Shadows of the Palace: Creepy Tales from Korea’s Royal Past
Episode 1: The Lady in White of Gyeongbokgung Palace
When night falls over Seoul, the gates of Gyeongbokgung Palace close, leaving behind a silence that echoes with centuries of history. Yet, some say the palace is never truly empty.
It was a chilly autumn evening when I first heard about the Lady in White. A fellow traveler, a Canadian named Sophie, whispered nervously as we walked past the illuminated Gyeonghoeru Pavilion:
"Have you heard about her? They say she wanders around here at night."
Intrigued, I pressed Sophie for more details. Her eyes widened as she began to recount a tale that had been passed down quietly among guides and visitors alike:
Decades ago, during a restoration of the palace grounds, workers reported seeing a woman dressed entirely in white hanbok, traditional Korean attire, wandering around the pavilion and lake. Her face, they said, was always hidden behind a translucent white veil, and she vanished whenever anyone approached.
Historical archives hint that this apparition might be related to tragic events from Joseon’s past. During the Japanese invasions in the late 16th century, many court ladies tragically ended their lives here, choosing death over capture by enemy forces. Could this mysterious Lady in White be the spirit of one of these women, eternally wandering, mourning her lost life and innocence?
Intrigued by the story, Sophie and I decided to linger near the pavilion after our guided tour ended. As darkness enveloped the palace, the once-comforting beauty of the ornate structures became eerie and haunting. The wind whispered through ancient trees, and the reflection of the pavilion shimmered mysteriously on the dark water of the lake.
Suddenly, Sophie grasped my arm, her hand trembling. Across the lake, we glimpsed something moving slowly near the pavilion. My heart raced. We strained our eyes, watching as a faintly glowing figure in white appeared and drifted slowly towards the pavilion’s stairs.
Before either of us could speak, the figure turned its head slightly toward us, revealing a pale, veiled face beneath the moonlight. My blood ran cold. Just as suddenly as she'd appeared, she vanished into the night air, leaving only ripples on the lake's surface.
We hurriedly left the palace grounds, breathless and shaken, yet oddly thrilled. That night, I couldn't sleep, haunted by the Lady in White and the sorrowful silence she left behind.
Historical Background:
Gyeonghoeru Pavilion, built in 1412, served as a royal banquet hall during the Joseon Dynasty. Its beauty contrasts deeply with its tragic history, especially during wartime invasions when many within the palace suffered untimely ends.Travel Tip:
If you want to explore Gyeongbokgung yourself, the palace offers night tours (seasonally available). Check the official Gyeongbokgung Palace website for tour schedules and ticket information. Perhaps you might encounter something—or someone—unexpected on your visit.
