For 270 years, was home to the Joseon government and was also the favored residence of many Joseon Dynasty kings. It is well-preserved and still has many of its original features. A particular virtue of it is the way its buildings blend into the surrounding landscape. Its rear garden, Huwon, is considered an excellent example of Korean garden design. It was built in 1405 by King Taejong (the third king of the Joseon Dynasty). In 1592 the main part was completely destroyed by fire during the Japanese invasion of Korea. For this reason it is the place which most represents the Joseon Dynasty in the popular imagination. Its status as a national symbol meant that it suffered deliberate damage by the Japanese during their occupation of Korea. For many years afterwards it was neglected until it was reconstructed and restored to its original state in 1991.