Changdeokgung Palace, Seoul (must see)
Changdeokgung Palace, also known as Prospering Virtue Palace, has a beautiful setting in one of Seoul's parks. The palace enjoys status as one of the Joseon Dynasty's Five Grand Palaces. One of the noteworthy things about this 15th-century palace is that it blends into the natural topography in a way not commonly seen in other buildings.
The Donhwamun Gate and Geumcheongyo Bridge are two of the oldest structures on the property built in the 15th century. Injeongjeon Hall served as an area for coronations, as well as the reception of envoys. Seonjeongjeon Hall was the location for daily meetings with the king and government ministers, while Juhamnu Pavilion was once the royal library.
Huijeongdang Hall, a residence for the king, and Daejojeon Hall, the queen's residence, are also noteworthy. Yeon-gyeongdang Residence is an 1827 audience hall. Huwon is a garden consisting of 78 acres in the back of the palace.
Changdeokgung Palace is a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Why You Should Visit:
Although sometimes referred as a 'backup' palace to Gyeongbokgung, the interior is actually more complete. As such, you will be able to have a better understanding of how life in a palace is like. The "Secret Garden" is a must-see.
Tip:
Those wearing 'hanbok' can enter the palace free. You can also buy the Royal Palace Pass that gives you free entrance to 5 palaces (including the 'Secret Garden', which is a highlight of this palace visit).
The Donhwamun Gate and Geumcheongyo Bridge are two of the oldest structures on the property built in the 15th century. Injeongjeon Hall served as an area for coronations, as well as the reception of envoys. Seonjeongjeon Hall was the location for daily meetings with the king and government ministers, while Juhamnu Pavilion was once the royal library.
Huijeongdang Hall, a residence for the king, and Daejojeon Hall, the queen's residence, are also noteworthy. Yeon-gyeongdang Residence is an 1827 audience hall. Huwon is a garden consisting of 78 acres in the back of the palace.
Changdeokgung Palace is a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Why You Should Visit:
Although sometimes referred as a 'backup' palace to Gyeongbokgung, the interior is actually more complete. As such, you will be able to have a better understanding of how life in a palace is like. The "Secret Garden" is a must-see.
Tip:
Those wearing 'hanbok' can enter the palace free. You can also buy the Royal Palace Pass that gives you free entrance to 5 palaces (including the 'Secret Garden', which is a highlight of this palace visit).
Want to visit this sight? Check out these Self-Guided Walking Tours in Seoul. Alternatively, you can download the mobile app "GPSmyCity: Walks in 1K+ Cities" from iTunes App Store or Google Play Store. The app turns your mobile device to a personal tour guide and it works offline, so no data plan is needed when traveling abroad.
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Changdeokgung Palace on Map
Sight Name: Changdeokgung Palace
Sight Location: Seoul, South Korea (See walking tours in Seoul)
Sight Type: Attraction/Landmark
Guide(s) Containing This Sight:
Sight Location: Seoul, South Korea (See walking tours in Seoul)
Sight Type: Attraction/Landmark
Guide(s) Containing This Sight:
Walking Tours in Seoul, South Korea
Create Your Own Walk in Seoul
Creating your own self-guided walk in Seoul is easy and fun. Choose the city attractions that you want to see and a walk route map will be created just for you. You can even set your hotel as the start point of the walk.
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The capital of South Korea, Seoul, is a bustling metropolis. Located along the banks of the Han River, the city boasts more than 2,000 years of history. Back in the ancient times, three kingdoms – Baekje, Goguryeo, and Silla – fought over the possession of this strategic location. After the Joseon Dynasty came to power in 1392, Seoul was named their capital.
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Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 3.5 Km or 2.2 Miles
Most of the historic landmarks... view more
Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 3.5 Km or 2.2 Miles
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Tour Duration: 1 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 1.8 Km or 1.1 Miles
A hanok, traditional Korean house, was designed and first built in the 14th century under the Joseon Dynasty. Ancient Korean architecture was heavily influenced by Chinese Feng Shui teaching which... view more
Tour Duration: 1 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 1.8 Km or 1.1 Miles
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Once an old market area, today Insa-dong is a buzzing shopping and dining district where the past meets the present. It started off 500 years ago as a residential quarter for government officials. During the Japanese occupation in the 1940s, wealthy Koreans were forced to move out and sell their belongings, at which point the district became a center of antique trading.
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Tour Duration: 1 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 0.8 Km or 0.5 Miles
After the Korean War of... view more
Tour Duration: 1 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 0.8 Km or 0.5 Miles
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