Palace constructions in Joseon were state affairs. The palaces of Joseon reflected the Confucian ideals, as did the Royal Ancestral Shrine, Sajik Altar, and the city walls. Palace construction widely includes all the main and subsidiary buildings including gate towers, walls, and rear gardens. 

Gyeongbokgung Palace was constructed as the main palace in 1395 with the foundation of Joseon. 

Changdeokgung and Changgyeonggung Palaces were built during the reign of King Taejong(r. 1400-1418) and during the reign of King Seongjong(r. 1469-1494) respectively. These 2 palaces, however, were rebuilt after the Japanese Invasion of 1592, since all the original palaces constructed before were destroyed during the war. 

Additionally, a new palace; Gyeongdukgung(Gyeonghuigung) Palace, was constructed by King Gwanghaegun(r. 1608-1623). Gyeongbokgung Palace was finally reconstructed during the reign of King Gojong(r. 1863-1907). 

All the palace construction projects required the approval of the king. The palace buildings were completed with the best construction technologies of that time, and the procedures to complete the palaces were meticulously recorded in Royal Protocol(Uigwe 儀軌) for later generations as the exemplars of state projects.