Gyeonghuigung is the least-visited of Seoul's five Joseon palaces, its relative obscurity making it worth seeking out for the contrast. The palace was built in 1617 as a secondary royal residence; at its peak it had 100 buildings. During the Japanese colonial period most of these were demolished or removed, and the site was used as a school. Restoration work since 1988 has rebuilt several key structures.
The site is quiet on weekday mornings, when it's possible to have the main courtyard and throne hall to yourself. The Seoul Museum of History adjoins the palace grounds and covers the history of the city with exhibits that help put the palace in context. The combination of the two makes a good half-day programme for anyone with a strong interest in Korean history.