5 days in Seoul, Korea-5/17-5/22/2023

Day 3: Changdeokgung Palace

Huijengdang Hall

We are now headed to Huijeongdan Hall: King's residence

Entering the courtyard leading to the King's residence.

The king's residence quarters. It was used a women's residence and later as a place of work and rest for the King.

Colorful wall and roof.

More view of the King's residence.

The King would meet officials and his officals would handle royal affairs and discuss political issues here.

Unfortulately as it is with most of all the Palaces in Seoul, the original building was destroyed by a fire so this version was built around 1920.

The east meets west architecture of the new interior featured many amenities not common in early 19th century architecture in Korea. These amenities included a vehicle waiting area in the front, glass windows, wooden floorboards, electricity, lights, a chandelier, bathrooms, and curtains.

The decorative and intricate ceiling.

Colonnades inside of the court.

We are now leaving the King's quarters.

Seonjeongjeon hall

Seonjeongjeon hall is the only building with a blue tiled roof, and it stands next to Injeongjeon and other office buildings

Seonjeongjeon Hall is where the king would meet with high ranking officials at Changdeokgung Palace to discuss political, state, and palace affairs. At his convenience, the king and his officials would hold seminars and have morning meetings. He would discuss royal issues and other national affairs.

The entrance to the King's residence

The buidling is beautiful with mostly red and green paint.

Japsang on the end of the roof.

Nakseonjae Pavilion

Nakseonjae was built in 1847 and served as King Heonjong's study, or sarangchae. The interior is characterized by beautiful colorful lattice work

The courtyard.

Daejojean Hall

Daejojeon Hall was the Queen’s residence at Changdeokgung Palace. Originally built in 1405 (5th year of King Taejo’s reign during the Joseon Dynasty), the hall had been destroyed by fires multiple times since then.

Our tour ended and we are now headed to the secret garden.

To get in the secret garden you have to buy another ticket.

NEXT...Secret garden