[Popular Attraction in Autumn] Changgyeonggung Palace in Seoul

Changgyeonggung Palace is the third palace built in the Joseon Dynasty after Gyeongbokgung Palace and Changdeokgung Palace. It was not built for the king to attend to political affairs, but to expand the living space. Therefore, there are not many pavilions and the scale of this place is small. Unlike other palaces in Joseon Dynasty which was built southward, Changgyeonggung Palace is unique as it is facing the east.

Let's enjoy Autumn in Changgyeonggung Palace that boasts a quiet and peaceful atmosphere in the city.

Popular Attraction in Autumn - Scenery in Changgyeonggung Palace, Seoul

Changgyeonggung Palace starts at Honghwamun Gate as the main gate. It's known as East Palace along with Changdeokgung Palace. It is facing Changdeokgung Palace on the west, and there is Jongmyo Shrine (where royal ancestors tablets are) on the south after passing through a small hill.

The ticketing office of Changgyeonggung Palace is next to Honghwamun Gate. Visitors under the age of 24 and over 65 are free of charge, while visitors between the age of 25 - 64 will be charged KRW 1,000 for the admission. Free guided tours are available, but it is currently suspended due to COVID-19.

Various palaces in Korea open at night in Autumn every year. In addition, Changgyeonggung Palace also has evening tour. We have visited Changgyeonggung Palace at night a few years ago, so we chose to take a walk during the day and will show you the palace in this post. It is interesting to feel the charm of the palace which has a completely different atmosphere in the day and night.

After passing through Myeongjeongmun Gate, you will come to Myeongjeongjeon Hall, which is the main hall of Changgyeonggung Palace and is the place where official events such as the king's accession ceremony, officer's congratulatory ceremony, past exams and royal banquets were held.

Myeongjeongjeon Hall retains the same appearance as the time when Prince Gwanghae rebuilt the palace after the Imjin War. Although the flat roof is small, it is said to be the oldest among the palaces.

There is Munjeongjeon Hall and Sungmundang Hall around Myeongjeongjeon Hall. Munjeongjeon Hall is the place where the king settled the special and unusual work while  Sungmundang Hall is the place where he read or discussed the history of the nation.

After passing through Hwanggyeongjeon, Yanghwadang, and Punggidae, take the stairs up and you will see a wonderful scenery. You can overlook the beautiful Changgyeonggung Palace that boasts an amazing view. Moreover, you can see N-Seoul Tower which symbolizes Seoul in the distance that is clearly visible. It makes you feel like the past and modern coexist.

It is the rain gauge that you will see on the way to Chundangji pond. This rain gauge is the first astronomical instrument created in the 16th year of King Sejong (1434), and is a type of sundial that was most widely used in Korea. The name "Yangbu-ilgu" was given because the clock board was concave like a iron pot that is looking up at the sky.

Changgyeonggung Palace is famous for its beauty when Autumn leaves changes the color. Although it has not completely changed into Autumn colors, we could see the Autumn light coming between the trees.

Chundangji is a small pond where people used to shoot arrows and look at the old Chundangdae. The current Chundangji Pond has been created as a traditional farming pond since 1983, after the Japanese colonial era. It is a rare pond in Seoul with dense forest surrounding it, making it a home for birds. You can also see natural monuments such as lovebirds and carp in Chundangji pond.

After Chundangji pond, you can see the greenhouse, one of the most symbolic buildings in Changgyeonggung Palace. Changgyeonggung Palace's greenhouse is Korea's first Western-style greenhouse that was built in 1909. The building was made of wood and steel, and the outer layer is covered with glass. Changgyeonggung Palace was damaged by the Japanese imperialism, but today it has historical value and become a modern cultural heritage. Currently, there are natural monuments, wildflowers and native plants in the greenhouse. Unfortunately, to prevent the spread of COVID-19, it is temporarily closed but we hope it reopens again very soon.

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After that, you will pass through the greenhouse and flower bed, to return to Honghwamun Gate. We fell in love with the quite, peaceful and attractive Changgyeonggung Palace. Most of them were flatland, so it is also suitable for the elderly to take a walk and enjoy nature.

Changgyeonggung Palace has a variety of things to see, such as architectural style during Joseon Dynasty in 17th century, and Myeongjeongjeon Hall, the oldest royal structure from Joseon Dynasty. We hope you enjoy your time here, like discovering a treasure on one page of the history book.

[Information about Changgyeonggung Palace]

1. Getting There: At AREX Seoul Station, Transfer to Subway Line 4 - Get off at Hoehyeon Station, Exit 4, walk 978m

2. Address: 185 Changgyeonggung-ro, Jongno-gu, Seoul

3. Operating Hours: Tuesday - Sunday 9:00 ~ 21:00 (Last admission 20:00)

4. Contact Number: +82-2-762-4868

5. Website: http://cgg.cha.go.kr/

※ Information is subject to change