Changdeokgung Palace 🇰🇷

Changdeokgung Palace, whose name means Palace of Prospering Virtue, is a historic royal complex located in Seoul, South Korea. Recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site and a South Korean Historic Site, it is considered among the most remarkably preserved palace grounds in the country. Because of its location east of Gyeongbokgung, the city's original main royal seat, Changdeokgung and the neighboring Changgyeonggung Palace are collectively referred to as the East Palace.

The complex was founded in 1405 during the Joseon Dynasty under King Taejong, who commissioned it as a secondary royal residence. Though Gyeongbokgung retained official precedence, a majority of Joseon sovereigns favored residing at Changdeokgung. In 1592, during the Imjin War, Changdeokgung and all other palaces across the capital were destroyed by fire. Because postwar budgetary limits prevented the reconstruction of Gyeongbokgung, Changdeokgung was rebuilt instead, with major works completed around 1610. This transition established it as the primary functional palace of the Joseon state for several centuries.

Over its multi-century history, the landmark underwent repeated burnings, reconstructions, and structural expansions. During the Japanese colonial period in the early twentieth century, significant portions of the palace were demolished or modified, including alterations following a major 1917 fire in the royal bedchamber quarters of Daejojeon. Nevertheless, members of the former Korean royal family continued to reside in remaining portions of the grounds, including Nakseon-jae hall, long after the nation's liberation and into the late twentieth century.

Today, Changdeokgung operates as a major public attraction, offering visitors access to historic architectural features, grand ceremonial structures, and expansive grounds. A central feature of the property is its rear landscape, historically known as the Secret Garden. Cherished by generations of monarchs, this area contains scenic ponds, pavilions, and administrative structures. While much of the Secret Garden is accessible to general visitors, certain areas require advance tour reservations.