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Changdeok Palace - 창덕궁 (昌德宮) (originally 1405, rebuilt 1592 onward)

Changdeokgung palace was built during the reign of King Taejong of the Joseon (Chosôn) dynasty from 1405-1412. The palace was burned to the ground during the Japanese invasions of 1592-98 and was slowly reconstructed afterward. The oldest building, Injeongjeon hall, was rebuilt in 1614. Other palace structures were built soon after, but most of the present buildings are later reconstructions from the 18th and 19th centuries. The palace continued to be used until 1910, when the Japanese abolished the Joseon dynasty. At 31 hectares, it is the largest of Seoul's five royal palaces. Injongjeon Hall, the main hall, contains representative furniture from the Joseon era and a magnificent throne. When the last Joseon king fled in 1910, he left many of his furnishings behind, including a magnificent carriage and a vintage automobile, which are still on display. Of all the palaces in Seoul this is probably the most comfortable and beautiful, since it is thoroughly integrated with a lush landscape. Biwon, or the Secret Garden, is located inside Changdeokgung, and may be seen on the Biwon page of this website.

Address: 서울 종로구 와룡동 2-71.

Location

The approximate location of Changdeok Palace is 37.579130' N, 126.991170' E (WGS 84 map datum).