Changdeokgung Palace, a UNESCO World Heritage Centre

Once the sacred home of kings and queens of the Joseon Dynasty (1392-1910), Changdeokgung Palace is a favorite stop for tourists to South Korea. The grounds of this secondary palace were carefully designed for harmony with nature and include walled gardens and ceremonial pavilions, reception areas and private residences.

Visitors enter courtyards through a series of three gates to view the administrative court, royal residential court and official audience court. Lovely wooden buildings with tiled hipped roofs rest atop granite platforms.

Injeongjeon Hall is the throne hall used for formal state events including ministerial audiences and receiving foreign envoys. Sacred animals atop the roof and boldly painted features in colors (blue, red, yellow, white and black) representing five elements proclaim the use of these buildings.

Blue-glazed roof tiles of Seonjeongjeon denote the council hall, a color reserved for the palace. Nakseonjae Hall was the residence of a favorite concubine and features door panels and floor covered with mulberry paper and an in-floor heating system.

Learn more about Changdeokgung Palace Complex

YouTube tour (2:28)