Changdeokgung Palace and Rear Garden [UNESCO World Heritage]

About this place

Changdeokgung was founded in 1405 (the 5th year of King Taejong) as a secondary palace to the main palace, Gyeongbokgung. It was destroyed in 1592 (the 25th year of King Seonjo) during the Japanese invasions of Korea (Imjin War), and in 1610 (the 2nd year of Gwanghaegun) it was the first of the palaces to be rebuilt. Thereafter, until Gyeongbokgung was reconstructed in 1867, successive kings used Changdeokgung more extensively for about 270 years, so that it effectively served as the main palace. In particular, Heungbokheon, an annex of Daejojeon, is the ill-fated place where the annexation of Korea by Japan was decided in 1910, and the Nakseonjae area is also where, after Liberation, the last royal family members of the Korean Empire—Empress Sunjeong (the second empress of Sunjong), Crown Princess Uimin (Lady Yi Bang-ja), and Princess Deokhye (a daughter of Gojong)—lived out their days and passed away. Changdeokgung was also called by the nickname 'Donggwol' (Eastern Palace), being contiguous with Changgyeonggung without a boundary between them. Unlike other palaces, Changdeokgung was built naturally, in harmony with the surrounding terrain rather than following an artificial layout, and, being regarded as the most Korean of palaces, it was inscribed on the UNESCO World Heritage List in 1997. The rear garden of Changdeokgung, first laid out to the north of the palace in 1406 (the 6th year of King Taejong), was expanded in the reign of Sejo, and its area was further extended to Changgyeonggung, built in the reign of Seongjong. Most of the garden area was destroyed during the Imjin War and was re-created in 1610 (the 2nd year of Gwanghaegun). Later, various kings such as Injo, Sukjong, Jeongjo, and Sunjo repaired and expanded it into its present form. The rear garden of Changdeokgung preserved the natural terrain as it was and created beautiful pavilions in each valley. In the four valleys unfold the areas of Buyongji, Aeryeonji, Gwallamji, and Ongnyucheon respectively. Although it was a place for the royal family's rest and strolls, it was also used for various other purposes. In addition to composing poetry and discussing scholarship while enjoying the natural scenery, it hosted archery events such as military training, fishing and boating on the ponds, flower viewing, and even fireworks using gunpowder. Banquets hosted by the king were also frequently held here, such as feasts to serve the queen dowager or to console royal relatives and officials. Moreover, the king planted grain here to experience farming firsthand, and the queen held the Chinjamrye (royal sericulture rite), personally carrying out silkworm rearing.