“Gyeonghoe” means “a joyous banquet,” and “-ru” is a suffix that denotes “pavilion.” It is built inside the pond in the western part of the palace's living quarters. It served as a venue for large-scale feasts for the king, court officials, and foreign envoys. It was designed as a royal garden for enjoying boat riding on the pond and appreciating the scenery of Inwangsan Mountain and the magnificent palace. It was just a small pavilion when Gyeongbokgung Palace was constructed, but in 1412 (12th year of King Taejong's reign), the pond was enlarged and a pavilion of the current size was built. It was repaired during King Seongjong and Yeonsangun's reign but was burned down during the Japanese Invasions. Gyeonghoeru Pavilion was restored when Gyeongbokgung Palace was rebuilt in 1867 (4th year of King Gojong's reign).
The pavilion's first floor consists of 48 high stone pillars: 24 round pillars and 24 square pillars. The second floor was a banquet hall with the floor. On the hip rafter lies 11 decorative tiles in zodiac animal sign shapes, which is the most among Korea's buildings.