Major Heritage Sites

Korea's Tour Attractions...Changdeokgung Palace 

 

 

Changdeokgung Palace is a palace of the Joseon Dynasty (1392-1910), built in harmony with the natural environment around it. It is located in Jongno-gu, Seoul and desginated as UNESCO World Heritage of Korea in 1997.

 

The palace is famous for its rear garden, also called “Huwon”. The vast garden was a resting place for the royal family and is beautifully landscaped in a way that held on to the original nature of the space. Of all the royal palaces, Changdeokgung Palace is the most well-preserved to this day, showcasing the creativity of Korean palace construction through the combination of buildings and nature. In harmony with the trees, ponds, pavilions and flower gardens, the palaces main structures include Injeongmun Gate, Injeongjeon Hall, Huijeongdang Hall, Daejojeon Hall, Buyongji Pond, Nakseonjae Hall and Donhwamun Gate, exist in harmony with the natural environment.

 

 Injeongjeon Hall 

Major Heritage Sites

Injeongmun 

Injeongmun Gate

Inside of Injeongmun

Injeongmun Gate is the main gate leading into Changdeokgung Palace and its courtyard where Injeongjeon Hall is located. With a name meaning “benevolent rule,” Injeonjeon Hall was used for matters relating to the king’s ruling of the nation, and was used for conducting state affairs, including the coronation of a new king and prince, and royal weddings. Therefore this hall is by far the most important of all the buildings in Changdeokgung Palace.

Daejojeon Hall

 

Daejojeon Hall

 

Daejojeon Hall, the residence of the queen, was built with Western features, including a narrow wooden veranda, glass windows, and furniture. This modern interior design makes Daejojeon Hall unique among palace buildings.

Huwon Garden (Secret Garden)

Huwon Garden

The royal garden is located in the northern section of Changdeokgung Palace. Serving in various ways depending on the circumstances, Huwon Garden was most often used as a resting space for the king. The garden is home to trees planted hundreds of years ago, and small pavilions and fountains complete the traditional Korean style garden.

In order to preserve the historical integrity of the Huwon, visitors must sign-up for a guided palace tour in advance.