Changgyeonggung Palace

Changgyeonggung

Changgyeonggung Palace is a secondary palace of the Joseon Dynasty (also known as the Joseon Kingdom), located in Waryong-dong, Jongno-gu, Seoul, South Korea. It faces Jongmyo to the south and borders Changdeokgung Palace to the west, and is one of the five historic palaces of Seoul. In 1418, after King Sejong ascended the throne, he built the “Sukchon Hall” in 1419 to support his retired father, King Taejong; this became the prototype of Changgyeonggung Palace. After renovations in 1483, it was renamed to its current name, “Changgyeonggung.” During the Japanese colonial period, the Japanese dismantled the palace gates and walls of Changgyeonggung, constructing a zoo and botanical garden on the site. In 1911, it was converted into a museum for public viewing and its status was downgraded to “Changgyeongwon.” Later, the zoo was relocated to Gwacheon, and after restoration work, the original name “Changgyeonggung” was reinstated in 1983. It was also designated as Historic Site No. 123 of South Korea.

Passing through the main gate of Changgyeonggung, Honghwamun, you will reach Yukchon Bridge. Crossing the bridge and going through Myeongjeongmun Gate leads you to Myeongjeongjeon Hall. To the left behind Myeongjeongjeon is the towering Chongmunjeon Hall. Chongmunjeon skillfully utilizes the sloped terrain so that visitors standing in front of the hall can gaze at the rooftops of Myeongjeongjeon and Munjeongjeon, which rise and fall in an elegant arrangement of ridgelines. The largest palace building within Changgyeonggung is Tongmyeongjeon, where the queen resided, and signs of royal maternal care can be found throughout the hall. To the north of the palace is a large pond; it is said that half of the original pond area was used as rice paddies where the king farmed to understand the conditions of the agricultural people. However, during the Japanese imperial period, the paddies were turned into a pond to serve as a boating and leisure area. Above the pond is a botanical garden built at that time, offering very beautiful scenery.

Changgyeonggung

Reasons to Visit: One of Seoul’s most famous five historic palaces

Continent: Asia

Country/Region: South Korea

Province/State: Seoul Special City

City: Jongno-gu