Changdeokgung Palace

Joseon palace laid out to follow the natural terrain, with the Injeongjeon throne hall and the famous Secret Garden.

In 1997 it became a UNESCO World Heritage Site. It is famous for being laid out to follow the natural slopes of the land instead of a strict grid, and for its large rear garden, Huwon, also called the Secret Garden. It was home to the royal family for centuries, and today it is a major tourist attraction.

The favourite palace of the kings

Although Gyeongbokgung was the official main palace, most kings preferred to live in Changdeokgung. In 1592, during the Imjin War, every palace in Seoul was destroyed. Afterwards only Changdeokgung and its neighbour Changgyeonggung were rebuilt, so Changdeokgung served as the main palace for several centuries. The two together were called the "East Palace." In the late 19th century King Gojong moved the royal family to the rebuilt Gyeongbokgung, and in 1907 his son Sunjong, the last king, made Changdeokgung his official palace.

A palace that fits the land

The buildings are placed along the foothills of the hill behind the palace, in the tradition of earlier palaces such as Manwoldae in Kaesong. The throne hall is Injeongjeon. The rear Huwon garden was kept for the royal family and is now open to visitors, though some parts need a booked tour. The royal family lived in the palace even after 1945, into the late 20th century.

On the globe

The model shows palace buildings laid out following the terrain, with the Injeongjeon throne hall and the famous Secret Garden.