Korea Travel Seoul - Changdeokgung Palace 昌德宮 창덕궁 - UNESCO World Heritage)

 Korea Travel Seoul - Changdeokgung Palace 昌德宮 창덕궁 - UNESCO World Heritage) (2015 0417)

Address: 99, Yulgok-ro, Jongno-gu, Seoul 서울특별시 종로구 율곡로 99 (와룡동)

Open:April-October : 9:00-18:30/ December-February : 9:00-17:00/ November and March : 9:00-17:30

Direction:

Anguk Station, Exit 3.

Guided tours in English are at 10:30 and 14:30

Changdeokgung Palace Complez is a UNESCO World Heritage was created in 1405 as the second royal villa built following the construction of Gyeongbokgung Palace in 1405. It was the principal palace for many kings of the Joseon dynasty, and is the most well-preserved of the five remaining royal Joseon palaces. The palace grounds are comprised of a public palace area, a royal family residence building, and the rear garden. Known as a place of rest for the kings, the rear garden boasts a gigantic tree that is over 300 years old, a small pond and a pavilion.

 

Donhwamun Gate 敦化门돈화문

Donhwamun Gate is the main gate at the entrance of Changdeokgung. It was originally built in 1412 during the twelfth year of the reign of King Taejong. Taejong was the third Joseon Dynasty king and ruled from 1400 to 1418.

Jinseonmun Gate 進善门

Jinseonmun Gate is the small inner and middle gate. To reach the main throne hall, you must pass under three gates, one of which is Jinseonmun. The other two are Dowamun and Injeongmun.

Gwolnaegaksa 肅章间

Gwolnaegaksa was the location of a collection of government offices. These offices handled royal family and political affairs. Other buildings included a library, pharmacy, regal decrees office, and royal counsel committee bureau. The area here resembled a labyrinth since so many buildings were located in such a small area.

Injeongjeon Hall and Injeongmun Gate 仁政门

Injeongjeon Hall is the main hall at Changdeokgung Palace. It was used by the king and officials for conferences and as a meeting point with visitors. Foreign envoys would meet the king at this location when they arrived at the palace.

Originally built in 1405, it was twice destroyed by fire, once in 1592 and again in 1804. Both times it was rebuilt.

Seonjeongjeon Hall and Seonjeongmun Gate宣政门

Seonjeongjeon Hall is where the king would meet with high ranking officials at Changdeokgung Palace to discuss political, state, and palace affairs. At his convenience, the king and his officials would hold seminars and have morning meetings. He would discuss royal issues and other national affairs.

Daejojeon Hall 大造殿

Official residence of the queen. Destroyed by fire in 1917, it was rebuilt with materials taken from Gyeongbokgung.

Huijeongdang Hall

Huijeongdang Hall was used as a women’s residence and later as a place of work and rest for the king. It was here where the king would meet officials. The king and his officials would handle royal affairs and discuss political issues at this location.

Nakseonjae Hall長乐门 낙선재 - Residential Compound

Nakseongjae was originally designed for King Heonjong in 1656 so that he could relax and read. It has also served as the quarters for the crown prince.