Changdeokgung Palace
[하이코리언 뉴스] 서울의 5곳의 고궁 중 유일하게 유네스코 세계문화유산에 등재되어있는 창덕궁은 경복궁에서 동쪽으로 떨어진 곳에 자리 잡고 있다. 경복궁이 일직선으로 지어져 위엄을 자랑했다면 창덕궁은 주변 지형과 조화를 이루도록 지어져 자연미와 조화미를 엿볼 수 있다.
경복궁이 1592년 임진왜란으로 불에 타면서부터 그 후 약 300년 동안 창덕궁이 경복궁의 역할을 하여 실제 역대 국왕이 가장 오래 머물렀던 곳이기도 하다.창덕궁은 그 구조가 질서정연한 일반 왕궁과는 달리 지형에 따라 배치하면서 각 건물을 찾아가는 재미가 있다. 창덕궁의 대표 건물인 인정전을 지나 선정전에 들어가고, 다시 나와 국왕과 왕비의 침실인 대조전과 업무를 보던 희정당 등 마치 미로 속을 지나는 듯한 느낌이 든다.
이 외에도 조선의 마지막 임금인 순종의 부인이 생활한 낙선재는 궁 안에 있으면서도 한옥과 같은 건축 양식으로 지어져 한옥의 미도 느낄 수 있다
Out of the Five Grand Palaces, Changdeokgung Palace is the only that's been designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site. It is located east of Gyeongbokgung Palace. While Gyeongbokgung Palace's structures were built in straight lines to ward off danger, Changdeokgung Palace was built in line with the contours of the surrounding land so as to harmonize with nature. After Gyeongbokgung Palace was razed in 1592 during the Imjin War, Changdeokgung Palace took its place as the primary residence for the royal family and major government offices. Changdeokgung's importance would hold for the next 300 years, until the end of the Joseon Dynasty. The Joseon Dynasty's royal families resided in Changdeokgung Palace longer than any other palace. Because Changdeokgung's layout follows the curves of its location's natural topography, it differs greatly from the other palaces. Some buildings can feel hidden away, so it's great fun to wander the grounds and "discover" the buildings for yourself.
Injeongjeon Hall is symbolic main hall of Changdeokgung Palace. Just behind it is Seonjeongjeon Hall. Pass through Seonjeongjeon and you will arrive at Huijeongdang Hall. Huijeongdang was the king and queen's residence and government affairs were conducted here. It may feel like walking through a maze while going from hall to hall. There is also the Nakseonjae Complex, a fine example of hanok architecture. Sunjong, the last monarch of Joseon, resided here with his wife. Although located inside of Changdeokgung Palace, it feels separate from the palace.
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Changdeokgung Palace's Best Photo Spots
* Donhwamun Gate : Changdeokgung's main entrance; after you walk through the gate, Changdeokgung Palace lies before you. Changdeokgung feels at once like a stately palace and a lush garden.
* Daejojeon Hall : Daejojeon was once the king and queen's residence. Behind the hall is Huwon Garden. The sloping hills were kept intact when the garden was installed; view how the hall, hills and garden compliment each other.
* Huwon Garden : Located at the rear of the palace, the garden and a small beautiful pond were installed for the use and pleasure of the royal family. There is a beautiful pond here. Parties and banquets were held at Huwon. There are several buildings here and one can see how the natural surroundings and buildings harmonize with each other.
Address : 99 Yulgok-ro, Jongno-gu, Seoul
Directions : Jongno 3ga Station (lines 1, 3, 5) exit 6 or Anguk Station (line 3) exit 3
Website : www.cdg.go.kr
Opening Hours : 09:00~18:00 (Closed Mondays, closing time varies seasonally)