Changdeokgung Palace (창덕궁) is one of the five grand palaces of the Joseon Dynasty (1392–1897 ). Besides Changdeokgung, there is Changgyeonggung (창경궁), Deoksugung (덕수궁), Gyeongbokgung (경복궁), and Gyeonghuigung (경희궁). Built in the early 15th century, Changdeokgung was designated a UNESCO World Cultural Heritage site in 1997. It is the only one of the five which has this honor.
According to the UNESCO website the reason for the designation is as follows:
“The Committee decided to inscribe this property on the basis of criteria (ii), (iii) and (iv), considering that the Ch’angdokkung Palace Compound is an outstanding example of Far Eastern palace architecture and garden design, exceptional for the way in which the buildings are integrated into and harmonized with the natural setting, adapting to the topography and retaining indigenous tree cover.”
Injeongjeon (인정전) Throne Hall
Injeongjeon (인정전) Throne Hall
The most impressive of the palace structures is Injeongjeon (인정전), the throne hall, originally built in 1405 but restored at least twice due to fires. Injeongjeon faces a huge courtyard which could have been filled by many loyal servants to the king during elaborate royal ceremonies.
Seonjeongjeon (선정전)
East of and adjacent to Injeongjeon is Seonjeongjeon (선정전). This building was used by the king and high ranking officials to conduct meetings. It is the only palace building with a blue tiled roof. This building had also been used as a shrine in royal funeral ceremonies.
Huijeongdang (희정당)
Huijeongdang (희정당)
The building to the east of Seonjeongjeon is Huijeongdang (희정당) which contains offices for official government work as well as bedrooms for the king. It burned down in 1917 and was rebuilt with more modern facilities including a driveway, Western furniture, electric lighting, and modern restrooms. While not even close to its original form, it is a beautiful building.
Palace Structure
Other important things to see on your walk include the oldest bridge in Seoul built in 1411, and the king and queens living quarters. There is plenty to check out at Changdeokgung. Walking around Changdeokgung Palace took me a couple hours, but that’s because I stopped a lot to take photos. You could see it all in half that time if you wanted to.
Palace Structure
Nearby attractions include the Secret Garden (비원), and Changgyeonggung Palace. In order to go into the Secret Garden, you must already be inside Changdeokgung and then buy a tour ticket. There are English tours, but if you are in a hurry, you could go on a Korean language tour and simply enjoy the walk. Changgyeonggung Palace can also be accessed for a fee from Changdeokgung at a gate next to the Secret Garden’s gate.
Sitting at my desk and looking back, Changdoekgung makes it on my list of recommendable palaces. For only 3,000 Won, there is a good deal of interesting historical architecture to look at. Also, if you are really in the mood for walking and sightseeing, the Secret Garden and Changgyeonggung are literally right around the corner; however, they didn’t make it on my list of highly recommendable sites.
Resources
Changdeokgung Palace (Korea Tourism Organization)
Changdeokgung Palace (Wikipedia)
Changdeokgung Palace (UNESCO)
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October 1st, 2010 at 01:25