Envision a palace where the buildings don’t impose. Instead, they blend with the landscape. That’s Changdeokgung Palace, or the Palace of Prospering Virtue. Located in Seoul, it is east of Gyeongbokgung.
Changdeokgung, the East Palace, stands as one of Seoul’s famed Five Grand Palaces. Joseon dynasty kings built these palaces between 1392 and 1897. Many kings favored Changdeokgung. The palace retains Korean elements from the Three Kingdoms period. These elements are absent in the more contemporary Gyeongbokgung.
Construction on Changdeokgung began in 1405. It finished in 1412. King Seonjo expanded the grounds. This expansion included Huwon, its Secret Garden. Japanese forces burned the palace in 1592. King Seonjo and King Gwanghaegun rebuilt it in 1609. Political revolt caused another fire in 1623. Rebuilders have stayed true to the original design through every repair.
Changdeokgung served as the royal court until 1868. The government then rebuilt Gyeongbokgung. Korea’s last king, Sunjong, lived here until he died in 1926.
Today, 13 buildings and 28 pavilions occupy the grounds. They cover 110 acres. The area is Historical Site No. 122. Noteworthy structures include Donhwamun Gate. Built in 1412, it was rebuilt in 1607. It holds a copper bell that weighs eight metric tons. Injeongjeon is the main hall. Huijeongdang served as the king’s residence and later a conference hall. Daejojeon was the queen’s living quarters. Nakseon-jae also stands on the grounds.
Peak Maebong of Mt. Bugaksan is in the back. The palace faces River Geumcheon. This design follows Feng Shui principles. The principle is called baesanimsu. It means back to hill, face to water. Unlike Gyeongbokgung, Changdeokgung’s buildings are arranged freely. They lack a regular system. Despite seeming chaotic, the buildings harmonize with the environment.
Changdeokgung divides into governmental, royal private, Nakseonjae, and Huwon areas. Injeongjeon and Seonjeongjeon were governmental. They were central to the palace. Seonjeongjeon served as the king’s office. Royal private courts housed the king and queen. Kings’ houses like Seonjeongjeon, Huijeongdang, and Nakseonjae had surrounding buildings. These offered protection. The palace’s style features simplicity. It reflects Confucian ideology.
Donhwamun Gate is the main palace gate. It features a two-story wooden structure. Built in 1412, it’s the largest palace gate. Geumcheongyo Bridge is Seoul’s oldest bridge. It was built in 1411. Injeongjeon Hall served as the throne hall. It hosted coronations and welcomed foreign envoys. Seonjeongjeon Hall was an office for ruling officials. Huijeongdang Hall became the king’s workplace. Daejojeon Hall was the queen’s residence.
Behind Changdeokgung lies Huwon, or Secret Garden. It spans 78 acres. It was for royal family use. The garden includes a lotus pond and pavilions. It features lawns, trees, and flowers. Over 26000 trees of 100 species grow here. Some are over 300 years old.
Ongnyucheon, or Jade Stream, is a highlight. It has a U-shaped water channel. Carved in 1636, it floated wine cups. A small waterfall and poem are inscribed on a boulder. The area also has five small pavilions.
UNESCO added Changdeokgung to its World Heritage List in 1997. The committee called it an outstanding example of Far Eastern palace architecture. They praised its integration with the natural setting.
Some might recognize Changdeokgung from the Korean drama Dae Jang Geum. Parts of the palace were used for filming. Visiting Changdeokgung is more than a tour. It’s a journey through Korean history. It’s a testament to blending culture and nature.