When visiting Seoul, one thing that's not to be missed is a walk around one of the city's ancient palaces (Gyeongbokgung Palace, Gyeonghuigung Palace, Deoksugung Palace, Changgyeonggung Palace and Changdeokgung Palace and Huwon).
These architectural gems were not only residences of kings and queens,
but were also the center of politics and city life during the Joseon
Dynasty (1392-1910).
Changgyeonggung Palace,
in particular, is the perfect destination for any
who are interested in seeing Korean palaces. Designated as a World
Heritage site by UNESCO in 1997, Changdeokgung Palace is said to be the
most traditional and authentic of Seoul's five palaces. It has been
praised for its architectural sensitivity to its natural surroundings
and lauded as a representative masterpiece of East Asian Palace
Architecture. The palace is also believed to have the perfect
geographical location according to ancient philosophies like that of
Feng Shui.
As amazing as the palace is in the daylight, it's
even more magical when you stroll through the grounds under the light of
the full moon. If you like to know more
on how this would feel like, join in the annual moonlit journey
through Changdeokgung Palace!
The Moonlight Tour at Changdeokgung Palace
is the only chance you can walk around in the palace at night. The tour
takes place on the days of full moon and only allows a limited number
of people
per night. Thus, it is best to make reservations in advance because
spots fill up fast.
* Changdeokgung Moonlight Tour Route
① Donhwamun (Main Gate) (돈화문); tour meeting point → ② Jinseonmun Gate (진선문) → ③ Injeongjeon Hall (인정전) → ④ Nakseonjae (낙선재); viewing the fullmoon → ⑤ Buyongji Pond (부용지); viewing the fullmoon → ⑥ Bullomun Gate (불로문) → ⑦ Yeongyeongdang Hall (연경당); watching performance and sampling refreshments → ⑧ Forest trail of Huwon (후원); end of tour
(Total program takes about 2 hours.)
① Donhwamun (Main Gate) (돈화문); tour meeting point → ② Jinseonmun Gate (진선문) → ③ Injeongjeon Hall (인정전) → ④ Nakseonjae (낙선재); viewing the fullmoon → ⑤ Buyongji Pond (부용지); viewing the fullmoon → ⑥ Bullomun Gate (불로문) → ⑦ Yeongyeongdang Hall (연경당); watching performance and sampling refreshments → ⑧ Forest trail of Huwon (후원); end of tour
(Total program takes about 2 hours.)
Tidbits to make your Changdeokgung Palace
Moonlight Journey even more enjoyable!
Donhwamun Gate (돈화문): Front Gate of the Oldest Palace
Donhwamun Gate is the oldest of Changdeokgung
Palace's gates. First built in 1412, it was burnt down during a period
of conflict and later restored in 1608. The gate is two stories high,
and its name Donhwa means "benevolently teaching and loving
the citizens." This is the landmark from which your Moonlight Tour
officially begins with a cheongsachorong in your hand (a candle lantern from the Joseon Dynasty made with red and blue silk cloth).
Injeongjeon Hall (인정전): The Venue for Royal Ceremonies
Injeongjeon Hall,
located at the center of the palace, had been used as a reception room
for foreign diplomats and was also the place where the King's
coronation was carried out. Inside this prestigious room, visitors will
be able to see the King's throne and folding screen behind, called
Ilwoloakdo byeongpung*, which is embroidered with the sun,
moon, and five mountain peaks. Around this historic building, one can
see Seoul's modern cityscape looming in the background.
* Byeongpung: a partition used
to keep out strong winds from outside, though mostly served as an
interior element as it is decorated with traditional drawings or
calligraphies.
Nakseonjae (낙선재): The King's Quarters
Nakseonjae was built as the study and sarangchae
(living quarters of the head of a household) of King Heonjong (24th
king of Joseon, 1827-1849). Literally meaning “to enjoy virtue,”
Nakseonjae implies that the king should serve his people with virtue so
that both
the people and the king himself will be happy. After King Heonjong
passed away, the compound was used by King Gojong (26th king of Joseon,
1852-1919) and King Sunjong (27th king of Joseon, 1874-1926) to carry
out state affairs.
Buyongji (부용지): The Majestic Royal Backyard
Buyongji is the most beautiful and
tranquil area inside Changdeokgung Palace and is one of the finest
examples of landscapes designed during the Joseon era. The kings would
take leisure walks around the small pond located in the backyard of the
palace called Buyongji. The striking building jutting out over the
pond is the Buyongjeong Pavilion. The area is surrounded by trees that
are hundreds of years old. Next to the pond is Yeonghwadang, the venue
for gwageo exams (the highest-level state examination to recruit ranking officials) during the Joseon Dynasty.
Yeongyeongdang (연경당): A Stage Fit for a King
Yeongyeongdang is a wooden building
built in the same style as the houses of the noblemen during the Joseon
Dynasty. The building was built in the 19th century and had been used
as a venue for ceremonies and performances by the best performers of
that era. During your moonlit journey, Yeongyeongdang will serve as the
venue for an array of traditional Korean performances, including pansori
(traditional Korean opera), a style of music that has been honored by
UNESCO as an official Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity. The
building's expansive yard and temporary stage are complete with plenty
of seating for the audience. Korean tea and traditional snacks are
served as well.
Huwon Forest Stroll: Soaking in the Twilight of Seoul's Past and Present
After the performance, visitors are be led
into the forest of Changdeokgung Palace, which for centuries acess
was restricted for common people and reserved exclusively for the
use of the royal family. Now open to the public, guides dressed in hanbok
(traditional Korean clothing) lead visitors through the trees using
the light of the cheongsachorong. Guided by the delicate glow of this
traditional lantern and the gentle light of the full moon, visitors are
guaranteed a unique and unforgettable evening.
More Info
- ☞ Venue: Changdeokgung and Huwon in Jongno-gu, Seoul
☞ Dates
| August | 27th at 20:00 | Tickets selling starts on August 11, 2015 / 14:00~ |
|---|---|---|
| September | 25th and 26th at 19:00 | |
| October | 28th at 19:00 |
- ☞ Number of people per tour: 100 people
- ☞ Program: Changdeokgung Palace night stroll, Korean traditional performance and Korean teas and snacks
- ☞ Price: 30,000 won
- ☞ Reservation (Korean, English, Japanese, Chinese)
- ☞ Website: www.cdg.go.kr (Korean, English)
- ☞ Inquiries: +82-2-2270-1233 (Korean, English)
- ☞ 1330 Korea Travel Hotline: +82-2-1330 (Korean, English, Japanese, Chinese)
<Last updated in July 30, 2015>
* This column was last updated in July 2015, and therefore information may differ from what is presented here. We advise you to check details from the official websites before visiting.
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