Huwon: a garden of natural beauty
Huwon is self-contained and occupies sixty percent of Changdeokgung. The palace buildings are situated on the ridge of Bugaksan (Mt.) and have very few artificial features in order to blend into their natural surroundings. In the center of Huwon is a large pond, Buyongji, along with Buyongjeong (Pavilion) and Juhapru (Pavilion). A cross-shaped roof and two supporting pillars rising from the pond make the design of Buyongjeong unique. It is said that King Jeongjo (the twenty-second king of the Joseon Dynasty) and his courtiers often enjoyed fishing here at Buyongjeong. In the past Juhapru housed a royal library and was a place where both king and courtiers studied and discussed politics. Eosumun (Gate), the entrance to Juhapru, has a symbolic meaning for kings and government officials because of its name which literally means “Fishes cannot live without water” but is usually understood as “The ruler should always put his people first.”
Ongnyucheon is a stream running through Huwon. The Ongnyucheon area was particularly dear to many kings of the Joseon period. Standing next to Ongnyucheon, small pavilions such as Soyojeong (Pavilion), Taegeukjeong (Pavilion), and Chunguijeong (Pavilion) create a wonderful view.
Soyoam, which stands in the middle of Ongnyucheon, is formed from a rock with a rounded water channel carved into it and features a small waterfall. Kings and courtiers enjoyed drinking wine here from floating cups.
Main buildings
Injeongjeon is the throne hall of Changdeokgung. It was used for major state events including the coronation of new kings and receiving foreign envoys. The coronations of eight kings of the Joseon Dynasty were hosted there. Injeongjeon was built with Changdeokgung by King Taejong (the third king of the Joseon Dynasty) in 1405. Since then it has been destroyed and restored many times. The plum flower motif that can be seen on the ridge of the roof represented the Korean imperial family during the Korean Empire period (1897-1910).
Geumcheongyo is a bridge just inside the entrance to the palace. Although the palace has endured many wars and fires, Geumcheongyo has kept its original form, making it of great historical value.
Daejojeon is a private royal area surrounded by outbuildings. Because the Japanese annexation of Korea was decreed in Heangbokheon, one of Daejojeon's outbuildings, the place holds special historical significance.
Visitors can choose between two tours of Changdeokgung: the general tour and the Huwon (Rear garden) tour. The general tour takes around 1 hour and the Huwon tour around 90 minutes. Visitors on the general tour are admitted only to the palace, but are free to explore without a tour guide, although guided tours are available in English, Chinese and Japanese.
For the Huwon tour, a tour guide is compulsory and there is access to only a limited number of areas. In addition, there are scheduled admission times so be sure to check in advance to avoid disappointment.
