Changdeokgung (Seoul)

 palace, museum

99 Yulgok-ro, Waryong-dong, Jongno-gu, Seoul, South Korea
Phone: +82 2-762-8261
eng.cdg.go.kr/

Changdeok Palace, meaning "Palace of Prospering Virtue" is one of the "Five Grand Palaces" built in 1405 by the kings of the Joseon Dynasty. Changdeok Palace is set within a large park in Seoul and because Changdeok Palace is location east of Gyeongbok Palace, Changdeok Palace, along with Changgyeong Palace, is referred to as the East Palace.

Donhwamun Gate - The main palace gate. Built in 1412, Donhwamun has a two-story pavilion-type wooden structure, and is the largest of all palace gates. Donhwamun was burned down during the Japanese invasion of 1592 and was restored in 1608.

Geumcheongyo Bridge - Oldest bridge still extant in Seoul. Built 1411.

Injeongjeon Hall (National Treasure) - the throne hall of Changdeokgung, it was used for major state affairs including the coronation of a new king and receiving foreign envoys. Originally built in 1405, it was rebuilt in 1610 after being burned down during the 1592 Japanese invasion, and a third time in 1804 after being destroyed by a fire.

Seonjeongjeon Hall - An office for ruling officials, the king held daily meetings with ministers, reported on state affairs and seminars here.

Huijeongdang Hall - Originally the king's bed chamber, it became his workplace after Seonjeongjeon was deemed too small for conducting routine state affairs. The original Huijeongdang was destroyed by a fire in 1917. The reconstructed structure is completely different from the original due to recent Western influences. Wooden floorboards and carpets, glass windows, and chandeliers can be seen inside the building.

Daejojeon Hall - Official residence of the queen. Destroyed by fire in 1917, it was rebuilt with materials taken from Gyeongbokgung. Daejojeon was used as a residence for the last empress of Joseon, allowing us a glimpse into the final years of the royal household of the Joseon Dynasty.

Juhamnu Pavilion (Kyujanggak) - Royal libraries stood in this area. State exams were conducted in front of the pavilion on special occasions in presence of the king.

Yeon-gyeongdang Residence - Built in 1827, it was an audience hall modeled after a typical literati house.

Today there are 13 buildings remaining on the palace grounds and 28 pavilions in the gardens, occupying 110 acres. Changdeokgung, like the other Five Grand Palaces in Seoul, was heavily damaged during the Japanese occupation so consequently only 30% of the Palace structures remain.

Behind the palace is found the 78-acre Huwon (Rear garden), originally constructed for the use of the royal family and palace women, incorporating, pavilions, landscaped lawns, trees, flowers and shrubs, and a lotus pond. There are over 26,000 plant specimens and a hundred different species of trees in the garden, some of the trees being over 300 years old.

Changdeokgung and grounds are designated as Historical Site No. 122.