Changgyeonggung Palace

  Changgyeonggung Palace is one of the five grand palaces built in joseon dynasty period. This palace was built by king Sejong in the mid of  15th century for his father (Taejong). It was originally named as 'Suganggung Palace'.

Changgyeonggung Palace

 In 1480's, when king Seongjong ascended the throne he renovated and extended this palace and renamed it as 'Changgyeonggung'. 

  This palace was destroyed by fire in 1592 during the Imjin war. However, it was partially rebuilt by latter joseon kings. But during japanese colonial period (1910-1945) this palace was again destroyed but this time the japanese built a botanical garden, a zoo and a museum on that location. During that time the Changgyeonggung Palace was known as  'Changgeongwon' (Changgeon Garden).

These changes on the palace ground remained the same until 1983.

After the Independence (1945) and Korean war (1950-53) the zoo was refilled with animals with the help of wealthy koreans and with those animals that were gifted from thee foreign zoos.

  In 1983,  under the initiative taken by Korean government to rebuilt all five grand palaces that were destroyed during japanese invasion, the Korean government moved the zoo to present day Seoul Grand Park.

    

Different Structures at Changgyeonggung Palace....

• Myeongjeongjeon ( Throne Hall)

This is the main hall of Changgyeonggung palace. It was used by the king for important meetings with government officials and for other state affairs. Royal feasts were also held there. This hall was built by king Seongjong in 1484. It is a one story building built on a elevated stone yard. this hall is smaller than main halls in other joseon palaces, because it was originally built as the residential hall for dowager queens.

• Honghwamun Gate

This is the main gate of palace. It was originally built in 1484 by king Seongjong. The gate was destroyed in 1592 during Imjin war and rebuilt in 17th century. This is a wooden gate. There are two bell pavilions (Sipjagak) on each side of the gate.

• Okcheongjo  Bridge

This bridge is built in the front of Honghwamun Gate. This bridge is over 500 years old. Two 'Dokkaebi' (Goblins) are craved on the parapet wall of bridge, they are intended to ward off evil spirits. Geumcheon Stream flows below the bridge. This bridge symbolizes the entry in court yard. 

• Angbuilgu sundial

It is a hemispherical sundial invented in 1434 during the king Sejong's reign.

• Daeonsil (Green House)

It is a enclosed botanical garden. It was built in 1919 during the japanese colonial period. The design of this green house is based on The crystal Palace in London, England.

• Gyeongchunjeong Hall

This hall was built for the wife of deceased king, as the sleeping residence. this hall was built in 1483 by king Seongjong.

  This hall was destroyed two times by the japanese first in 1592 during Imjin war ( rebuilt - 1616) and second time in 1830 and was rebuilt in 1834.

 Gyeongchunjeong Hall was also used as the birth place - King Jeongjo 9 22nd King of joseon dynasty) was born ere in 1752 and King Heonjong (24th King) was also born here in 1827.

   King Jeongjo named this hall as 'Birth Hall'. His mother Lady Hyegyeong breathed her last in this hall.

• Hwangyeongjeon Hall

This hall was used as the sleeping residence by the Kings, princes and their wives. 

 This hall was destroyed in 1592 during Imjin war and rebuilt in 1616 but again in1830, this hall was destroyed by fire but again rebuilt in 1834.

 In 1544, King Jungjong breathed his last in this hall and in 1645 crown prince Sohyeon also died in this hall.

  

• Sungmundang Hall

Sungmundang corridor

This hall was used for royal feasts and ceremonies. King also used this place to discuss official matters. This building was constructed in 1616 by King Gwanghaegun.

 It was destroyed in 1830. However, again rebuilt the same year.

• Tongmyeongjeon Hall

This hall was used as the residential quarter by the Kings and their wives. It was built in 1484.

 Near the hall there is an elevated stone terrace.

• Tonghwadang Hall

This hall was residence for dowager queen. During the Qing Invasion of Korea (1636) King Injo (16th king of joseon dynasty) took shelter here. 

  It was built in 1484 by king Seonjong.

• Munjeongjeon Hall

This hall was used by the king as council hall, King dealt with routine state affairs. The hall was destroyed during japanese invasion and rebuilt in 1986.

• Gwandeokjeong Pavilion

This pavilion is located near 'Daeonsil' and 'Chundangji' pond. It was built for the archers of the military. This building was also known as 'Chuimijeon' between 1642 and 1664.

• Haminjeong Pavilion 

this pavilion was used for royal feasts and ceremonies. The King used to meet the military officials here. It was built in 1633, destroyed in 1830 and and rebuilt in 1833.

• Jagyeongjeon Site

It was built in 1777 by King Jeongjo for his mother Lady Heongyeong. 

 Duerng the japanese invasion this building was destroyed and a royal library was built on this location. The library was removed by this Korean government in 1992.

• Chunganji Pond

These are two ponds located near the green house. 'Daechundangi' and 'Sochundangi' (Smaller). The surrounding area of the pond was used for farming.

• Taesil Shrine

Taesil Shrines were used to store placenta of the children of the royal family. King Seongjong's placenta is stored here and there is also a stone tablet with the information about his placenta.

• Punggidae

This innovative device was constructed in 18th century. It was used to measure the speed and direction of the wind.

안녕하세요 여러분!                                        Hello!

 How did you like this article? 

Please leave your thoughts in comment section...

and stay connected for something new.

      Until then Follow Your Dreams.....

                안녕!