Changdeokgung Palace

Finally an entry on place I went in Korea :)

After checking in and freshen up a little bit, we walked to our first destination, Changdeokgung Palace about 200m away from Beewon. We were that close to one of the many still standing Korean heritage built in 1405 (it was too long ago, I couldn't imagine life then). If u are coming from other places, I suggest u use subway and stop at Anguk Station Exit 3 and walk about 5 minutes to palace's entrance. Otherwise, u can come from Exit 6 of Jongno 3-ga Station and do 10 minutes walking.

Changdeokgung Palace was designated as UNESCO World Heritage in 1997. It deserve the recognition and status for its prominent Far Eastern architecture and design and harmoniously blending with the nature surrounding it. Every building's placement was carefully positioned to create tranquility effect. The statement of King Seongjong, the 15th year of King Seongjong's reign could also support in its selection back then.

"Even though Gyeongbukgong is magnificent and splendid, the ideal place of this capital city is Changdeokgung"

I vouch his statement (and u would too after u visited Changdeokgung).





I'm not a history buff nor like dwelling too much on past events (I try to focus on future). I hated History, the good grade I got was just from memorizing it hardly ;') but knowing a little background and history do score more appreciation to the place. It always does. That could be reason History is included in our compulsory subject at school.

The tour guide will loaded u with many interesting historical facts it held since 1405. Some might choose to ignore due to many king names were mentioned and they are not related to your life. I tried to appreciate and gain value for W 3000 admission ticket I bought by staying close to my guide and absorbed as much info as possible to stimulate this brain of mine travel back date when Dynasty Joseon was in their paramount era. That way, I hoped to embrace the feeling living in a beautiful palace as royalty *dreaming*

Tour started at Donhwamun Gate, the main gate of Changdeokgung. It is the oldest palace gate still exist in Korea.



Donhwa means great virtue teaches people and influenced them to be warm-hearted



Then continued to Geumcheongyo.




 

And to Injeongmun Gate and Injeongjeon Palace. Important national events such as coronation, congratulatory ceremony and reception of envoys were held here.

Civil official would line up before their rank stone in the east side while military in the west side.

I was then amazed by the roofing details, colours and sculpture.

Progressing further brought us to many other buildings in the palace compound.

And to library too.



Were acting as students in front of library


And finally its beautiful gardens.

The 80-minutes General Tour however didn't cover all buildings and parts of Secret Garden in this 110 acres palace complex. There is Secret Garden Tour if u intend to visit more than quarter part the General Tour covers. Due to the remaining part of Secret Garden has special ecology protection as well as cultural properties protection, it is only limit to 3 sessions per day at W 5000.

It was such a great honour to visit one of the "Five Grand Palaces" in Seoul although I didn't meet any available prince there :')
    

 
@travelleranatomy.blogspot.com