Changgyeong Palace was the third palace compound built during the Joseon Dynasty after Gyeongbok Palace and Changdeok Palace. Many Kings preferred to stay at Changdeok Palace and the number of royal family members increased, filling the palace to its capacity. Therefore, King Seongjong had Changgyeong Palace built next [...]]]>

Changgyeong Palace

Changgyeong Palace was the third palace compound built during the Joseon Dynasty after Gyeongbok Palace and Changdeok Palace. Many Kings preferred to stay at Changdeok Palace and the number of royal family members increased, filling the palace to its capacity. Therefore, King Seongjong had Changgyeong Palace built next to Changdeok Palace.

Changgyeong Palace was built in 1483 and then destroyed in 1592-8 during the Japanese invasion. In 1616 the palace was rebuilt only to be burnt down, rebuilt, destroyed again and again until finally the palace was demolished by the Japanese Occupation Government to make way for a museum, zoo and botanical garden. In 1983 the zoo and museum were removed and restoration work began on Changgyeong Palace.

Changgyeong Palace is quite small compared to the other main palaces but has a tranquil vibe to it. About 70% of the compound is made up of open green spaces, trees and a pond. After viewing the palace you could easily spend the next few hours wandering around and finding little pockets of history throughout the compound. With the inexpensive entrance fee of 1,000 won you can find people who come here to get away from the hustle and bustle of downtown Seoul, relax, read a book or even go power walking or jogging. East of the palace you will find Chundangji. Chundangji used to be a rice paddy that the King personally plowed however it was turned into a pond. Near to the pond you will see a giant greenhouse. It was designed by a Japanese architect and built by a French building company in 1909. At that time it was the largest conservatory in Asia and rare plants were exhibited.

Opening Hours / Admission:
Closed every Monday.
November – March: 09:00 ~ 17:30
April – October: 09:00 ~ 18:30
Ticket booths close one hour before closing.

Admission:
Adults: 1,000 won
Children: 500 won

How to get to Changgyeon Palace:
Take line 4 to Hyehwa station and leave exit 4. Take a look at the map below for more details.

The National Treasures of South Korea are a numbered set of treasures, artifacts, sites, and buildings which are recognized by South Korea as having exceptional artistic, cultural heritage and historical value. Currently there are 315 National treasures. The Cultural Heritage Administration of [...]]]>

Changdeokgung Palace

The National Treasures of South Korea are a numbered set of treasures, artifacts, sites, and buildings which are recognized by South Korea as having exceptional artistic, cultural heritage and historical value. Currently there are 315 National treasures. The Cultural Heritage Administration of Korea monitor, decide and protect the National Treasures. The treasures are numbered according to the order in which they were designated not according to their individual value.

On February 10th, 2008 National Treasure No. 1 was destroyed. Namdaemun Gate which was designated as the first National Treasure of Korea on December 20th, 1962 was destroyed by an arson attack.

Injeongjeon Hall in Changdeokgung Palace, Seoul was designated as National Treasure No. 226 on Janurary the 8th, 1985. Injeongjeon is the throne, which was used for holding the most formal of state events such as audiences with ministers, coronation ceremonies and receptions of foreign envoys. The plum blossom pattern on the roof was added in 1897 to symbolise the imperial status of the Great Han Empire.

Injeongjeon Hall is located in Changdeok Palace.

Admission:
Changdeokgung Palace
Adults : 3,000won
Children : 1,500won

Opening hours:
April – October 09:00 – 18:30
March & November 09:00~17:30
December – February 09:00~17:00

How to get Chandeok Palace:
There are many subway stations located nearby. Check the map for your best route.
- From Exit #3 of Anguk Subway Station (Seoul Subway Line No. 3), walk 5 minutes.
- From Exit #6 of Jongno 3-ga Subway Station (Seoul Subway Line No. 1, 3 and 5), walk 10 minutes.