Changgyeonggung

Welcome to Changgyeonggung, one of the five grand royal palaces of Seoul. I am delighted to be your guide today as we explore a site that seamlessly blends stunning architectural beauty with a deeply moving, and sometimes tragic,…

We have now moved away from the formal entrance and into the expansive, naturalistic gardens of the palace. Unlike the rigidly symmetrical and manicured gardens found in many European palaces, Korean royal landscaping prioritizes…

We are now standing before Myeongjeongjeon, the majestic main hall of Changgyeonggung. This structure is of immense historical and architectural significance, proudly designated as a National Treasure. …

Leaving the grandeur of the main ceremonial hall, we arrive at Munjeongjeon. While Myeongjeongjeon was reserved for major national events, this building functioned as the king's primary executive office. …

We now approach an elegant, open-air structure known as Haminjeong. The name beautifully translates to the Pavilion of Gathering Harmony. …

We are now moving deep into the inner court of Changgyeonggung. While the imposing halls at the front of the palace were dominated by men and the heavy affairs of state, this secluded area was predominantly a female domain. …

As we continue our walk, the traditional curved tiled roofs and painted wooden beams suddenly give way to an unexpected sight: a brilliant, white, glass-paned structure. This is the Grand Greenhouse, or Daeonsil, and it…

As we conclude our journey through Changgyeonggung, let us slowly ascend one of the gently sloping hills at the rear of the palace. From this elevated vantage point, if you look straight ahead, you can see the modern skyline of…