A pavilion in Gyeongbok Palace in the heart of Seoul will open to the public from April 1 to Oct. 31, the Cultural Heritage Administration said Monday.

Gyeonghoeru, or the "pavilion of joyous meeting," which has normally been off-limits, is considered the largest pavilion structure built during the Joseon Dynasty (1392-1910).

Visitors will be allowed access to the pavilion, designated National Treasure No. 224, three times per weekday and four times per day on weekends.

A maximum of 80 people will be admitted each time for 30 or 40 minutes, and people can apply for admission at www.royalpalace.go.kr.

During the Joseon period, the pavilion was used for royal banquets and special government functions, such as state occasions to welcome foreign envoys.

The pavilion, which has a floor space of 957 square meters, is the largest and most beautiful of its kind in Korea. It stands on a square island off the eastern edge of a large artificial pond. The pavilion mirrored on the lake provides a picturesque view.

King Taejo, founder of the Joseon Dynasty, had the pavilion erected in 1395. (Yonhap)