to Deoksukung Palace. Since then, Gyeongbok Palace lost its function.