Changdeokgung Palace, Seoul

South Korea has a long history and culture, especially the palace complex left over from the Joseon Dynasty (1392-1897), which remains an important cultural heritage of South Korea. Among them, Changdeokgung is not only one of the best-preserved Joseon royal palaces, but also listed as a World Cultural Heritage by UNESCO. It is known as the palace with the most oriental aesthetics because of its unique design that combines natural landscapes with traditional palace architecture. This time, I came to Changdeokgung and experienced the charm of this historical palace and its peaceful beauty that coexists harmoniously with nature. ⸻ Introduction to Changdeokgung Palace Changdeokgung Palace was built in 1405 as the second palace of the Joseon Dynasty and was the favorite residence of many Joseon kings. Compared with the orthodox palace Gyeongbokgung, the design of Changdeokgung is closer to nature. The building and the mountain complement each other, showing the unique Korean traditional palace aesthetics. The palace includes important buildings such as Renzheng Hall, Xuanzheng Hall, and Xizheng Hall, and its famous **Houyuan (Secret Garden)** is a beautiful royal garden. ⸻ Tour Experience Entering Changdeokgung Palace – a blend of history and tranquility On that day, I walked from Anguk Subway Station to Changdeokgung Palace. Along the way, I saw traditional Korean houses and modern buildings interweaving, giving a feeling of time and space interweaving. After entering Changdeok Palace, I was immediately attracted by the atmosphere here. Unlike the grandeur of Gyeongbokgung Palace, Changdeok Palace gives people a low-key and simple feeling. The overall architectural style blends perfectly with the surrounding natural environment, appearing peaceful and harmonious. ⸻ Main palace area 1. Injeongjeon (the king’s official government palace) Injeongjeon is the main hall of Changdeokgung Palace and is where the king handles state affairs. The building looks simple and elegant, but one can still feel the royal majesty. The stone tablet in front of the main hall marked the positions of officials, allowing me to imagine the scene of civil and military officials attending court here at that time. 2. Seonjeongjeon (King’s Office) Compared to the formal style of Injeongjeon, Seonjeongjeon is where the king works on a daily basis. The architectural style here is relatively restrained, yet full of elegance. Standing here, I can feel the scenes of the king handling state affairs and meeting with ministers, as if I had traveled back to the Joseon Dynasty. 3. Xizheng Hall (the king’s study) This is where the king reads, studies and discusses confidential state affairs on a daily basis. The space is small but full of bookish atmosphere, which allows me to gain more understanding of the academic accomplishment of the Joseon king. ⸻ Secret Garden (Houyuan) - The Essence of Changdeokgung Palace The most beautiful place in Changdeokgung Palace is its secret garden (back garden). The Secret Garden was originally the private garden of the royal family. Only the king and members of the royal family could enter. It has an extremely peaceful and harmonious atmosphere. The scenery here is beautiful in all four seasons: cherry blossoms in spring, lush greenery in summer, colorful maple leaves in autumn, and a world of silver in winter. The most famous attractions in the Secret Garden include: • Buyongji: This is a beautiful artificial pond surrounded by quaint pavilions and green trees. The palace is reflected on the lake surface, creating a picturesque scenery. This was once a place for the royal family to rest and hold banquets, and now it is one of the favorite photography spots for tourists. • Zhouhe Tower and Ailian Pond: This is where the royal family studied Confucian classics. The pond is full of lotus flowers. The blooming lotus flowers in summer add a sense of elegance and refinement to the secret garden. • Okryukcheon: This is a small stream that flows through the secret garden, with layers of stone steps and quaint Korean buildings on both sides. The sound of the water is refreshing. I stand here, listening to the sound of flowing water, and feeling the harmonious beauty between nature and architecture. Although you need to buy an extra ticket to visit the Secret Garden, I think it is worth it because the scenery here is so beautiful! ⸻ Thoughts and thoughts This visit to Changdeokgung Palace allowed me to deeply appreciate the unique charm of Korean palace architecture. Compared to the magnificence and grandeur of Gyeongbokgung Palace, Changdeokgung Palace is more inclined to natural integration and restrained beauty, allowing people to feel tranquility and harmony in this historical monument. The scenery of the Secret Garden, in particular, made me imagine the royal family members of that time taking walks, reciting poems, and drinking tea here, as if I had traveled back to the Joseon Dynasty hundreds of years ago. This is not only a palace, but more like a poetic work of art. Every building, every path, and every leaf reflects the Joseon Dynasty’s understanding of “harmony between man and nature.” I spent a few leisurely hours here, enjoying the beautiful scenery and learning about Korean history and culture. It was a very rewarding experience. ⸻ Travel suggestions 1. Visiting hours • The opening hours of Changdeokgung Palace are from 9:00 to 18:00 (depending on the season). It is recommended to visit in the morning to avoid the afternoon crowds. • The Secret Garden requires additional tickets and has fixed guided tour times. It is recommended to make an appointment in advance or plan your time well to avoid missing it. 2. Clothing and preparation • If you are visiting in autumn or winter, please bring warm clothes because the Secret Garden area is large and requires a long walk. • In spring and summer, it is recommended to bring sunscreen and water to prevent heat stroke or sunburn. 3. Photography and Recording • There are many beautiful sights in Changdeokgung Palace suitable for taking photos. It is recommended to bring a wide-angle lens, especially in the Secret Garden, where you can capture the picturesque scenery. ⸻ Conclusion Changdeokgung is a palace full of historical charm and natural beauty. Whether you are a tourist interested in Korean history or a lover of classical architecture and natural scenery, you should visit here. I am very glad that I chose to visit here, because it brings me not only visual enjoyment, but also a kind of spiritual peace and satisfaction. If I have the chance to visit Seoul again, I will definitely choose a different season to visit this beautiful palace again!