Fire breaks out Saturday morning at Gyeongbok Palace, KHS on alert
Published: 28 Mar. 2026, 16:07
Updated: 29 Mar. 2026, 19:59
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- KIM JI-YE
- [email protected]
![The damaged Sambimun, the gate leading to Jaseondang at Gyeongbok Palace [KOREAN HERITAGE SERVICE]](https://koreaseafood.online/data/photo/2026/03/29/1f156e3d-b9f7-4570-9f39-7a8faab74116.jpg)
The damaged Sambimun, the gate leading to Jaseondang at Gyeongbok Palace [KOREAN HERITAGE SERVICE]
A fire broke out early Saturday morning at Gyeongbok Palace, according to the Korea Heritage Service (KHS).
The KHS said the fire was put out within 10 minutes of breaking out. However, part of a gate at Jaseondang, the sleeping quarters of the crown prince and his wife in the East palace, was damaged by fire and requires repairs.
The fire started at around 5:30 a.m. at Sambimun, a gate to Jaseondang, and was discovered by a night security guard who detected smoke and fire while on patrol.
The patrolling guard put out the fire at around 5:50 a.m. using a fire extinguisher and a hydrant, according to KHS.
No suspicious activity was detected around the scene at the time, the agency said.
Following a joint investigation with fire authorities, the agency added that the fire is believed to have been caused by spontaneous combustion.
Repairs are underway on the damaged gate door and visitor pathways are being adjusted accordingly.
“Security personnel have been expanded for a month starting in early March in preparation for the BTS concert,” the agency said, adding that it will be conducting intensive inspections of any fire risks and safety hazards at palaces and royal tombs, including Gyeongbok Palace.
In response to dry weather conditions and recent fires at Gyeongbok Palace, the KHS has implemented preemptive measures to prevent fires at national heritage sites.
Huh Min, the chief of KHS, ordered authorities to “step up surveillance nationwide, including attempted arson targeting national heritage sites.”
Gyeongbok Palace is currently open to the public as usual.
BY KIM JI-YE [[email protected]]
with the Korea JoongAng Daily
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