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Seoul(Jongno-gu) , Insadong・Jongnon

Changdeokgung Palace was the second royal villa built following the construction of Gyeongbukgung Palace in 1405. It was the principal palace for many kings of the Joseon Dynasty, and is the most well-preserved of the five remaining royal Joseon palaces. The palace grounds are comprised of a public palace area, a royal family residence building, and the rear garden. Known as a place of rest for the kings, the rear garden boasts a gigantic tree that is over 300 years old, a small pond and a pavilion.The palace gained importance starting from the time of Seongjong, the 9th king of Joseon, when a number of kings began using it as a place of residence. Unfortunately, the palace was burned down by angry citizens in 1592 when the royal family fled their abode during the Japanese invasion of Korea. Thanks to Gwanghaegun, the palace was restored in 1611. Even today, it houses a number of cultural treasures, such as Injeongjeon Hall, Daejojeon Hall, Seonjeongjeon Hall, and Nakseonjae.Changdeokgung Palace’s rear garden was constructed during the reign of King Taejong and served as a resting place for the royal family members. The garden had formerly been called Bukwon and Geumwon, but was renamed Biwon after King Kojong came into power. The garden was kept as natural as possible and was touched by human hands only when absolutely necessary. Buyongjeong, Buyongji, Juhabru, Eosumun, Yeonghwadang, Bullomun, Aeryeonjeong, and Yeongyeongdang are some of the many pavilions and fountains that occupy the garden. The most beautiful time to see the garden is during the fall when the autumn foliage is at its peak and the leaves have just started to fall.Though it has been treasured by Koreans for centuries, Changdeokgung Palace was recognized as a World Cultural Heritage site by the UNESCO World Cultural Heritage Committee in December of 1997 during the committee meeting in Naples, Italy.(Click here for more information on Changdeokgung Palace, a UNESCO World Heritage Site)Changdeokgung Palace was one of the places visited by the first ladies of the Seoul G20 summit during the G20 conference in Seoul in November 2010. It is one of the most historically significant attractions that represent the beauty of Korea.


Seoul(Jongno-gu) , Insadong・Jongnon

Daejojeon Hall was the queen’s residence at Changdeokgung Palace. Originally built in 1405 (5th year of King Taejo’s reign during the Joseon Dynasty), the hall had been destroyed by fires multiple times since then. The current structure is the one rebuilt in 1920 with materials taken from Gyotaejeon Hall at Gyeongbokgung Palace after being burnt down in 1917. Daejeojeon is differentiated from other palace buildings in that it has no ridge on the roof. The center bedroom is surrounded by small-sized rooms for court ladies to attend to the king and the queen.


Seoul(Jongno-gu) , Insadong・Jongnon

Changdeokgung Theater is located across from Changdeokgung Palace in the Gungangno Special Cultural Zone of Seoul. Sogeukjans, meaning small theater, provide a unique and intimate atmosphere. Built to promote Korean music, the stage and seating at Changdeokgung are arranged for audience members to sit on the floor similar to in a traditional restaurant or home. The theater offers a wide array of performances including Samulnori (Korean traditional percussion music), traditional Korean music, and Madanggeuk (a play infused with traditional music and performances). First time visitors often find the creative and cozy experience to create a lasting memory of Korean culture and arts. Also nearby the theater are a number of tourist attractions including Changdeokgung Palace, Unhyeongung Palace, Jongmyo Shrine Park, and Insa-dong. 


Seoul(Jongno-gu) , Insadong・Jongnon

Explore Changdeokgung Palace by Night The Moonlight Tour at Changdeokgung Palace with begin on June 1st and run through Nov. 5th, 2017. Visitors will be able to tour Changdeokgung Palace by moonlight and learn more about this UNESCO World Heritage Site with a guided tour of the palace. Tour Huwon Garden by moonlight and learn about Changdeokgung Palace and the kings and queens of the Joseon Dynsasty with a special guided tour of the palace. The tour also includes traditional Korean refreshments and a traditional Korean arts performance. Changdeokgung Palace is an outstanding example of palace architecture and Eastern design. Changdeokgung is normally closed to the public at night, so don't miss this chance to see the palace by night with the Moonlight Tour at Changeokgung Palace. ※ Please be aware that available admission days and tours differ for Korean nationals and foreign nationals. Reserve tickets online. - Korean nationals, reserve here - Foreign nationals, reserve here        


Seoul(Jongno-gu)

인정문은 인정전의 정문으로 태종5년(1405) 창건한 것이나 임진왜란때 소실되어 광해군 원년(1608)겨 재건하였다. 영조20년(1744) 10월 승정원 화재때 좌우 행각과 함께 소실되어 이듬해 3월에 재건하였다. 순조3년(1803) 12월에 선정전 서행각에서 화재가 나 인정전 등이 소실되매 이듬해 12월에 개건하였는데 이문도 그때 재건된 것으로 여겨진다. 다포계양식, 팔작지붕의 평삼문형으로 가구수범에서 조선후기의 특징이 나타나 있다. 1910년에 일제에 의해 주위건물과 함께 일부변형 되었다. 현재 외벽을 만들고 앞뒤에 문을 달았으나 원래는 중앙 고주사이에 문을 달았던 것으로 추정된다. 3급으로 쌓은 석조기단 위에 초석을 놓고 원주(圓柱)를 세웠으며 기둥 윗몸에 창방(昌枋)과 평방(平枋)을 짜 돌려 공포(慊包)를 받았다. 공포는 외2출목, 내2출목, 짜임은 삼제공이 중첩하는 형상이고 도리받침부재는 운형(雲形)으로 깎았다. 외부의 평방과 창방은 중앙 평주(平柱) 위에서만 초각물(草刻物)을 삽입하여 놓았으며 내부는 이제공(二提慊)까지는 직절(直絶)한 첨차 끝이 되었으며 그 위는 운궁(雲宮)처럼 되어 도리까지 나가 보 아래에서 보아지가 되었다. 천장은 연등천장이고 처마는겹처마이며 단청은 반초머리의 모루단청이다. 인정문 좌우 행각과 인정전의 문비(門扉)는 일제 때에 왜식(倭式)이 가미되어 변형된 부분이 많다. 인정문에서는 역대의 많은 왕들의 즉위가 있었는데 효종 · 현종 · 숙종 · 영조 등이 이 곳에서 즉위하였다.


