Changdeokgung

Changdeokgung is a significant former royal palace located in Seoul, South Korea.

The name translates to "Palace of Prospering Virtue." It is recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site and a Historic Site of South Korea. This palace is one of the best-preserved examples of Korean palace architecture. It sits to the east of the official main palace, Gyeongbokgung. Because of this location, it is often grouped with the neighboring Changgyeonggung palace. Together, these two sites are known as the "East Palace."

The palace was established during the Joseon dynasty. King Taejong ordered its creation in 1404 to serve as a secondary palace, or igung.

Historians suggest several reasons for this decision. Some scholars believe Taejong wanted to avoid Gyeongbokgung due to unpleasant memories or bad feng shui. Feng shui is a traditional system of geomancy used to determine ideal locations. Other historians argue he wanted a space free from the political pressure of government offices. Construction began on the 6th day of the 10th month in 1404. A supervisor named Yi Chik managed a large workforce. This team included artisans, soldiers, monks, and commoners. The first phase of building concluded in 1405. At that time, the palace contained between 192 and 287 rooms.

Throughout the Joseon period, the palace underwent many changes. King Sejo expanded the grounds to the north and east. He mobilized 19,000 people from the Hanyang region for this project. Later, King Seongjo expanded the palace further and named all 29 of its gates in 1475. However, the Imjin War in 1592 brought great destruction. During this conflict, all the palaces in the city were completely burned down.

Following the war, the government faced severe budgetary constraints. Because of these financial limits, Gyeongbokgung was not repaired immediately. Instead, the state focused on restoring Changdeokgung and Changgyeonggung. This decision effectively made Changdeokgung the main palace for several centuries. By 1648, the palace had grown to include approximately 735 rooms.

The palace faced further instability during political shifts. In 1623, rebels burned almost all the buildings during the Injo coup. Only a few structures survived, such as Injeongjeon and Sujeongjeon. King Injo later renovated the rear gardens to find relaxation. Construction was often interrupted by invasions, such as the 1636 Qing invasion. Despite these setbacks, the palace remained a central hub for the monarchy. In the 19th century, the royal family moved between Changdeokgung and Gyeongbokgung. After the 1876 fire at Gyeongbokgung, the royals returned to Changdeokgung for several years. This period saw constant maintenance and rebuilding to keep the palace functional.

The early 20th century brought significant political changes to Korea. In 1907, Japan forced King Gojong to abdicate his throne. His son, Sunjong, became the final Korean monarch. Sunjong made Changdeokgung his official palace. However, Japan colonized Korea in 1910 and heavily altered the palace grounds.

Even after the liberation of Korea in 1945, the royal family continued to reside there. They remained in the palace until the late 20th century. This long history of residence makes the site a vital link to the Joseon era.

Today, Changdeokgung is a major destination for global tourists.

A highlight of the grounds is the Secret Garden. This area was long beloved by the Korean monarchs for its beauty. It contains various structures, such as the pavilion Samsamwa.

Visitors can see beautiful ponds and greenery throughout the garden. Some sections of the Secret Garden are open to the general public. Other parts require visitors to book specific tours to enter. This preserves the quiet atmosphere that the kings once enjoyed.

The palace serves as a complex study of Korean history and architecture. It shows how a secondary palace can become a primary seat of power. The survival of the site through wars, fires, and colonization is remarkable. It demonstrates the resilience of Korean cultural heritage. By studying the layout and the various halls, one can understand the administrative needs of the Joseon dynasty. The palace remains a living connection to the past in the middle of modern Seoul.