Travel
The Most Korean-Style Palace Well Harmonized with the Nature
December. 30. 2013
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Changdeok Palace (彰德宮)
The reason for introducing Changdeok Palace instead of Gyeonggok Palace is simple. Changdeok Palace is the only and only palace in Korea listed in the world heritage and also the most Korean-stylized palace well harmonized with the nature at the same time.
EditorㆍLee Tae Young｜PictureㆍBae Jin Hee｜Resources provided byㆍCultural Heritage Administration, Changdeok Palace management office
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Watch small but beautiful Changdeok Palace
It might have been the biggest size among all the entrances in the palace, but Donhwamoon (the 383th heritage) in a magnificent view is a borderline for people to be able to watch Changdeok Palace.
After passing through Geumcheon-bridge (the 1762th heritage) that was built in a hope for vassals to purify their minds before coming into the palace in the past, Injeongjeon (the 225th national heritage), a place where important national ceremonies used to be held, is shown bringing people in a delusion to think that it might have been a two-story building. In the past, there were jeon-stones made by dirts inside of the palace, but the whole place was remodeled as a western-style palace in 1908. Of course, it is prohibited to come inside making it not available to sit on the throne in person. However, it might as well be possible for us to experience what it was like to be a king in the past when watching all those little stones spanning through the yard.
It must be natural to feel bored when walking along the Seonjeong-jeon (the 814th heritage), Heejeong-dang (the 815th heritage), Daejo-jeon (the 816th heritage) after passing though Injeongjeon since they are all in a same mode. In fact, all the palaces are somewhat in a similar form only with different purpose of the usage. However, Changdeok Palace worth much more than merely to be watched by people for fun. The biggest attraction of Changdeok Palace is that it was built in the nature. Come to think of it, it might be easy to figure out that palace was not built on the level ground. Well harmonized with the nature without artificially constructing the structure on the ground, Changdeok Palace is standing in the nature representing the true beauty, and this is regarded to be the most Korean-style view of a structure and also remarkable feature of Changdeok Palace. Therefore, it is highly recommended to watch Changdeok Palace as well as peripheral views in a wide scope.
Rest area of the royal family built with natural topography
Changdeok Palace is not in a big scale. Furthermore, it might as well be as common as other palaces except for how much it was harmonized with the nature. However, this is not the whole story. Changdeok Palace worth much more than this. There is a long journey spanning ahead of us to watch Changdeok Palace. In other words, the highlight of the Changdeok Palace is Huwon.
Walking along the guide sign (very easy to find out), people tend to feel refreshed on the way to Huwon. Leafy trees are standing making hot sunlight as warm light, and cool wind is blowing welcoming all the visitors in trees. Huwon had been remodeled, renovated, and enlarged generation by generation since Taejong dynasty when Changdeok Palace was built. Small pavilions are located in every valley making the nature look even more beautiful than ever via little bit of artificial modification. I am convinced to believe that people might not want to leave the place when they visit Huwon spanning through 4 different valleys around. This tells how gorgeous and spectacular Huwon is.
Everywhere in Huwon has an outstanding view, but Boyongji (the 1763th heritage), Juhapru (the 1769th heritage), and Jondeok-jeong are the must-see in Huwon. Buyongji and Juhapru used to be rest areas and also places where people studied and researched for learning. Watching Juhapru frequently makes people feel as if it is floating in the sky. This place has such a fantastic view spanning all over the place.
Jondeok-jeong was built the last among all the places in Huwon. Based on the pond in the middle, several small pavilions are located. People might feel relaxed and enjoy landscape in every direction they might be heading out around all the pavilions.
Seeing as how gorgeous Huwon is, it might now be possible for people to see why Changdeok Palace is the most Korean-style palace and how beautiful it is. It takes 2-3 hours to finish watching the whole place and come back to Donhwamoon. It was such a short time to watch all the traces left in the past 600 years of history, but Changdeok Palace was definitely worth to watch and enjoy as if I was in a happy dream. It is now time to see the true Seoul. There is another chapter of journey for you standing in front of Donhwamoon.
※ Tour Information of Changdeok Palace
Free Tour of Entire Places in the Palace
Fees - Adults (Age of 19 or above) 3,000 won / Group of more than 10 people (20%) / Adolescents and the senior (Age of 65 or above) for free
Announcement (1 hour) - English 10:30,14:30 / Chinese 16:00
Tour Sponsored by Changdeok Palace (Hour-based tour)
Fees - Adults 5,000 Won / Children 2,500 / Age of 6 or below, the handicapped, and guardian for free
Announcement (90 minutes) - English 11:30, 13:30, 15:30 / Chinese 12:30
Official website www.cdg.go.kr Telephone 02) 762-9513
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