Also known as the “East Palace – 동궐”, the Changdeokgung Palace – 창덕궁 is the second of the five royal palaces to have been built by the Joseon dynasty in Seoul. Finished building in 1412, a few years after the Gyeongbokgung Palace – 경복궁 was finished (1395), it was conceived as a secondary residence of the royal family, it is also a resting place where the king and his loved ones could relax and not be disturbed.
The complex of buildings of the Korean dynasty is located in the center of Seoul, in the Jongno area, near the main attractions of the capital of South Korea like the other royal palaces (the adjacent Changgyeonggung and the Gyeongbokgung reachable on foot in about 15 minutes ), the traditional Gwangjan Market , the characteristic streets around Insa-dong and Ikseon -dong, the Jogyesa Buddhist Temple and the Bukchon village with its typical Hanok .
The Changdeokgung Palace – 창덕궁 was destroyed by enemy attacks from outside and inside the nation, was rebuilt several times and today is among the five royal palaces of Seoul the one that preserved the most its original structure and architectural features dating back to the time of the foundation. Used as the main residence of Korean kings from 1611 until 1868 when the Gyeongbokgung Palace – 경복궁 was put back on its feet, since 1997 it is part of the UNESCO World Heritage Sites especially because the structures have been built in harmony with the surrounding natural landscape.
Made according the principles of Feng Shui, which we can consider the Chinese geomancy, studying the energies of the place to decide the appropriate placement of the house and the rules dictated by the baesanimsu – 배산임수, which literally means mountain behind and river in front.
Having little time to spend in Seoul it is really hard to decide whether to visit this or the Gyeongbokgung Palace – 경복궁 , I advise you to visit them both, but certainly try not to miss the enchanting architectural and landscape wonder that is the Changdeokgung Palace – 창덕궁 .
Visit the Changdeokgung Palace – 창덕궁
Access the Changdeokgung Palace – 창덕궁 from the Donhwamun Gate , the main portal, through the stone bridge Geumcheongyo and a garden you will enter the Injeongjeon Hall , the majestic throne hall, coronation ceremonies were held here and foreign delegations were received.
Next to it you will find the Seonjeongjeon Hall , where the king and his counselors met for the various decisions concerning the country and the Huijeongdang Hall, a sort of office of the king. In the back you can visit the Daejojeon Hall, the residence of the sovereign and his consort, in the south-east corner is the Nakseonjae Complex residence of an important concubine of King Keonjong and just behind the beautiful Sangryangjeong pavilion.
The Huwon secret garden
Although the Gyeongbokgung Palace – 경복궁 is more important and visited, Changdeokgung Palace – 창덕궁 is definitely the most fascinating, harmonious and elegant of the 5 royal palace, especially thanks to the wonderful secret garden, Huwon, a true jewel of landscape architecture that is located in the vast area behind the royal buildings, a place that covers about 60% of the entire surface on which the structures have been built and which recalls landscapes of ancient oriental fairy tales.
Built during the reign of King Taejong the secret garden , or also known as the forbidden garden as only the royal family and a few others could access it, presents several pavilions, buildings and artificial ponds perfectly integrated in the beauty of the surrounding nature, here the sovereigns came to relax and enjoy the landscape untouched by human noise. The best time to visit is probably during the fall, when the surrounding trees and their colors create an even more magical atmosphere.
You will not be able to visit the secret garden of Changdeokgung Palace – 창덕궁 by yourself, but you will have to join one of the guided tours lasting about an hour, which start three or four times per day, depending on the season. You can buy the tour ticket at the entrance to the garden or book online on the official website of the building .
Wear a hanbok while visiting Changdeokgung Palace – 창덕궁
The hanbok are the traditional Korean clothes, around the royal palace and in the Bukchon area several shops rent to tourists for a few hours these elegant and colorful clothes typical of the country’s culture.
Usually those who rent them take selfies and artistic photographs within the walls of the palace or next to a hanok (the traditional Korean houses) in the area.
Wearing the hanbok will give you the chance to get free in the 5 royal palaces!
How to reach the Changdeokgung Palace – 창덕궁
- The best way to reach the beautiful Gyeongbokgung Palace – 경복궁 is to use the effective subway that serves the entire city of Seoul and get off at the station:
– Anguk Station (Line 3), Exit 3. A walk of about 5-10 minutes will take you straight to the entrance of the royal palace. - You can also take one of the frequent buses and get off at Changgyeonggung Palace Bus Stop , these are the numbers you’ll need:
– Blue Bus No. 109, 151, 162, 171, 172, 272
– Green Bus No. 7025 - Or you can use the taxi, in Seoul the price of a ride is relatively cheap.
For more information, see the official Changdeokgung Palace website – 창덕궁
