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Deoksugung Palace Gyeongbokgung
PalaceChangdeokgung
Palace
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It has often been said that Seoul remains a virtual outdoor museum
of treasured relics – a historical playground of monumental appeal
to both visitors and natives alike. Yet, amidst all the cultural
signposts dotting the city, none are more frequently visited or
greatly admired than the ‘Five Grand Palaces’. Built by Joseon
kings, they all remain remarkably well preserved, idyllically located
and very easy to get to. And although spring is arguably the most
ideal time to visit as all the palace grounds are festooned with
cherry blossoms and azaleas, the premises regularly remain a great
getaway from the distant drones of city life that emanate from beyond
the elegant enclosing stone walls.
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No visit to Seoul would be complete without a stroll through
the royal walkways of Deoksugung, Gyeongbokgung, Changdeokgung,
Changgyeonggung or Gyeonghuigung Palace. The chance to marvel at
the magnificent architecture and beautiful framework, learning first-hand
from a country so steeped in history, is an opportunity not to be
missed.
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Of particular interest are the secluded grounds of Changdeokgung,
the large-scale grandeur of Gyeongbokgung and the architectural
diversity of Deoksugung. Anyone wishing to get away from the hectic
pace of urban living should consider a visit; it’s the perfect
way to get out and enjoy the warm weather.
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 Deoksugung Palace
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Comprised of several buildings, all varying in construction,
the premises of Deoksugung Palace were once occupied by various
Korean royalty until the Japanese took control toward the turn of
the 20th century. From beyond the looming entrance of Daehanmun,
architectural highlights include Junghwajeon, the throne and audience
hall, and Seokjojeon, the building bearing the markings of
Western design. Also marking the premises is an art museum that
plays host to several commercial exhibitions, a nicely secluded
forested garden, a statue of King Sejong the Great, and Jeonggwanheon,
the attractive structure replete with European framework and home
to where King Gojong held parties and entertained guests.
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Getting
There Take subway Line 2 to City Hall Station
and get out at Exit 2 or 3. The palace is open from 09:00~18:00
(March ~ October) and 09:00~17:30 (November ~ February). On weekends
and holidays the palace is open from 09:00~19:00. Deoksugung Palace
is closed Mondays. Admission is 1,000 won.
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Gyeongbokgung Palace
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Constructed in 1394, Gyeongbokgung served as the
main palace of the Joseon Dynasty (1392~1910) by its
founder, King Taejo, and is often considered to be the
grandest of all five palaces. Given its sheer enormity,
visitors should note that scaling the entire grounds
does take a little time. Yet, once reaching the imperial
throne room of Geunjeongjeon or Gyeonghoeru Pavilion,
which stands rested on forty-eight granite pillars towering
over a lotus lake, such efforts will have proven all
the more worthwhile. Other highlights include the skyscraping
pagoda resting atop the National Folk Museum of Korea
and Hwangwonjeong Pavilion, which sits centered in a
beautiful pond.
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Getting
There Take subway Line 3 to Gyeongbokgung
Station and proceed to Exit 5. The palace grounds are
open from 09:00~18:00 (March ~ October) and 09:00~17:00
(November ~ February). Gyonegbokgung Palace is closed
Tuesday. Admission is 3,000 won.
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Changdeokgung Palace
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Literally meaning ‘The Palace of Prospering Virtue’,
the verdant grounds of Changdeokgung Palace are arguably
the nicest of all five palaces. Set flush within a large
park in Jongno-gu, it is at times referred to as the
East Palace given its location in respect to Gyeongbokgung
Palace.
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Interestingly, it is reported that Changdeokgung
was the favored palace among the many kings of the Joseon
Dynasty and has since retained many traditional Korean
elements dating from the Three Kingdoms Era – elements
that were not taken into account during the construction
of the neighboring buildings of Gyeongbokgung. One such
notable difference is the fact that the architecture
of Changdeokgung harmonizes beautifully with the surrounding
nature without appearing intrusive or destructive in
the process.
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The treasured secret garden of
biwon is particularly beautiful. Replete with
pavilions, ponds and wooded areas, the palace grounds
of Changdeoksugung are wonderfully infused with all
things natural, tucked deeply away amidst trees and
draping foliage that buffer out the noise and commotion
of the city nearby.
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Getting
There Take subway Line 3 to Anguk Station
and get out at Exit 3. Changdeokgung Palace is open
from 09:15~17:45 (April ~ October) and 09:15~15:45 (November
~ February). In March, visiting hours are from 09:15~16:45.
Entry is permitted every 15 and 45 minutes past the
hour. The palace is closed Mondays. Entry to the palace
is only permitted with a guided tour. Visitors do not
have to join the tour on Thursdays. Admission is 3,000
won.
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Written and photographed by Gregory Curley
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