11/21/2023 

Changdeokgung Palace and National Museum

Changdeokgung Palace, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, is the most well-preserved palace of all the royal palaces from the Joseon Dynasty (1392 - 1910). 

It was built in 1405 by King Taejong, the third ruler of Joseon, and, after all palaces in Seoul were burnt down during the Japanese invasion in 1592, it was the first palace rebuilt in 1610. 

Since then, it became the primary palace for about 270 years for 13 kings including the last monarch.  

The whole Changdeokgung compound covers an area of about 462,000 square meters(110 acres), with the Rear Garden, also known as the Secret Garden, accounting for two-thirds of the total grounds.

Changdeokgung Palace was designated as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1997 and is regarded as a masterpiece of Korean palace architecture where the buildings perfectly harmonize with the natural setting.

I especially liked the intricate gargoyles along the roofs of the pagodas.

Palace roof gargoyle up close and personal.

People dressed to the nines and were happy to take selfies 

and pose for photographs. 

Inside the Throne Hall.

Side entry doors.

Sunny explains the clock was invented by King Sejong and used by the royals to check the time and seasons in a 24-season cycle using sunlight.

Of course, the Buddhist sculptures were the most exciting displays in the National Museum of Korea, which had a vast collection of artifacts, gold-encrusted crowns, and a multitude of national treasures.