Chang Deok Gung TEMPLE

Changdeokgung Palace was built in 1405 and was mostly destroyed by the Japanese in 1592, but was later restored in 1610.




"When King Gojongre built Gyeongbokgung in the late 1800s, he had this pond and island built. On the island is a hexagonal pavilion called Hyangwonjeong (“Pavilion of Far-Reaching Fragrance”). The bridge is called Chwihyanggyo (“Intoxicated with Fragrance”). Behind the Pavilion is Mt. Bugaksan."








Our tour guide! She spoke very good English! The doorway was carved from a single piece of stone (symbolizing never aging, or being broken), and the inscribed message is a wish for the king to live a long life.










Juhamnu Pavilion (INSIDE THE SECRET GARDEN!!) - Royal study sessions, poem writings and readings stood in this area. State exams were conducted in front of the pavilion on special occasions in presence of the king. It was so beautiful!!







Gangnyeongjeon is the King’s living area. It was also used for his daily activities and office duties. Behind it is Gyotaejeon, the queen’s residence.





Huijeongdang Hall - Originally the king's bed chamber, it became his workplace because the king found it too small for conducting state affairs.



Painted ceiling in the kings living area. Stunning!







Daejojeon Hall - Official residence of the queen
On a plaque it read :
"Behind the queen’s residence is a terraced garden along whose length stand four hexagonal chimneys. The chimneys are made of light-orange bricks and topped with raftered tiled roofs. The various decorations on the chimney are imbued with symbolic meanings. The phoenix symbolizes the queen, the bat symbolizes fortune, the plum and chrysanthemum symbolize a man of virtue, and the ten longevity symbols such as the crane, deer, herb of eternal youth, pine tree, bamboo, and stone symbolize longevity. On the bottom terrace are two stone tubs named Hamwolji and Nakhadan, which mean “a pond containing the moon” and “a pond that reflects the sunset.” The terraced garden symbolizes a mountain; the stone tub and pot symbolize a lake; and the motif decorations on the chimneys symbolize the world of plants and animals. Thus, the garden of Amisan was a natural world for immortals."







Changdeokgung Palace, is one of the five ‘Grand’ palaces built by the kings of the Joseon Dynasty set within a large park in Seoul, South Korea. This palace is referred to as the East Palace, and with the literal meaning of "Palace of Prospering Virtue". This palace was favored by many princes of the Joseon Dynasty. This palace was heavily destroyed during the the Japanese occupation of Korea. Today there are 13 buildings remaining on the palace grounds and 28 pavilions in the gardens, occupying 110 acres.