Changdeokgung Palace and Huwon
| |
| Address |
| 2-71 Waryong-dong Jongno-gu, Seoul |
| Description |
Changdeokgung Palace is composed of the public official space, the king’s
residence and the rear garden. Changdeokgung Palace is the only palace that
preserves the architectural style of the Joseon Dynasty. The rear garden used to
be the king’s resting place where 300-year-old trees, pond and pavilion are
harmoniously organized with nature itself.
Past Donhwa Gate and into the
palace, Geumcheon Bridge appears from the right. Constructed during the 11th
year of King Tae-Jong’s (1411) reign, this stone bridge is the oldest of it’s
kind that remains in Seoul. The entrance of Injeongjeon (the royal audience
chamber) is at the end of the bridge and the ridge of this chamber’s roof is
unusually decorated with flower patterns. These patterns were attached by the
Japanese to disgrace the royal family and cannot be found at any other ridge.
There are nine statues each on the eves of Injeongjeon. These statues prevent
evil spirits from entering, and the number of statues differ – five statues for
each eve at Jinseonmun, and seven for Donhwamun. Behind the right door of
Injeongjeon, there is the king’s official chamber called Seonjeongjeon. Blue
tiles were used only for the palace, which gives an explanation for the blue
tiles of the Presidential Residence of Korea. The cement road between the walls
of Changdeokgung Palace and Changgyeonggung Palace lead to Huwon garden.
Buyongjeong and Johapru here frequently appear in photos introducing Korea. The
garden is formed in the shape of the Korean alphabet with a pond in the
center. Also, one must pass Bulo gate made of a big stone into the shape to
step out of the palace and reach Yeongeongdang, the 99-room house of the highest
ranking nobleman.
| |
| Directions |
- At Anguk Station (Seoul Subway Line No. 3/exit No.3) walk towards Biwon for
20
minutes.
- At Jongno 3(sam)-ga Station (Seoul Subway line No. 5/exit
No.6)takes 10 min to
Changduk Palace on foot.
| |
| Information |
1. Tel: : +82-2-762-8262 (Korean)
2. Homepage: http://www.ocp.go.kr/ (Korean,
English)
3. Hours : Mar.-Oct. 09:15~17:15 (at 30 minute intervals) / Nov.-Feb.
09:00~16:00
(at hourly intervals)
4. Guide: It is recommended that
visitors tour along with guides, as separate tours
are not allowed (one hour and 20 minutes required for tour)
|
|
Admission time |
|
Korean |
Dec.-Mar. |
09:45 ~ 16:45 (every 45 min) |
| Apr.-Nov. |
09:15 ~ 17:15 (every 15 to 25 mins) |
|
Japanese |
Nov.-Feb |
10:30, 12:30, 14:30 |
| Mar.-Oct. |
10:30, 12:30, 14:30, 16:30 |
|
English |
Jan.-Dec. |
11:30, 13:30, 15:30 |
|
Chinese |
Jan.-Dec. |
09:30, 16:00 |
- Closed:
Every Monday
- Admission Fee: Age 25 and over 2,300 won, Age 7-24 and Youth
1,200 won |
| Travel TIPS |
| In front of Donhwamun, Changing of the Royal Guards Ceremony is held 3 times from 2 PM daily. |
