Where in Korea have you been to?
<Changdeokgung Palace>
The second out of five royal palaces is Changdeokgung.
Changdeokgung Palace has been designated as UNESCO World Cultural Heritage because it is the most similar to how it was during the Chosun dynasty.
Changdeokgung palace was built as a secondary palace after Gyeongbokgung in 1405.
However, Kings have stayed at Changdeokgung for the longest.
During the Japanese invasion of Korea, Changdeokgung was set on fire by civilians because they were mad at their king who flew away. Thankfully, it was renovated in 1611 by Gwanghaegun, which is what we see today.
(Image from: Korea tourism organization)
(Image from: Korea tourism organization)
As you can see in the pictures, a lot of tourists visit Changdeokgung palace.
One of the reasons would be that they provide tours in Korea, English, Japanese and Chinese.
The tour schedules are as follows.
| Language | Hours | Time | Tour Course | Required | Note |
| Korean(Mar.~Oct.) | 9:30 11:30 13:30 15:30 16:30 | 5 | Donhwamun Gate → Injeongjeon Hall → Seonjeongjeon Hall → Huijeongdang Hall → Daejojeon Hall → Seongjeonggak Hall → Nakseonjae Complex | 60min. | Self guided tours and guided tours are both available. |
| Korean(Nov.~Feb.) | 9:30 11:30 13:30 15:30 | 4 | |||
| English | 10:30 14:30 | 2 | |||
| Chinese | 10:00, 16:00 | 2 | |||
| Japanese | 12:30 | 1 |
(Image from: Korea tourism organization)
This is Korea's 255th national treasure, Injeongjeon Hall.
Numerous Kings had their coronations ceremonies here.
Also, important events were held at this hall, making it one of the most distinct buildings of Changdeokgung palace.
(Image from: Korea tourism organization)
This is Korea's 1764th treasure, Nakseongjae complex.
It was a separately detached house as well as the King's library.
(Image from: Korea tourism organization)
This is Aeryeonjeong pavilion.
It got its name from lotus flowers.
(Image from: Korea tourism organization)
(Image from: Cultural Heritage Administration)
Here, you can see Eosumun and Juhamnu.
Juhamnu is a two-storied building. On the first floor was Kyujanggak and the second floor was a study area for scholars.
(Image from: Korea tourism organization)
And in front of Juhamnu is a pond with Buyongjeong and Sajenggibigak as shown in the picture above.
At the Changdeokgung palace, there are a total of 8 treasures of Korea and natural monument.
If you visit Changdeokgung palace's website, there is a guidebook that is free for download.
For those of you planning to visit the palace, it is recommended to have a copy of the guidebook to look for the eight significant treasures!
The opening hours of Chengdeokgung palace are as follows.
Feb~May, Sept~Oct 09:00~18:00
June~Aug 09:00~18:30
Nov~Jan 09:00~17:30
*Tickets close an hour before closing time
The entrance fees are as follows
[Foreigners]
Adults (19~64yrs): GA 3,000 / secret garden 5,000
Under 18yrs: GA 1,500 / secret garden 2,500
Group over 10: 10% on GA tickets
**Hanbok wearers can enter Changdeokgung palace for free**
Visit Raon to get your perfect Hanbok! :D
Changdeokgung website: http://www.cdg.go.kr/main/main.htm
Changdeokgung Tel: 02-3668-2300
