A peaceful view of Donhwamun, the main gate of Changdeokgung Palace.

Changdeokgung Palace: The Art of Harmony Between Nature and Royal Architecture (UNESCO World Heritage Site)

Dear readers, hello!
Today, I would like to introduce Changdeokgung Palace, one of Korea’s most beautiful and historically significant royal palaces.

Located in Jongno-gu, Seoul, Changdeokgung is a UNESCO World Heritage Site that represents the aesthetics of the Joseon Dynasty and its deep harmony with nature. Together, we’ll explore its cultural treasures such as Donhwamun Gate, Injeongjeon Hall, and the Rear Garden (Huwon), while uncovering the history and meaning behind them.

Many visitors are familiar with Gyeongbokgung Palace, yet some may be hearing about Changdeokgung for the first time. From Incheon International Airport, you can conveniently reach Changdeokgung in about one hour and fifteen minutes by taking bus No. 6011. Let us now begin our journey into the heart of this timeless palace.

1. Changdeokgung: A Royal Palace Breathing in the Heart of Seoul

Situated at the foot of Mount Bugaksan in central Jongno, Seoul, Changdeokgung Palace (昌德宮) is often regarded as the Joseon palace that achieved the most perfect harmony with nature. Built in 1405 during the reign of King Taejong, it served as the political, cultural, and residential center of the Joseon Dynasty for nearly six centuries.

Although Gyeongbokgung is generally known as the main royal palace, Changdeokgung was where kings actually lived and governed for the longest period. More than a royal residence, it is a masterpiece of architectural art that respects the natural landscape—embodying the aesthetics of East Asian architecture and the Confucian philosophy that defined Joseon.

In 1997, Changdeokgung was inscribed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, recognized for its unique spatial composition and its organic integration with the surrounding environment. UNESCO praised it as “an outstanding example of Far Eastern palace architecture that harmoniously integrates with the natural topography.”

2. Historical Overview – From the Second Palace to the Heart of the Dynasty

Changdeokgung was built in 1405 by King Taejong, the third monarch of Joseon. Although Gyeongbokgung was the official main palace, political turmoil and struggles for power led the king to establish a new royal residence. Thus, on the eastern slopes of Eungbong Hill in Hanyang (today’s Seoul), Changdeokgung was born.

The name Changdeok means “to glorify virtue and govern the world with moral principles,” symbolizing the king’s ideals of benevolence and righteous rule. Over time, Changdeokgung became the most frequently used royal palace and functioned as the true administrative heart of Joseon.

During the Japanese invasions of 1592 (the Imjin War), all royal palaces, including Changdeokgung, were burned. Yet under King Gwanghaegun’s reign in 1609, Changdeokgung was swiftly restored and resumed its role as the king’s main residence and official office. Successive monarchs—including Kings Injo, Sukjong, Jeongjo, and Sunjo—conducted state affairs here, and even the last emperor of Korea, Emperor Sunjong, ascended the throne at Changdeokgung.

The final members of the Korean royal family also lived here, linking modern Korean history with its traditional roots.

3. The Harmony with Nature – What Makes Changdeokgung Unique

3-1. Following Nature, Not Conquering It

The defining characteristic of Changdeokgung lies in its harmony with the natural environment. Unlike most royal palaces, which emphasize symmetry and grandeur to display authority, Changdeokgung’s layout is asymmetrical, following the contours of the land.

It was built in accordance with the traditional geomantic principle of “baesan imsu” (背山臨水)—with Mount Bugaksan behind it and the Geumcheon Stream flowing in front. Every structure was positioned to embrace the natural slopes, allowing the palace to blend seamlessly into its forested surroundings, as though it were part of the landscape itself.

This design reflects the Confucian philosophy of modesty and harmony with nature—living in accordance with natural order rather than attempting to dominate it.

Another remarkable feature is the palace’s advanced drainage system, ingeniously designed to prevent flooding during Korea’s heavy monsoon seasons. Thanks to this practical yet subtle engineering, Changdeokgung has been preserved remarkably well for over 600 years.

3-2. The Layout of the Palace

Changdeokgung consists of four major sections:

Administrative Area (Governance Zone): Includes Injeongjeon Hall and Seonjeongjeon Hall, where the king conducted state affairs.
Residential Area (Living Quarters): Features Huijeongdang Hall and Daejojeon Hall, the living spaces of the king and queen.
Detached Palace Area: Includes Nakseonjae and nearby quarters, primarily used by royal women.
Rear Garden (Huwon): A serene natural garden where kings relaxed, read, and reflected.

This structure follows the fundamental Joseon palace principle of “jeonjo-huchim” (前朝後寢)—public affairs in the front, private life in the rear.

4. Symbolic Architectural Highlights of Changdeokgung

4-1. Donhwamun Gate (敦化門) – The Grand Entrance of Virtue

Built in 1412 during King Taejong’s reign, Donhwamun is the main gate of Changdeokgung and the oldest surviving wooden palace gate in Korea. The name means “to enlighten the world with virtue.”

Destroyed during the Imjin War and rebuilt in 1608, the gate has been designated Treasure No. 383 since 1963. Measuring five bays across and two stories high, Donhwamun exudes both majesty and grace. It represents not merely an entrance but a symbolic threshold—signifying the dignity and moral governance of the Joseon monarchy.

