Changdeokgung (Palace) was constructed in 1405 as the detached palace of Gyeongbokgung (Palace), the Joseon Dynasty's main palace. Some buildings were added during the reign of King Sejong, which include Jiphyeonjeon, the Hall of Worthies, Seonjeongjeon, the Hall of Good Administration, and Jangseogak, the Court Book Depository. Unfortunately, the palace was burnt down during the Japanese Invasion in 1592. Restoration was begun in 1606 (the 39th year of King Seonjo) and completed in 1610 (the 2nd year of King Gwanghaegun).
Changdeokgung (Palace) has been rebuilt due to damages by several fires. The palace was partially destroyed in the course of the deposing of tyrant King Gwanghaegun by the successor King Injo in 1623. Injeongjeon, the Throne Hall, was burnt down in 1803 and rebuilt in the following year. Some buildings, including Huijeongdang and Daejojeon, the king's and queen's bedchambers, were burnt down in 1917.
Changdeokgung is not only a splendid palace preserving the architecture of the Joseon Dynasty but one that was used as the seat of royal regime for 258 years over the reigns of thirteen kings, witnessing many ups and downs of the dynasty. In this respect Changdeokgung is of greater historical value than Gyeongbokgung (Palace). Restoration work of ruined buildings is under way to recover the original state of the palace, which is scheduled to complete until the end of 2003.
Well tuned with nature, the rear garden of Changdeokgung features the showcase of traditional Korean garden landscaping. Twenty-eight buildings including exquisite pavilions and manors remain intact. Although individual is restricted to enter in a bid to better preserve its natural conditions, guided tours are allowed.
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on Oct 1, 2002
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