Changdeokgung, A Beautiful Palace Embracing the Spirit of the Joseon Dynasty
Located in the heart of Seoul, Korea, Changdeokgung Palace is not merely an old building. It is the palace where Joseon Dynasty kings resided the longest, and a living heritage where Korean history, culture, and natural beauty harmoniously blend together. Designated as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1997, Changdeokgung has been globally recognized for its value and continues to inspire and move countless visitors each year.
Changdeokgung possesses a charm slightly different from other palaces. While Gyeongbokgung boasts majesty as the main royal palace of the Joseon Dynasty, Changdeokgung presents a more humanistic and nature-friendly appearance as a space where kings conducted politics and carried out their daily lives. In particular, the buildings constructed without defying the natural terrain and the beautiful Secret Garden are distinctive features unique to Changdeokgung.
Through this article, you will delve into the deep history of Changdeokgung and follow in the footsteps of kings. From the stories held within Changdeokgung’s major halls, the beauty of the Secret Garden that displays different charms each season, to visiting tips that will help you enjoy Changdeokgung more fully, you’ll obtain all the information you need to properly understand and appreciate Changdeokgung.
Changdeokgung, Blooming Through the Flow of History
The history of Changdeokgung dates back to the 5th year of King Taejong’s reign (1405). After Gyeongbokgung was burned down during the Japanese invasions of Korea (Imjin War), King Seonjo adopted Changdeokgung as a temporary residence, and it subsequently became established as the main royal palace of the Joseon Dynasty. For approximately 270 years, 13 kings resided here, leading Joseon’s politics and culture.
Changdeokgung was more than just a residential space; it was an important place symbolizing royal life and authority. Historical events such as royal coronations, receptions of foreign envoys, and meetings to decide critical national matters unfolded here. Kings pursued scholarship, enjoyed the arts, and engaged in contemplation here. Each hall of Changdeokgung contains the breath and stories of these kings.
Over time, Changdeokgung underwent several repairs and expansions to achieve its current form. Although it suffered serious damage during the Japanese colonial period, through restoration efforts, it overcame historical pain and reestablished itself as a precious Korean cultural heritage. As you stroll through Changdeokgung, you’ll experience the wonder of feeling the breath of Joseon Dynasty kings across hundreds of years.
Changdeokgung’s Treasures, Beautiful Halls
Upon entering Changdeokgung, the first thing that greets us is Donhwamun Gate. The majestic Donhwamun is Changdeokgung’s main gate, an important entrance used when the king traveled and when officials attended court. Past Donhwamun, you’ll see a wide courtyard along with Geumcheongyo Bridge. Geumcheongyo is a bridge over clear water flowing into Changdeokgung, and crossing it was like a ritual separating the secular world from the palace.
The most central hall is Injeongjeon. Injeongjeon, as Changdeokgung’s throne hall, was where royal coronations and important state ceremonies were held. Looking at the interior of Injeongjeon decorated with splendid dancheong (traditional multicolored paintwork) and delicate carvings, you can glimpse the dignity and authority of the royal court. The dragon carving soaring through clouds hung at the highest point of the ceiling symbolizes royal authority.
Seonjeongjeon is the office hall where the king discussed state affairs with his officials. Smaller than Injeongjeon but an important space where the king’s daily work took place. The beautiful garden surrounding Seonjeongjeon provided the king with space for rest and contemplation.
Huijeongdang was used as the king’s living quarters. This was a space where the king resided and spent personal time reading or resting. Daejojeon, behind Huijeongdang, was used as the queen’s quarters. Changdeokgung’s halls each have different purposes and symbolism, through which we can glimpse royal life.
In addition, Changdeokgung has various halls such as Nakseonjae and Yeongyeongdang that were used as royal retreats and cultural spaces. Each hall displays the beauty of traditional Korean architecture intact and has contributed to the development of Korean architecture over a long time.
Changdeokgung Secret Garden: Perfect Harmony of Nature and Architecture
The true charm of Changdeokgung lies in the Secret Garden, or Huwon. The Secret Garden is characterized as a royal retreat and space for enjoying nature, created to preserve nature as it is rather than artificial beauty. The Secret Garden, created over approximately 300 years, is a place that shows the essence of traditional Korean landscaping and is one of the biggest reasons it was designated as a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
The Secret Garden is not simply a garden made of trees and flowers. It preserves the natural terrain following mountain ridges as they are, and harmoniously arranges ponds, pavilions, and towers upon it. The scenery of the Secret Garden, which changes clothes with each season, is like a painting. In spring, colorful flowers bloom in profusion; in summer, lush greenery flourishes; in autumn, autumn leaves create spectacular views; and in winter, it’s covered in white snow, creating a quiet and mysterious atmosphere.
To properly appreciate the beauty of the Secret Garden, it’s good to explore several key spaces. The most famous place is Buyongjeong. Buyongjeong is a pavilion that appears to float like an island in the middle of a pond, where the king and queen held banquets or recited poetry and enjoyed leisure. The view of the pond and surrounding scenery from Buyongjeong is truly spectacular.
Aeryeonjeong is a pavilion where they rested while admiring lotus flowers. As the name suggests, this place displays its most beautiful appearance during the season when lotus flowers bloom. The subtle fragrance of lotus flowers and the quiet atmosphere provided the king with time for peace and contemplation.
