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.

Gyeonghuigung Palace was constructed as a detached royal villa, where kings of the Jeseon Dynasty stayed during their daily excursions. It is one of the Palaces that make up the Grand Five Palaces built by the Joseon Dynasty. Its construction began in 1617 and was completed in 1623. Gyeonghuigung Palace was originally composed of 100 [...]]]>

Gyeonghuigung Palace Entrance

Gyeonghuigung Palace was constructed as a detached royal villa, where kings of the Jeseon Dynasty stayed during their daily excursions. It is one of the Palaces that make up the Grand Five Palaces built by the Joseon Dynasty. Its construction began in 1617 and was completed in 1623. Gyeonghuigung Palace was originally composed of 100 units of large and small structures. Gyeonghuigung like many palaces in Korea fell victim to disaster during the Japanese occupation. The Japanese destroyed the palace so that they could build a school for Japanese citizens.

In 1980 the old site of Gyeonghuigung Palace was designated a historic site. The Seoul Metropolitan Government excavated the old site to restore its major structures. Due to major urban growth in the area and decades of neglect, the government was only able to reconstruct about 33% of the former Palace. In 2002 this site officially opened its doors to the public.

After entering through the main Heunghwamun gate you can see the Sungjeongmun gate and the steps leading up to the palace. After heading up the steps you arrive into the courtyard. Here you can see Sungjeongjeon. It is the main hall of Gyeonghuigung Palace. Here, kings met with their subjects and arranged official ceremonies. Behind Sungjeongjeon is Jajeongjeon, the king’s living quarters. Also you can find Geumcheongyo bridge, which was part of the original palace in front of the Seoul Museum of History located on the old grounds of Gyeonghuigung Palace.  It was buried by the Imperial Japanese army but restored in 2001.

This palace is very small compared to the other Five Palaces. It is recommended that you also visit the Seoul Museum of history located nearby.

Admission / Opening Hours:
Weekdays: 09:00 – 18:00
Weekends and holidays: 10:00 – 18:00
Closed on Mondays and January 1st.

Entry to this palace is free.

How to get to Gyeonghuigung Palace:
The Palace is located near 5 subway stops.
Line 5 exit 7 at Gwanghwamun Station
Line 5 exit 4 at Seodaemun Station
Line 3 exit 6 at Gyeongbokgung Station
Line 2 exit 12 at City Hall Station
Line 1 exit 3 at City Hall Station
Please click on the map below for the location of the palace

Gyeonbokgung Palace also know as Gyeonbokgung was constructed in 1394. The Palace was destroyed during the Japanese occupation of Korea. The South Korean Government in 1989 started a 40 year initiative to rebuild or repair the damage that was done during the Japanese occupation.

You can easily spend hours wandering around this Palace. The whole [...]]]>

Gyeonbokgung Palace Entrance

Gyeonbokgung Palace also know as Gyeonbokgung was constructed in 1394. The Palace was destroyed during the Japanese occupation of Korea. The South Korean Government in 1989 started a 40 year initiative to rebuild or repair the damage that was done during the Japanese occupation.

You can easily spend hours wandering around this Palace. The whole area is divided up into different sections. You have the Living quarters, Pavillion, Shrines, Official Quarters, compounds and many more.

Opening Hours:
March through October: 9am to 6pm
November through February: 9am to 5pm
Open until 7pm on Weekends and National Holidays (May to August only).
Ticket booth will close one hour before closing of the palace.
Closed on Tuesdays

Admission:
3’000 Won (Half price for Kids and Teens from 7 to 18)

Free Guided Walking Tours:
English at 11am, 1.30pm and 3.30pm
Japanese at 10am, 12.30pm and 2.30pm
Chinese at 10.30am, 1pm and 3pm

Changing of Guards:
Every hour from 1oam to 4pm

How To Get to Gyeongbokgung Palace:

There are 3 lines located near the Palace. See the picture below for more info.
The easiest way to get there is to take Line 3 to Gyeongbokgung station and leave exit 5.
View larger map

For more information visit the official site http://www.royalpalace.go.kr/html/eng/main/main.jsp