Gyeongbokgung Palace Saenggwabang

Located within the Sojubang (royal kitchen) building of Gyeongbokgung Palace, ‘Saenggwabang’ was one of the Six Royal Houses responsible for the desserts and special meals of the King and Queen. Also known by the nickname ‘Saengmulbang,’ it currently operates as a paid program where visitors can experience the royal confectionery and medicinal teas enjoyed by the King, based on records from the Annals of the Joseon Dynasty. In 2026, Gyeongbokgung Saenggwabang presents a new ‘Storytelling Tea Table,’ reinterpreting the royal narratives that lay dormant in old books in a modern way to infuse the lives and governing philosophies of the Kings. This program is designed to go beyond simply enjoying the taste, allowing visitors to experience the values of life pursued by the two Kings of Joseon through their palates. King Yeongjo’s tea table, symbolizing the wisdom of longevity and moderation, embodies an aesthetic of taste that is both frugal and refined, while King Sukjong’s tea table, recreating the joy of a splendid banquet, showcases the essence of high-class and splendid royal court culture. The moment the tea box is opened, visitors travel back 600 years in time to have a special experience where the palace's profound philosophy awakens their five senses.