The Cultural Heritage Administration of Korea has launched the second restoration project of Gyeongbok Palace, with the groundbreaking ceremony of Sojubang, the royal kitchen, on October 5. The restoration project is planned to be conducted for the next 20 years by 2030 with six phases, and 540 billion won is appropriated for the entire project. The majority of the royal palace was destroyed during the Japanese colonial period (1910-1945) due to the Japanese oppressive policy on Korean culture. So far, about 25% of the palace site encompassing 125 buildings has been restored with the prior 20-year-long project that started in 1990. The second project begins with the restoration of the royal living sector through which 56 buildings will be rebuilt, and from 2013, restoring the royal governing sector that includes the Herald’s Office which would be 66 buildings in total is to follow. From 2019, the palace’s royal education sector will be restored, and the royal ceremony sector and royal military sector are also planned to be reconstructed until 2030. By then, about 75% of the royal palace is expected being restored compared to the time of King Gojong (r. 1863-1907). The groundbreaking ceremony of Sojubang was comprised of performances, rites for announcing construction, leveling the ground and making Korean soy sauce. Sojubang, where the royal table and food for feasts were prepared, is also the major venue of Korean drama Dae Jang Geum, also known as Jewel in the Palace.