Changdeokgung, Royal palace in Jongno District, Seoul, South Korea
Description
Changdeokgung is a royal palace compound in Jongno District in Seoul in South Korea that includes halls and pavilions connected through courtyards. The grounds follow the natural terrain with stepped buildings made of wood, stone and brick covered by curved roofs.
History
King Taejong founded the palace in 1405 as a secondary residence beside the capital. Japanese troops destroyed many buildings in the late 16th century, after which extensive reconstruction followed.
Culture
The name means Palace of Prospering Virtue and reflects Confucian values that shaped the ruling life during the Joseon era. Visitors today see ceremonially used rooms with elaborately painted wooden beams and traditional paper ceilings that framed courtly daily life.
Practical
The entrance is at Donhwamun Gate, which leads visitors through tall wooden doors into the first courtyard. Multi-language guided tours help with orientation through winding corridors and raised thresholds between buildings.
Did you know?
The rear garden Huwon contains ponds, pavilions and trees over 300 years old that were originally reserved for the royal family alone. Some paths in the garden still follow the lines that court officials laid out for ceremonial walks.
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