- Address: 185 Changgyeonggung-ro, Waryong-dong, Jongno-gu, Seoul, South Korea
- Phone: +82 (2) 762-48-68
- Opening hours: Tue-Sun 09: 00: 17: 30
- Year of foundation: 1418
In Seoul, there is a large number of historical sites. Especially popular among tourists is a complex of 5 large palaces, one of which is Changgyeonggung. It was founded by the emperors of the Joseon Dynasty as its residence. Today, this landmark is the National treasure under №123.
general information
Originally, the Palace of Chang-gung was called Sugangung, but in 1418 it was renamed and rebuilt by the order of King Sejong van Koryo. The structure has acquired a more modern look, it has been strengthened by new technologies. The workers erected the complex according to the modern Korean principle, the planning of which is oriented along the west-east axis.
The monarch lived here only in the warm season, so in the palace was equipped with a zoo and a splendid botanical garden with exotic plants, fountains and pavilions for recreation. Changqinggung for several centuries served as a summer residence for kings, until it suffered from the Japanese during the occupation.
The name of the complex is translated as "a palace with unrestrained fun." Restored the building only in 1983, however, the zoo had to close. Today, almost all the pagodas and rooms are available for inspection by tourists.
What is in Chang Gong?
You can get to the castle complex only through the Honghwamun Gate, behind which is the arch bridge of Ochkhong. It will be thrown across a picturesque pond. This layout of the courtyard is a feature of the palace architecture of the Joseon period. After the visitors have crossed the pond, they will see the Myonjeongmun portal, from where the Changgengun excursion begins.
The most popular accommodation among tourists are:
- The Myeongjonjeon Pavilion is the most ancient palace building of the Joseon era. In it, the king officially accepted his subjects. The front of the facade faces south, and the building itself looks to the east. In the layout of the structure you can see obvious signs of Confucian traditions. Near the palace are stones, on which the names of court ranks are engraved.
- The Sunmundan Hall is located behind Myeongjeongjeon on the left side of the complex. It was built on the slope of a mountain range. The structure has a multi-level roof and looks rather exotic.
- The Thongmyojong pavilion is the largest building in the complex, built especially for the queen. The building has a stone staircase, from the top of which you can see the palace as in the palm of your hand. There is a long pole (phungide) with a piece of cloth at the end. It is designed to measure wind speed and determine its direction.
- The pond . In the northern part of Changgengun Palace is located a beautiful pond Chundanchi. In the old days there were rice fields, behind which the king courted personally. During the occupation, the Japanese transformed it into a lake so that it could be floated on boats. Around the pond stretches a picturesque garden.
On the territory of the castle, concerts with the participation of folk artists and world stars often take place. Here, too, arrange theater performances, carnival processions and festivals in the spirit of bygone days.
Features of visit
Changgengun Palace is open every day, except Monday, from 09:00 am to 17:30 pm. The cost of the ticket is $ 1, for children from 7 to 18 years you will need to pay 2 times less, for children the admission is free. Groups of 10 people will have a discount.
How to get there?
From the center of Seoul, you can get to the palace by the metro of the 4th line. The station is called Hyehwa, exit # 3. Near the complex stop the blue buses with # № 710, 601, 301, 272, 171, 151, 104, 102 and 100. On the road you will spend up to 30 minutes.