Changgyeonggung Palace dates from the year 1418 by King Sejong (1397-1450) to be used by his father, the previous monarch King Taejong (1367-1422) who had abdicated in his favor, under the name Suganggung Palace. It is located right next to Changdeokgung Palace and is one of the essential palaces to visit in Seoul. In this post I talk about what to see in the Changgyeonggung Palace, I add its history and practical information to visit it.
VISIT CHANGGYEONGGUNG PALACE, SEOUL
In the year 1483, King Yejong (1450 - 1469) changed its name to Changgyeonggung, which later in 1592 was destroyed by fire. It was not until 1616 that it was rebuilt again to be burned again in 1830, being rebuilt again in 1834. In 1909 the Japanese invaded South Korea, building a zoo and a botanical garden in the gardens of the palace, which were dismantled in 1983 when the enclosure was completely restored to its original state. As you will see, the history of Changgyeonggung Palace is quite eventful.
Honghwamun Main Gate and Okcheongyo Bridge
Walking through the main gate of Changgyeonggung Palace, the Honghwamun, you will see one of the surviving buildings from the 17th century, the Okcheongyo Bridge, and a beautiful pond with an arch-shaped bridge on top. Between the arcades you will see some carved figures, the Dokkaebi, which are goblins that protect from evil spirits.
Myeongjeongmun Gate and Myeongjeongjeon Palace
Crossing the bridge you will arrive at Myeongjeongmun Gate and the main hall where coronations and royal weddings were held: Myeongjeongjeon Palace, a national treasure.
Myeongjeongjeon Palace was built during the Joseon Dynasty and dates back to 1616. Typically, buildings from this era were built facing south, but Myeongjeongjeon faces east because the mausoleums of previous monarchs were located to the south and according to Confucian customs, openings in that direction are not allowed. In the middle of the patio there are two rows of stones with the engravings that indicated the hierarchy of official officials.
Munjeongjeon
This building was used by the king to treat and discuss routine state affairs and the funeral tablets were kept. The building was rebuilt in 1986.
Sungmundang and Haminjeong Pavilion
Behind Myeongjeongjeon, to the right and on higher ground, is the Sungmundang, a building rebuilt in the year 1830, taking advantage of the shape of the mountainous geography. It was used by the monarch to discuss state affairs with students and to discuss literature. In the small Haminjeong pavilion rebuilt in 1833, official receptions and banquets were held.
Gyeongchunjeon and Hwangyeongjeon
These two buildings were built in the year 1483 under Seongjong's reign and destroyed several times. The buildings that can be seen today correspond to the last reconstruction dating from the year 1834. Gyeongchunjeon was used as a residence for the widowed queens and princesses. Hwangyeongjeon was the residence of kings and princes.
Tongmyeongjeon
In an inner courtyard of the enclosure is the Tongmyeongjeon, the queen's bedroom, the largest building within the Changgyeonggung Palace. In many corners you will find delicate details of its structures in honor of the queen. The Yanghwadang building next door was used to receive guests. Both constructions date from the year 1834.
Yeongchunheon and Jipbokheon
Both buildings were the area reserved for the concubines of Changgyeonggung Palace, both buildings are located next to Yanghwadang. The occasional king of the Joseon dynasty was born here, and King Jeongjo used it as a study.
PRACTICAL INFORMATION OF CHANGGYEONGGUNG PALACE
Changgyeonggung Palace Hours
From June to August from 9 a.m. to 6:30 p.m.
From February to May and from September to October from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m.
From November to January from 9 a.m. to 5:30 p.m.
Every Monday the palace is closed.
Changgyeonggung Palace Prices
Tickets are sold up to 1 hour before closing time.
Admission: Free for children under 6 and over 65.
7 to 18 years old: 500 won.
Adults 1,000 won
Special rates for groups.
PLAN YOUR TRIP STEP BY STEP
I hope you enjoy your trip to South Korea a lot and that this article has been useful to you. You can continue reading many more related articles on the blog.
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A hug and see you soon!