Changgyeonggung Palace is one of the five major palaces of the Joseon Dynasty located in Seoul. The five major palaces of the Joseon Dynasty are Gyeongbokgung Palace, Changdeokgung Palace, Changgyeonggung Palace, Deoksugung Palace, and Gyeonghuigung Palace.
While other palaces were built for the purpose of conducting state affairs, Changgyeonggung Palace differs in its founding purpose.
“Palace Built to Honor the Abdicated King, Taejong: Changgyeonggung”
Changgyeonggung Palace was originally called “Suganggung” and was built in 1418 to honor King Taejong, who became the reigning king when King Sejong ascended to the throne. In 1484, during the 15th year of King Seongjong’s reign, it was expanded to become Changgyeonggung Palace in order to enshrine Queen Dowager Yun, the mother of King Sejo, and Queen Dowager Han, the mother of King Seongjong.
During King Seongjong’s reign, significant buildings such as Myeongjeongjeon Hall, Munjeongjeon Hall, Sunyeongjeon Hall, Hwangyeongjeon Hall, Gyeongchunjeon Hall, Inyangjeon Hall, Tongmyeongjeon Hall, Yanghwadang Hall, Yeohwidang Hall, and Saseonggak Hall were constructed, and the palace had a perimeter of 4,325 steps.
“Changgyeonggung Palace Destroyed by the Japanese Invasion”
Changgyeonggung Palace was completely destroyed by the fires set by the Japanese during the Japanese invasions of Korea. In the 7th year of King Gwanghae’s reign (1615), major buildings began to be reconstructed, and the project was completed in the following year. After being rebuilt during King Gwanghae’s reign, it was utilized as an auxiliary palace of Changdeokgung Palace and was collectively referred to as the Eastern Palaces along with Changdeokgung Palace. As Changdeokgung Palace was reconstructed 7 years earlier and became the main royal palace, Changgyeonggung Palace was not extensively utilized during the early Joseon period. However, due to its proximity to Changdeokgung Palace, it became an important stage in the history of the Joseon Dynasty.
Changgyeonggung Palace suffered repeated fires and reconstructions, with significant fires occurring during the reigns of King Injo and King Sunjo. Therefore, the palace experienced changes in its structures due to these fires and various incidents.
“Damage to Changgyeonggung Palace During the Japanese Occupation”
After King Sunjong ascended the throne, Changgyeonggung Palace underwent rapid transformations and was significantly damaged during the Japanese occupation. In 1909, the Japanese Empire forcibly damaged the palace by demolishing palace gates, walls, and many halls, and erected Japanese-style buildings within the palace grounds. They also created a zoo and botanical garden, transforming it into an amusement park.
A pond was excavated in the location of the former farming plot, which was called “Chundangji.” A pavilion was built by the pond, and the palace gardens were converted to a Japanese-style layout. Behind it, a botanical garden was constructed, and to the east, a conservatory was built. Japanese-style buildings were erected behind Tongmyeongjeon Hall and were established as the main building of the museum. Additionally, the remaining buildings were renovated by the Japanese and turned into exhibition halls of the museum. In 1911, a two-story museum was built in the location of Jagyeongjeon Hall, and the name of Changgyeonggung Palace was changed to “Changgyeongwon” in an attempt to assimilate it. In 1915, Jangseogak Library was built on the southwest hill behind Munjeongjeon Hall. In 1922, thousands of cherry blossom trees were planted, creating a cherry blossom forest, and from 1924, night cherry blossom viewing events were held.
During the Japanese invasion, most of the buildings were demolished and destroyed by the Japanese, and the road that divided Changgyeonggung Palace and Jongmyo Shrine was planned by the Japanese in 1912. However, King Sunjong opposed the construction, fearing damage to Jongmyo Shrine, so the project was postponed. After King Sunjong’s passing, construction was immediately carried out, and the road was completed in 1932. However, in the late 1980s, through excavation and restoration efforts, only Myeongjeongjeon Hall, part of Munjeongjeon Hall, were reconstructed.
After liberation, Changgyeonggung Palace continued to function as a botanical garden and zoo. In 1981, the South Korean government decided to restore Changgyeonggung Palace, and the process of restoration began. On December 31, 1983, public viewing was discontinued, and the name was reverted from Changgyeongwon to Changgyeonggung Palace. In the following year of 1984, the demolition of Sujeonggak Library commenced, and in June, the zoo was closed and relocated to Seoul Grand Park.
Until August 1986, facilities related to the zoo, botanical garden, and Japanese-style buildings were demolished. The lost Myeongjeongjeon Hall, its surrounding wings, and Munjeongjeon Hall were restored to their original appearance, and on August 23, 1986, they were opened to the public. In 1992, the Japanese-style building Jangseogak Library was also demolished.
“The Chundangji, Pond of Changgyeonggung Palace”
Changgyeonggung Palace features a pond, which was excavated during the Japanese occupation in the location of the former farming plot. A pavilion was built by the pond, and the palace gardens were converted to a Japanese-style layout. The Chundangji Pond can still be seen in Changgyeonggung Palace today.
“The Large Greenhouse of Changgyeonggung Palace”
While the zoo, botanical garden, and amusement park that were once part of Changgyeongwon were relocated elsewhere, visitors can still find a large greenhouse in one corner of Changgyeonggung Palace. In this area, visitors can see various tropical plants on display in a space that is different from the traditional Korean architecture found in the rest of the palace.
“A Palace in Harmony with Nature”
Changgyeonggung Palace, like Changdeokgung Palace adjacent to it, harmonizes with nature. Since it was originally built as a palace for the esteemed king rather than as a main royal palace, it exudes a somewhat modest atmosphere compared to Gyeongbokgung Palace or Changdeokgung Palace. Currently, across from the main gate of Changgyeonggung Palace stands Seoul National University Hospital, and to the north, it is adjacent to Sungkyunkwan University, creating a blend of modern buildings and the palace in harmony with the surroundings.
While there is an admission fee of 1,000 KRW, it is relatively affordable. Additionally, it is not far from Daehangno, making it a pleasant place for a stroll.
“Seoul, the Palace of the Esteemed King, Changgyeonggung Palace”
- Address: 185 Changgyeonggung-ro, Waryong-dong, Jongno-gu, Seoul
- Phone number: 02-762-4868
- Operating hours: 9:00 AM – 5:30 PM-6:30 PM (Closing time varies by season, with the last admission one hour before closing)