Changdeokgung Palace is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of the most well-preserved royal palaces from the Joseon Dynasty (1392–1910). It is where kings and their ministers discussed state affairs to effectively reign over the people, and where the royal family resided.
Changdeokgung Palace was built in 1405 by king Taejong, the third ruler of Joseon. All palaces in Seoul were burnt down during the Japanese invasion in 1592 and Changdeokgung Palace became the first palace to be rebuilt in 1610. Since then, it became the primary palace for about 270 years where 13 kings, including the last monarch dealt with state affairs.
The buildings and pavilions of Changdeokgung, located at the foot of a mountain, were positioned naturally, following the contours of the land. This created a more relaxed atmosphere, wile maintaining the dignity of a royal palace. A garden, known as the Secret Garden accounts for two thirds of the total grounds (110 acres).
Changdeokgung Palace is regarded as a masterpiece of Korean palace architecture where the building are in perfect harmony with the natural setting.
Western style driveway portico with electric lighting
Lantern (right)
The main components of the traditional ondol are a firebox or stove (agungi; 아궁이) accessible from an adjoining (typically kitchen or master bedroom) room, a raised masonry floor underlain by horizontal smoke passages, and a vertical, freestanding chimney on the opposite exterior providing a draft. The heated floor, supported by stone piers or baffles to distribute the smoke, is covered by stone slabs, clay and an impervious layer such as oiled paper.
A gate to the Secret Garden
This is the site of Nakseonjae, Seokbokheon and Sugangjae
Nakseonjae was built as the king’s quarters in the reign of King Heonjong, in 1847. It was a very personal space built so that King Heonjong could relax and read. Though it was part of the palace, King Heonjong refrained from using colorful paint decorations. You can see the contrast of the ornate painting and the common-style (above). Bangja Lee, who was the wife of the last crown prince lived here until 1989.
Seokbokheon was constructed in 1848. It was built for the Royal Lady Gyeongbin who was chosen in order to give King Heonjong’s desired heir.
Sugangjae was first built in 1785, later renovated in 1848 and turned into the quarters of Queen Sunwon, the grandmother of King Heonjong.
Persimmons
Nakseonjae Hall
These two people kept following us around, trying to get in our photos. They succeeded a few times.
German tourist, Gustav
This woman with her camera attached to her face.
The nerve of these two blatant photo-bombers!
I was hoping to see inside the secret garden, but you probably wanted to as well. Great photo's and interesting read. I like those people that were in a lot of your photo's.:)
ReplyDeleteLove the colors, really love the photo bombers!
ReplyDelete