Changdeokgung was built in the 5th year (1405) of the reign
of King Taejong of the Joseon Dynasty, as a separate palace
of Gyeongbokgung, the original main palace of the dynasty. Located
to the east of Gyeongbokgung, it has also been called Donggwol,
the east palace. Gyeongbokgung and Changdeokgung were burned
down during the Japanese invasion of Korea in 1592. Changdeokgung was reconstructed in 1609 and served as the royal
seat for 300 years until the reconstruction of Gyeongbokgung
at the end of the Joseon Dynasty.
Overall, Changdeokgung is divided into administrative quarters,
residential quarters and a rear garden. The existing administrative
quarters encompass Donhwamun, the front gate, which is the oldest
existing palace structure, Injeongjeon, the throne hall, and Seonjeongjeon,
the administrative hall. The residential quarters include Huijeongdang
and Daejojeon, the king's and queen's bedchambers, the royal
kitchen, the infirmary and other annexes. The rear garden has
exquisite pavilions, the court archives, a library and lotus
ponds.
Changdeokgung is well tuned to its natural backdrop of hilly
terrain and lush woods. Taking advantage of the surroundings,
the palace's magnificent halls, pavilions, and rear garden are
laid out in a rather liberal way, which makes it a landmark
of palace architecture and garden landscaping.
The rear garden is adorned with precious trees, some
of which are now 300 years old. It represents the zenith of Korean garden
landscaping techniques. The royal family and court functionaries
enjoyed both reposeful moments and garden entertainment
here.
For the unique configuration of its palatial buildings and its
rear garden, showing an ideal example of Oriental architecture
yet quite distinct from the Chinese Zijin-cheng Palace, Forbidden
Palace, or the Japanese imperial palace, Changdeokgung was registered
on UNESCO's World Cultural Heritage List in December 1997.
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