Jondeokjeong is a pavilion with a magnificent octagonal roof, used as a space where many officials gathered to hold banquets or discuss scholarship. The wide courtyard in front of Jondeokjeong was a place where the king and officials gathered together.
In addition, Changdeokgung’s Secret Garden has pavilions and towers with various names and characteristics hidden within, such as Chwigyujeong, Cheonguijeong, and Pyeomusa. Each space was arranged with priority given to harmony with nature and fully embodies the aesthetics of traditional Korean architecture. As you walk through the Secret Garden, you’ll have the special experience of feeling as if you’ve time-traveled into the lives of Joseon Dynasty kings.
Secret Garden, Reservation Required!
Changdeokgung’s Secret Garden is designated as a special viewing area, so unlike general admission, advance reservation is mandatory. Since the number of people who can enter per day is limited, if you’re planning to visit, it’s good to make a reservation in advance through the Changdeokgung management office website. On-site ticketing may be difficult or impossible, so be sure to check in advance.
Secret Garden viewing takes about 90 minutes and is conducted as a guided tour with a professional guide. Through the commentary, you can more deeply understand the historical significance, architectural features, and hidden stories of each hall and garden. You’ll have a much richer experience than exploring alone.
Visiting Changdeokgung, Know This Before You Go!
Here are some tips for visiting Changdeokgung more fully and enjoyably.
Pre-Visit Preparations
Reservation Confirmation: As mentioned earlier, if you want to tour the Secret Garden, you must make a reservation in advance. General palace viewing is possible without reservation, but note that it can be crowded on weekends or holidays.
Check Opening Hours and Closed Days: Changdeokgung is closed every Monday, and opening hours differ by season. Be sure to check the latest information on the official website before visiting.
Attire: The palace is quite large, and if you want to explore all the way to the Secret Garden, you’ll walk quite a bit. It’s good to prepare comfortable shoes and clothing. In summer, the sun can be strong, so bringing a hat or parasol is also useful.
Viewing Route: Unlike Gyeongbokgung, Changdeokgung was built following natural terrain, giving a feeling slightly different from typical palace viewing. If you want to explore all the way to the Secret Garden, it’s good to allocate plenty of time, about 2-3 hours.
Enjoying Changdeokgung
Utilize Commentary Programs: Changdeokgung operates commentary programs in various languages including Korean, English, Japanese, and Chinese. Listening to a professional guide’s explanations allows you to understand Changdeokgung’s history and culture much more deeply. Commentary schedules for each language can be checked on the website.
Photography: Changdeokgung’s beautiful halls and Secret Garden scenery are worth capturing in photos. In particular, since they show different appearances each season, you can feel something new even with multiple visits. However, photography may be restricted inside some halls or special exhibition spaces, so it’s good to follow the guidance.
Link with Nearby Attractions: Around Changdeokgung, there are many places worth visiting such as Changgyeonggung, Jongmyo Shrine, and Bukchon Hanok Village. Setting aside a day to explore Changdeokgung and nearby attractions together is also a good method.
Common Mistakes and Precautions
Missing Secret Garden Reservation: The most common mistake is wanting to tour the Secret Garden but not making a reservation. Remember that the Secret Garden is difficult to view without advance reservation.
Insufficient Time: To properly tour Changdeokgung, especially including the Secret Garden, you need at least 2-3 hours. If you visit too hastily, it’s difficult to properly appreciate it.
Ignoring Guidance Signs: Inside the palace, many areas are restricted except for designated pathways. It’s important to follow guidance signs and staff instructions well.
Changdeokgung Visiting Costs
General admission to Changdeokgung is free. However, Secret Garden admission has a separate entrance fee, currently 1,000 won for adults (subject to change, so check before visiting). Also, while some palaces offer free admission when wearing hanbok, at Changdeokgung, even when wearing hanbok, you must pay the Secret Garden admission fee separately. (Policy may change, so checking the official website before visiting is essential)
Changdeokgung, Beyond a Simple Tourist Attraction
Changdeokgung is more than just a place to tour beautiful old buildings. It is a living museum preserving hundreds of years of history, and an artwork showing Korean traditional aesthetics and harmony with nature. The halls where you can feel the breath of kings, and the Secret Garden scenery displaying different beauty each season, provide visitors with deep emotion and time for contemplation.
Visiting Changdeokgung is a precious opportunity to directly experience Korean history and culture. Imagine the lives of Joseon Dynasty kings and feel the beauty of architecture harmonizing with nature. In particular, the Secret Garden tour, which requires reservation, will be a special experience where you can discover Changdeokgung’s true charm.
Through visiting Changdeokgung, you can gain the following:
Historical Insight: You can deepen your understanding of Korean history by glimpsing the lives and politics of Joseon Dynasty kings.
Aesthetic Appreciation: You can gain aesthetic satisfaction by appreciating the beauty of traditional Korean architecture and its perfect harmony with nature.
Rest and Healing: You can forget the hustle and bustle of the city and spend peaceful time in the serene atmosphere of the Secret Garden.
Visiting Changdeokgung will add unforgettable memories to your Korean trip. Today, plan a special journey to Changdeokgung!
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