Seoul(Jongno-gu) , Insadong・Jongnon

As part of the Creation of Living Palaces project, the Changdeokgung Palace Moonlight Tour offers a unique opportunity to witness and experience palatial beauty. The tour begins from the main gate, Donhwamun Gate (돈화문), and continues on for approximately two hours through Injeongjeon Hall (인정전), Nakseonjae (낙선재), and Huwon (후원, meaning "secret garden"). To make a reservation, visit the Korea Cultural Heritage Foundation website. Reservations are accepted from 20 days before the event.Initially built as a royal villa, Changdeokgung Palace became the central governance compound during the Joseon Dynasty after the former principal palace, Gyeongbokgung Palace, was burned to the ground during the Japanese invasion in the 16th century. In addition to its political significance, the palace is known for its aesthetics and architecture, set against breathtaking natural scenery. In 1997, UNESCO designated Changdeokgung Palace as a World Cultural Heritage site.


Seoul(Jongno-gu) , Insadong・Jongnon

[Paint hanok the modern way - Todaki Guest House] The term todak means "chin up" or "cheer up" in Korean. It has retained the classic side of hanok while being modernly decorated in bright colors that resemble the young spirit of the owner. It's tranquility and comfortable atmosphere are the best features of this guest house, as it only accepts a limited number of guests per day. The rooms and bathrooms are kept clean and tidy. The house has its own beauty for each season, especially because of the sunlight that it lets in, and the luxurious doors that make the rooms warmer during the winter. The old and new of Bukchon Every corner of Bukchon is filled with a diverse array of scenery people. Traditional and modern architecture, antique pottery workshops, and charming coffee shops all draw in the gazes of passersby. On any given day, one can encounter married couples walking hand in hand with their children, students dressed in their school uniforms, elderly couples walking together in their comfy shoes, and foreign tourists taking pictures dressed in hanbok. The northern village, called Bukchon (북촌), was built between Gyeongbokgung (경복궁) and Changdeokgung (창덕궁) palaces, and was historically home to high ranking palace officials. It perfectly preserves the history of the Joseon Dynasty while bringing out the liveliness of Seoul with its multitudes of visitors each year. If you imagine hanok to be an uncomfortable place that exudes a solemn atmosphere, think again. Todaki Guesthouse has retained a classic atmosphere with modern styles designed to suit the taste of youngsters. Clean and attractive interior Entering the gates of Todaki Guest house, the area resembles the Korean symbol "ㅁ", giving it a simple shape that allows one to see the entire structure at a glance. In the small but well-sunlit courtyard, a wooden table and chairs stand quietly. With hahoetal (traditional Korean masks), lighting under the eaves, and small jars and pots, the yard is chuck full of little charming attractions. The guest rooms are decorated with white linen curtains and rustic wood. The white walls are without wallpaper, and the rafters in the ceiling are fully exposed, showing the natural beauty of hanok. If you find sleeping on the floor rather uncomfortable, you may opt to sleep on beds in the Moon Room. The Moon Room is the most popular room, complete with personal toilets in side. Guests staying in the Star Room and the Sunlight Room use a shared bathroom, although it never gets crowed as not many guests stay in the house at any given time. The bathroom interiors include soft lighting and mirrors with a neat wooden frame that reveals the meticulous taste of the owner. [An island-like space with plenty of sun and wind] The house is so delicately decorated that you might not believe that all it was all done by the young owner of the Todaki Guest House. He created this place to share the charm of Bukchon and Hanok with others, opening the guesthouse in spring of 2013. He defines the charm of hanok as the tranquility one finds on an island. This is why he created a veranda, a tolmaru, and a small yard space for the wind to blow in and make guests feel like they're drifting on their own islands. The guests can use the bathrooms and kichen, which were fully renovated with a modern touch. There is also enhanced heat insulation and soundproofing. Complimentary breakfasts are served by the host. Longer-term guests will have a rotation menu between Korean and Western style meals. In order to fully enjoy the Todaki Guesthouse, groups can rent the whole house for themselves. Six is the most comfortable number of guests for staying here, but up to 10 people can be accomodated if you don’t mind the house getting a little crowded


Seoul(Jongno-gu)

Daraenamu Tree in Changdeokgung Palace is estimated to be 600 years old, meaning it had likely been planted before the palace was built. The tree stands 19m in x_height, and has six separate trunks sprawling in all directions. It is the biggest and the oldest in Korea. It is designated and protected as a National Natural Monument.