Wander alongside the locals through the gardens dotted with beautiful architecture at the Palace of Bright Rejoicing.
Originally the summer palace of King Sukjong, the 15th Century Changgyeonggung Palace is now open to visitors. The name of the palace translates to “The Palace of Bright Rejoicing” and is known for its beautiful architecture and impressive gardens.
You can enjoy Changgyeonggung Palace on your own and at your own leisure, but if you want to delve deeper into the palace’s history, then sign up for a tour of the palace complex, several of which take place throughout the day.
A UNESCO World Heritage site, the Jongmyo Shrine should be the first port of call for visitors. Built in the 16th Century and containing teachings from the members of the Joseon Dynasty (1392-1910), it is the world’s oldest known Confucian shrine and still plays host to traditional Korean ceremonies.
Most visitors enter the palace itself through the impressive Honghwamu entrance gate, which then takes you towards the 15th Century Okcheongyo Bridge. With spooky carved goblins hiding under the parapet, the bridge is believed to be the oldest in the city. Don’t miss the stone structures on the south-facing hill outside the shrine mark the spot of a former observatory.
Although it has been carefully restored to reflect much of its former glory, the Changgyeonggyng Palace has certainly seen its share of hard times. In the 16th Century, it was destroyed by the Japanese, and then damaged by fire three hundred years later. Because of this, many of the buildings that now make up the palace are less than 200 years old. A few of the original buildings do however remain – the Myeongjeongjeon was constructed in 1616 and is the oldest main hall in Seoul.
Gyeongchunjeon is the birthplace of a number of important Korean kings. One of the finest attractions in the palace is the Daeonsil, a Victorian-style glasshouse that was constructed in the early 1900s. Tranquil and calm, the conservatory is home to many different Korean plants, as well as featuring a Renaissance water fountain at its centre.
Changgyeonggung Palace is open to visitors every day except Monday. It’s worth paying a little extra for an integrated ticket that includes the other four of Seoul’s Five Grand Palaces.
