Changdeok Palace / Biwon Garden | |
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Construction of Changdok Palace (historic site #122) was started in 1405 by King T'aejong, and it
was completed in 1412. In 1463, King Sejo expanded the palace and created Biwon (secret) Garden.
The Japanese burned all the buildings during 1592. Although rebuilt, many of the buildings have
burned and been rebuilt several times. Thirteen of Korea's kings lived here for a total of over
270 years, a longer period than at Gyeongbok Palace. The
palace grounds cover over 110 acres. Thirteen of the original buildings remain, with an additional
28 in Biwon Garden.
To visit Changdeok Palace and Biwon Garden, you must be on an tour (see
schedule for). Signs explaining each area are in Korean, English, and
Japanese, so you do not necessarily need to take one in your native language. However, the tour
guides often give information not contained in the sign boards, so you may miss out on some
details. The tour covers about 2.5 km of walking and takes 80 minutes.
The main gate to Changdeok Palace is Tonhwamun (National Treasure #383) which is similar to
Honghwamun gate in
Changgyeong Palace. Built in 1412, it was destroyed in 1592 during
the Japanese invasion. Rebuilt in 1607, it is Seoul's oldest 20story wooden gate.Biwon Garden Originally named Huwon, (meaning "rear garden"), Biwon is typical of palace backyards where kings and other members of the royal family would go to relax and entertain. In 1997, it was registered as a World Heritage. 
Hours: [Changdeok Palace] Feb. - 09:15 ~ 15:45 Enter every 15 and 45 minutes past the hour. Mar. - 09:15 ~ 16:45 Enter every 15 and 45 minutes past the hour. Apr. ~ Oct. - 09:15 ~ 17:15 Enter every 15 and 45 minutes past the hour. Nov. - 09:15 ~ 15:45 Enter every 15 and 45 minutes past the hour. Dec. ~ Jan. - 09:45 ~ 15:45 Enter every 45 minutes past the hour. * The last entrance time varies according to sunset time. Closed Mondays [Biwon Garden] 3 times per day: 10 AM, 1 PM, 2 PM; takes 3 hours (closed on Mondays) Admission: Adults (19 to 64 years old): 3,000 won Youths (7 to 18 years old): 1,500 won * Children 6 and under, seniors 65 and over: Free Directions: Subway lines 1, 3 & 5, Jongno 3 (sam)-ga Station, exit 6, 10 minutes walking Subway line 3, Anguk Station, exit 3, 5 minutes walking See related tour(s). | |
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