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Seoul - Changdeokgung Palace and Huwon, South Korea

Mazoto Kyio

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Changdeokgung Palace is composed of the public official space, the kings residence and the rear garden. Changdeokgung Palace is the only palace that preserves the architectural style of the Joseon Dynasty. The rear garden used to be the kings resting place where 300-year-old trees, pond and pavilion are harmoniously organized with nature itself. Past Donhwa Gate and into the palace, Geumcheon Bridge appears from the right. Constructed during the 11th year of King Tae-Jongs (1411) reign, this stone bridge is the oldest of its kind that remains in Seoul. The entrance of Injeongjeon (the royal audience chamber) is at the end of the bridge and the ridge of this chambers roof is unusually decorated with flower patterns. These patterns were attached by the Japanese to disgrace the royal family and cannot be found at any other ridge. There are nine statues each on the eves of Injeongjeon. These statues prevent evil spirits from entering, and the number of statues differ five statues for each eve at Jinseonmun, and seven for Donhwamun. Behind the right door of Injeongjeon, there is the kings official chamber called Seonjeongjeon. Blue tiles were used only for the palace, which gives an explanation for the blue tiles of the Presidential Residence of Korea. The cement road between the walls of Changdeokgung Palace and Changgyeonggung Palace lead to Huwon garden. Buyongjeong and Johapru here frequently appear in photos introducing Korea. The garden is formed in the shape of the Korean alphabet ㄷ with a pond in the center. Also, one must pass Bulo gate made of a big stone into the ㄷ shape to step out of the palace and reach Yeongeongdang, the 99-room house of the highest ranking nobleman. Source: english.tour2korea.com