The palace byeoljeon(別殿), the King’s non-ceremonial space, were created as a space for the king to comfortably use and for the king to do what he wanted to do. The byeoljeon housed various types of spaces and were flexible in that they could be repurposed to meet the demands of the times. Nevertheless, their characteristic as palatial building created for the King’s convenience has remained unchanged. In this study, we examine the process by which such royal spaces were created by focusing on the reconstruction of the Changdeokgung Huijeongdang during Japanese occupation period, with a view to continuity and the transformation process. The reconstruction of Huijeongdang at the time may be considered along internal and external characteristics. Internally, Huijeongdang connected the symbolism of the king’s space as the palace byeoljeon. Externally, Huijeongdang is characterized by its mixture of traditional and western style, where western style structures were housed within traditional buildings. The plans for the block of Huijeongdang also included the coexistence of traditional building, western style building, and mixture of traditional and western style building. This reflects the characteristic continuity of the byeoljeon as well as the architectural techniques of the time, manifested together within a specific spatial block.

Naejeon area at Chandeokgung Palace means the areas of Huijeongdang and Daejojeon area. Huijeongdang or Hall of Brilliant Rule is made for the king, and Daejojeon or Hall of Great Creation is made for the queen. These areas were located nearly and repeatedly burned down and rebuilt several times together, but their forms were largely unchanged. However in 1920, they rebuilt in a very different way. The purpose of this study was to estimate construction plans, progress and completion of Naejeon area’s rebuilding. They were reconstructed into eclectic structures as the exteriors were built using basic materials from Gyeongbokgung Palace. So they have traditional-looking appearances, but the interiors consisted of modern equipments and were built by applying foreign style construction techniques. The main floored room of Daejojeon and the area of Huijeongdang were built in standing style by installing radiators and French furnitures. Also, the porch, corridor, storage space and veranda were constructed under the influence of Japanese construction. After the reconstruction, there were changes in the usage of some spaces. Huijeongdang functioned only for Alhyeonso or audience chamber rather than Pyeonjeon or state hall. New organizations created by the Japanese such as Chansi or secretaries office and the Chief secretary’s office were included in Naejeon area.