Changgyeonggung Palace, Seoul

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This palace was built in 1483. It was destroyed by Japanese. But more terrible than this, it was unfortunately transformed into a zoo. Later the remaining buildings were restored and open to public. Besides the buildings, there are also a pond, a park and a glasshouse which are great for photography. The admission fee is 1000 W and the ticket also allows you to enter Jongmyo shrine. It is closed on Tuesdays.

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Built originally as a Goryeo dynasty palace in the 1100's, this was used by the Joseon dynasty while Gyeongbok gung was built. It has been hit with numerous fires through the years such that none of the originally built buildings are left from that era. The buildings here are modest compared to the other palaces of Seoul. It has extensive grounds with a pond, garden and a botanical building.

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For an insight into Korean history, it is hard to resist Gyeongbok Palace. Founded in 1394 by King Taejo, this was the base of the Joseon Dynasty. (the last Dynasty of Korea). This impressive palace has traditionally designed Korean buildings, majestic towers and a lake with a stone bridge. Apart from its unique history, the palace is a perfect place to relax, featuring an interesting mix of greenery combined with beautiful architecture.Unfortunately it was agloomy day with a lot of light drizzle during our visit so i could not capture great photos.

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Of All the Palaces in Seoul, this has A "Secret" Garden (Biwon) and it the Only Palace Designated as A World Heritage Area by Unesco. Changdeok Palace literally means “Palace of Prospering Virtue”. According to the tour Guide, Changdeok Palace was built in 1405 as a secondary palace for the Korean Chosun Dynasty King with Kyeongbok Palace serving as the primary palace for the Korean royalty. Built by King Taejong, Changdok is the best preserved of all of Seoul's palaces. It has its own unique architectural beauty and is divided into four main components: Central Palace, Biwon (known as the secret garden), Naksonjae, and Sonwonjon HallDuring the Hideyoshi invasion of Korea in 1592, Kyeongbok Palace was destroyed and after the war it was not rebuilt and Changdeok Palace became the primary residence of the royal family and also, Korea’s last emperor Sunjong passed away on these grounds in 1926.

Opens : 09:00 ~ 18:00 (march to October); 09:00 to 17:00 (November to February)

English Language Tour is from January ~ December (3 times a day)
11:30 am, 13:30 pm, 15:30 pm

Admission Fee

Division 6 or under and 65 or more 7~18 years 19~64 years
foreigner free 1,500 3,000 won
special free 5,000 5,000 won

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Changdeokung Palace was completed in 1412. In 1463, King Sejo expanded it and created Biwon (secret) Garden. The Japanese burned all the buildings during 1592. Although rebuilt, many of the buildings have burned and been rebuilt several times. Thirteen of Korea's kings lived here for a total of over 270 years. The palace grounds cover over 110 acres. Thirteen of the original buildings remain, with an additional 28 in Biwon Garden.
To visit the palace, you should at least reserve half a day and wear good footwear, as the walk is long (and very hot, sometimes !)

Following opening-times apply:
Feb. - 09:15 ~ 15:45 Enter every 15 and 45 minutes past the hour.
Mar. - 09:15 ~ 16:45 Enter every 15 and 45 minutes past the hour.
Apr. ~ Oct. - 09:15 ~ 17:15 Enter every 15 and 45 minutes past the hour.
Nov. - 09:15 ~ 15:45 Enter every 15 and 45 minutes past the hour.
Dec. ~ Jan. - 09:45 ~ 15:45 Enter every 45 minutes past the hour.
* The last entrance time varies according to sunset time.
Closed Mondays

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Suganggung was built by the 4th ruler of the Joseon Dynasty, King Sejong for his retiring father, King Taejong, and was often used as residential quarters for queen and concubines. During the reign of King Seongjong, the palace was renovated and renamed Changgyeonggung. This palace is unique in that its front gate and the throne hall face east while those in all the other palaces face south. Close on Tuesday.

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Changgyeongung (Changyeong Palace) was originally built in the fifteenth century for the father of King Sojang and was then used by dowager queens. The original throne hall, built in 1616, still stands. During the Japanese colonial period, the palace's extensive grounds housed the city zoo, which was seen as an insult to the Korean royal family. Today there is a botanical garden in a beautiful glasshouse.

Opening hours: March-October 09.00-18.00
November-February 09.00-17.00
Closed Tuesdays

Admission 1,000 won

Changgyeonggung (창경궁) was originally built in 1483, destroyed in 1592 during the Japanese occupation, then rebuilt in 1616. It typically housed former kings and princes. Many of the main buildings in the center of the palace were rebuilt as recently as the 1980s.

Honghwamun is the main gate which faces east. Beyond this gate is the Okcheongyo bridge, a second gate called Myeongjeongmun, then the palace's main hall, Myeongjeongjeon. To the north of the palace is an area I failed to visit: the Chundangji pond with its greenhouse and pavilion. This palace also houses an observatory.

This palace has two features making it unique from the others in Seoul: the main gates face east instead of south, and the palace grounds are very hilly and rocky. This tranquil palace is a long hike from either Anguk Station (Line 3) or Hyehwa Station (Line 4).

Admission is about 1,000 Won for adults. Jongmyo (종묘) is located across a walking bridge from Changgyeongung. Paying the entrance fee to one allows you free access the other if you use this bridge. It is also locate right beside an even better palace, Changdeokgung with its Secret Garden.