Secret Garden

Created at the same time the main palace was built, the Secret Garden of Changdeokgung, could be accessed by both palaces and is composed of a number of small gardens. Until recently, entrance was limited to the royal family or their guests. The garden is now in the process of being restored. It was designed to keep artificial landscaping to a minimum, consequently, the garden adapts itself to the topography of the area. Originally, lions, tigers and monkeys roamed the grounds. Palace guards always accompanied royalty for protection. It's a secluded area at the rear of the palace and was used by the royal family for composing poetry, fishing, boating on the ponds, practicing archery skills, firework displays, banquets, study, private retreats, and "contemplation". Originally, two royal libraries were located here, the king and queen experimented with farming, and raised silkworms, as well. Don't look for a garden filled with flowers. This is a wooded garden (translation - a huge woods - that seems to go forever and is dotted with lovely small buildings and spaces to escape. As Doug often reminds me, "It's good to be King"!

Visitors are only allowed in the garden if they take a scheduled walking tour. That tour takes about two hours and only covers a small portion of the actual garden grounds.

Path looks flat in these pictures, but in fact, is always heading "up". (No surprise in Korea! You're always  either going up or down.)

Servants Quarters

Note the lack of color. Colored buildings were only for the royal family.

Buildings were consructed for relaxing, writing poetry, entertianing, reading.

A building for entertaining dignitaries.

This particular building was initially the king's library. (Not too handy - it took a while to get here.) 

Notice the height (or lack there-of) of the two smaller doors. Purpose - having to bow before the king as you enter.

Symbolic designs in the brick work are commonly seen all over the country.

A little private get-a-way ( there are a number of these) where the prince studied or contemplated.

Paper-paned windows and/or doors are the norm in any older building The paper, handmade from the mulberry tree, is incredibly strong.

Hooks are to secure windows/doors when open.

There are several of these on the small lakes in the garden - just in case you're in the mood to sit and reflect.

Whimsical water spout.

These waterways, designed to carry away water flowing down the mountain, are everywhere.

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The "Seoul" of Asia - Changdeokgung Palace

Seoul South Korea: We love this city! We've given you a few brief glimpses in previous blogs. Here are a few more.
Changdeokgung Palace was built as a secondary palace for King Taejong in 1405, but later became the main palace for subsequent kings. It was destroyed by the Japanese in the invasion of 1592, but was rebuilt, restored and served as the main palace for the next 258 years. This palace, along with Gyeongbokgung Palace (Don't you love the names?) were the two major residences for kings of the Joseon Dynesty and were, for a time, connected and known as the East Palace.This area formed the largest royal residence for the Joseon Dynasty. Doug says approximately 6 square miles.( The story behind the story - apparently King Taejong assassinated his half brothers in his ascent to the thrown and then was reluctant to live in Gyeongbokgung- the site of the bloodbath. Hence a new palace was built.) ) In any case, both residences are truly impressive. The first one we'll look at, Changdeokgung Palace complex - was put on the Unesco World Cultural Heritage List in 1997.

Built out of granite, the bridge to the palace was built in 1402. I'd say it's had some wear.

Entrance

These doors were mammoth.

First courtyard

When you go through the next gate, you see the king's throne room.

Side view

Horses rested here to get out of the sun.

Next - various court buildings

Throne

I'd like a few cushions!

Sliding paper doors

Waterway

Interesting doors

Oops! Better duck.

I love the roofs.

Perched there to keep out "demons" They're everywhere.

It's good to be king!