It was formerly the residence of the Heungseon Daewongun a prince regent of Korea during the Joseon period in the 19th century, and father of Emperor Gojong.

Although the residential complex was taken from the Heungseon Daewongun's descendants under Japanese colonial rule, it was returned in 1948, and in 1993 they sold it to the Seoul government.

[4] Some of the interiors have been refurnished, and contain mannequins dressed in typical clothing styles for various stations of life in Korean history.

Norakdang is the largest building within the complex and is the site of wedding of King Gojong and Empress Myeongseong.

This reenactment offers visitors an opportunity to experience the spectacular and elegant traditional royal costumes and lifestyles of the Joseon dynasty.