As of 2025, the Cultural Heritage Administration is conducting a major restoration project to reinforce its wooden structure and preserve its integrity. The work is expected to continue through 2026, ensuring this historic gateway endures for generations to come.

4-2. Geumcheongyo Bridge (錦川橋) – A Bridge Reflecting the King’s Heart

Beyond Donhwamun stands Geumcheongyo Bridge, a stone bridge built in 1411 and the oldest extant stone bridge among all Joseon palaces.

“Geumcheon” literally means “a brocade-like clear stream.” Officials crossing this bridge symbolically purified their hearts before entering the court to serve the nation with sincerity. It thus represents a passage of purification before engaging in governance.

4-3. Injeongjeon Hall (仁政殿) – The Political Heart of Joseon

At the center of Changdeokgung lies Injeongjeon Hall, meaning “Hall of Benevolent Rule.” It served as the main throne hall where the king held state ceremonies, received foreign envoys, and presided over coronations.

Reconstructed in 1804 (King Sunjo’s fourth year), Injeongjeon is designated National Treasure No. 225. The hall’s five-bay façade and double-eaved hipped roof reflect elegant proportions, while behind the royal throne stands the famous folding screen Irworobongdo (Sun, Moon, and Five Peaks), symbolizing the king’s harmony with heaven and earth.

Its ceiling features carved phoenixes symbolizing royal authority, and its wooden floor still bears traces of Western-style flooring installed during the late Joseon period, hinting at Korea’s transition into modernity.

4-4. The Rear Garden (Huwon, or “Secret Garden”) – Nature’s Royal Artistry

The highlight of Changdeokgung is undoubtedly its Huwon (後苑), also known as the “Secret Garden.” Spanning about 320,000 square meters, this vast forested area served as a place for the king and royal family to stroll, read, and meditate.

Major landmarks within the garden include Buyongji Pond and Buyongjeong Pavilion, Okryucheon Stream, Juhamnu Pavilion, and Yeongyeongdang Hall.

Rather than emphasizing grandeur, the garden embodies refined simplicity—where the curves of nature and the lines of architecture coexist in perfect balance. UNESCO described Changdeokgung’s rear garden as “a masterpiece of East Asian garden design that achieves perfect harmony between nature and human artistry.”

5. Modern History and Restoration – Reviving the Palace Through Time

During Japan’s colonial occupation (1910–1945), many of Changdeokgung’s buildings were damaged or demolished. However, from the 1990s onward, continuous restoration efforts by the Korean government and the Cultural Heritage Administration have revived the palace’s former splendor.

In 2022, the Seoul Metropolitan Government completed the “Changgyeonggung–Jongmyo Greenway Restoration Project,” which rerouted an intrusive road underground and reconnected the green corridor between Changdeokgung and Jongmyo Shrine. This historic initiative restored the ecological and spatial integrity of Seoul’s royal palace landscape.

6. Changdeokgung Today – Where Tradition Meets Modernity

Today, Changdeokgung is not just a relic of the past but a living space of Korean culture, open to both locals and international visitors.
Its seasonal beauty—from cherry blossoms in spring to fiery autumn foliage—offers endless inspiration for photographers, artists, and travelers alike.

The Cultural Heritage Administration continues to preserve the palace using both traditional craftsmanship and modern scientific methods. As of 2025, Changdeokgung is recognized as the best-preserved royal palace in Seoul and remains a central attraction in the “Five Grand Palaces Tour.”

7. Visitor Information (For International Travelers)

Address: 99 Yulgok-ro, Jongno-gu, Seoul
Transportation: About a 10-minute walk from Exit 3 of Anguk Station (Subway Line 3)
Hours: Vary by season; closed on Mondays (check the official website for details)
Huwon Tour: Advance reservation required (available in Korean, English, Japanese, and Chinese; online or on-site during off-peak seasons)
Admission: Palace – 3,000 KRW / Huwon (Secret Garden) – 5,000 KRW (separate ticket, reservation required)

📌 Tip: The palace is especially stunning during cherry blossom season in spring and the colorful foliage of autumn. Visiting in the quiet early morning hours is highly recommended.

Conclusion – The Aesthetic Spirit of Korea Preserved in Changdeokgung

Within Changdeokgung stands Uiduhap, the study room of Crown Prince Hyomyeong, featured in the 2016 drama Love in the Moonlight, where actor Park Bo-gum portrayed the prince.

But Changdeokgung is far more than a backdrop or an old palace.
It embodies the humility of embracing nature rather than defying it,
the king’s devotion to his people,
and the timeless beauty and philosophy of the Joseon Dynasty.

While many palaces around the world boast of opulence and grandeur, Changdeokgung reveals a different kind of beauty—
the beauty of harmony and restraint.

Walking through its quiet courtyards and shaded gardens, one can feel the Korean sense of aesthetics and reverence for nature that has endured for over six hundred years.

Even today, Changdeokgung remains a symbol of Korea’s cultural heritage and a cherished space where the spirit of Joseon continues to breathe.

Thank you sincerely for reading to the end. I look forward to sharing more inspiring stories with you next time.

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Changdeokgung Palace Complete Guide: A Joseon Dynasty Palace in Harmony with Nature, a UNESCO World Heritage Site