Changgyeonggung is one of the eastern palaces, being located on the east of Gyeongbok Palace. It mainly served as the residential quarters for queens and concubines. During the colonial rule, it was converted to a botanical garden and a zoo to diminish the royal status of the palace. The palace was then relocated in 1983 and restored to its former glory. The most interesting place in the palace is the Great Glass House, or Daeonsil (대온실), built by a French company.
Address: 185, Changgyeonggung-ro, Jongno-gu, Seoul 서울특별시 종로구 창경궁로 185 (와룡동)
Tel no: +82-2-762-4868
How to get there: Hyehwa Station (Seoul Subway Line 4), Exit 3.
Drawing of the eastern palaces
You may ask, how different is Changgyeonggung from the other palaces? After seeing Gyeongbokgung, which is the biggest palace in Seoul, you probably think that all palaces start to look the same. I couldn't agree more, since the architecture style is similar for the palaces.
So why did I still palace-hop? Well, if you have time to explore the palaces and understand what each building or feature is used for, that's when you appreciate the history and culture of the Joseon dynasty better. And, the brightly coloured palace buildings never fail to release the shutterbug in me.
The most interesting feature in this palace is the glass house, which looks strange amongst the traditional Joseon architecture. I would say that I was not too overwhelmed exploring the glass house for flora, which was mostly a patch of green. The building itself was the key point of my visit.
Double doors to the glass house
Sakura motif
Fountain outside the glass house
View of the namsan N tower (N서울타워) from Changgyeonggung
Haminjeong pavilion 涵仁亭 (함인정)
It was used by the King to receive top winners of the national civil and military examinations called Gwageo.
Inside the single-story pavilion, you can see writings relating to the 4 seasons.
Square outside main hall - Myeongjeongjeon 명정전
Myeongjeongjeon 명정전
Chundangji (Pond) 춘당지
Yanghwadang 양화당
Yanghwadang 양화당 & Haminjeong pavilion 涵仁亭
Myeongjeongmun (명정문) & Okcheongyo (옥천교)
The bridge is supported by twin arches. There is a carving of a monster mask between the arches to expel evil spirits.
Honghwamun 홍화문
Although much smaller compared to Gyeongbokgung, I'll recommend Changgyeonggung if you want to see the palace architecture leisurely and quietly. It was an afternoon well spent exploring the palace grounds, just me and my camera.
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