Changdeok palace - Hidden jewelry of Josun dynasty

  Changduk palace - the hidden treasure of Josun dynasty since 1405 during the reign of King Taejong. The 3'd king of the dynasty, The great King Sejong's father, who made the kingdom stable by cleaning home.  

  The main gate is Donhwamun which means " educating people to make them have warm heart" while Changduk refers to "Prosperous virtue" 

  It has been designated as a world cultural heritage since 1997. Why? 

It shows unique and pure Korean's palace style, which is well preserved with total 31 original buildings ( 13 are in the palace and 18 are in its rear garden) 

 It was destroyed by Japanese invasion in 1592. Reconstructed by King Gwanghae in 1416. when it was rebuilt 18 scholar tree(zelkova) were planted together.
The Uniqueness of Korean palace's main gate is material - wood only (not stone)

Injeongjeon - the main hall looks 2 stories building but it is one story building with high ceiling. Unlike Gyeongbok palace, the central recessed ceiling has 2 Phoenix playing with the magic ball in the cloud. When l saw it l thought it looked crane though.
The courtyard has 12 ranking stone and The terrace has some vessel called Deumeu in the wish of preventing fire. See the curves of eaves !! Korean found the golden rated curves.

Because of authentic beauty, harmony between human and the nature, more kings loved to stay in Changdeok rather than Gyeongbok palace. See! many beautiful ladies put on costume.




The buildings of the palace take their positions as the parts of nature.
This is the uniqueness of Korean gardening is to regard themselves as the parts of nature. All architectures are constructed as they were there from the beginning with mountains, hills, trees, and flowers.. birds whatever you name it.

This is Jabsang or Eocheoguni, small statues on the roof, they are characters of Chinese novel " Journey to the west". Almost all are in odd numbers except several cases.
If you are interested more, call me when you are in Korea. ))

The last king lived at Changduk palace until 1926. Tourists will get surprised with well-mixed modern and classical accessories and ornaments.

    23'd King of Josun dynasty, king Heonjeong's love story covers all compound of Nakseonjae area.

 If you go to the rear garden or secret garden of the palace, you will encounter this building
Buyoung pavilion. Buyong is the lotus flower. If you look it down from the air, you will find it with the fancy roof in the shape of the lotus flower. 21st King, Jeongjo liked this area. Making the poem and enjoyed.

 In front of the Buyong pavilion is the royal library. King's door and officers doors are different in size. So that all officers couldn't have the choice but to bend themselves to show their loyalty and respect.

You will have 4 ponds in the rear garden including above one - Bandoji looks like Korean peninsular. And the roof is constructed like a folding fan.


Except for those, longevity gate, royal family's resting place and stones to train the crown prince with king's walking.

Thousands of stories will hold your whole day.