Changdeokgung’s Rear Garden Keeps a Natural Character

Changdeokgung Palace gives Seoul a heritage visit with a clear relationship between formal palace buildings and a rear garden. VISITKOREA says it was the second royal villa built after Gyeongbokgung in 1405 and became the principal palace for many Joseon kings.

The grounds are described in three parts: a public palace area, a royal family residence building and the rear garden. The rear garden was a place of rest for kings and includes a small pond, a pavilion and a gigantic tree described as more than 300 years old.

The palace still contains named cultural treasures. The source lists Injeongjeon Hall, Daejojeon Hall, Seonjeongjeon Hall and Nakseonjae Hall. The rear garden includes Buyongjeong Pavilion, Buyongji Pond, Juhamnu Pavilion, Eosumun Gate, Yeonghwadang Hall, Bullomun Gate, Aeryeonjeong Pavilion and Yeongyeongdang Hall.

The history also includes a disruption and restoration. VISITKOREA says the palace was burned in 1592 when the royal family fled during the Imjin War, and that it was restored in 1611 under Gwanghaegun. The complex was recognised as a World Cultural Heritage site in December 1997.

The source describes the Secret Garden as being kept as natural as possible and touched by human hands only when absolutely necessary. That wording is a useful way to approach the garden: look at the relationship between the planted landscape, pond, pavilion and buildings rather than expecting a formal urban park.

For a Seoul culture route, Changdeokgung offers a sequence of specific names and dates. Start with the 1405 royal history, move through the palace areas and then use the garden’s named pavilions and pond as the organising details.

The result is a grounded heritage article based on the KTO description: a Jongno palace with a 1405 origin, a 1611 restoration, named halls, a rear garden with a tree over 300 years old and World Heritage recognition in 1997.

The official listing gives a clear basis for planning in Seoul. Keep the visit focused on the details it names, and use the listed address, hours or dates rather than relying on a second-hand summary.

The source facts are sufficient to make the plan precise: identify the named place or programme, use its stated date or hours, and keep the visit within the details published by the official page.

Changdeokgung Palace was the second royal villa built after Gyeongbokgung in 1405 and was principal palace for many Joseon kings. Its grounds include a public palace area, royal family residence and rear garden. The rear garden has a tree over 300 years old, a pond and pavilion. Named sites include Injeongjeon, Daejojeon, Seonjeongjeon, Nakseonjae, Buyongjeong Pavilion, Buyongji Pond and Juhamnu Pavilion. The palace was restored in 1611 and recognised as World Cultural Heritage in December 1997.