Changgyeonggung Palace (창경궁)
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Grounds covered in snow during the winter
Know Before You Go
Admission is included with the Integrated Ticket Of Palaces.
Changgyeonggung (창경궁) is a palace located in the heart of Seoul that was built for King Taejong.
In 1418, King Sejong built a royal residence for his father, King Taejong. It was known as Suganggung. In 1483, King Seongjong built a palace for three dowager queens and renamed it to Changgyeonggung. Along with Changdeokgung, both were together known as Donggwol, or the East Palace. Both shared the rear garden.
Gyeongbokgung was built in accordance with strict royal principles regarding its design. Changgyeonggung was built with a more liberal design. It faces south, like other royal residences, but the main building faces Hamchunwon garden and Mount Naksan in the east which was rare.
Honghwamun Gate
A lack of living space at Changdeokgung forced Changgyeonggung to be used for residential purposes. Many attendants, princesses, and concubines lived on the grounds here.
Changgyeonggung was destroyed by fire during the Japanese invasion in 1592.
In 1616, it was rebuilt and restored starting with Myeongjeongjeon Hall, Myeongjeongmun Gate, and Honghwamun Gate. These buildings are the oldest remaining buildings here.
During the 1800s, life at the here was peaceful. The complex was crowded with royal wives, concubines, residences, government offices, and gardens. This harmonious time was depicted in a painting know as Donggwoldo.
Myeongjeongjeon Hall
During the Japanese occupation of Korea from 1910-1945, Changgyeonggung was known as Changgyeonggungwon (Changgyeong Garden). It was converted from a beautiful royal palaces into a resort with a zoo and botanical garden.
In 1983, the government of Korea removed the zoo and began work to restore the palace to its original appearance and beauty. The work still continues to this day.
What To See
Angbuilgu Sundial - Important and widely used sundial
Chundangji Pond - Pond with island in the middle
Daeonsil (Great Greenhouse) - Enclosed botanical garden built in 1909
Gwandeokjeong Pavilion - Pavilion used by archers for military training
Gyeongchunjeon Hall And Hwangyeongjeon Hall - Sleeping residences of the king and queen
Haminjeong Pavilion - Pavilion where banquets were held
Honghwamun Gate - The main gate
Jagyeongjeon Site - Location of the residence of the queen mother
Myeongjeongjeon Hall And Myeongjeongmun Gate - Main throne hall
Punggidae - Measuring instrument to detect wind speed
Sungmundang Hall - Hall where the king and scholars would discuss state affairs
Tongmyeongjeon Hall And Yanghwadang Hall - Residential quarters for the king and queen Directions And Getting There
Take Subway Line 4 to Hyehwa Station (Exit 4).
Operating Hours
April - October : 9:00 - 18:30
November and March : 9:00 - 17:30
December - February : 9:00 - 17:00
Ticket office closes 1 hour before closing time.
Guided Tours in English are at 11:00 and 16:00.
Closed on Mondays.
Admission Fees
Adult : 1,000 won
Child : 500 won
Admission is included with the Integrated Ticket Of Palaces.
Map
GPS Coordinates (Longitude and Latitude) : 37.578849, 126.995730.
