Changdeokgung () is a former royal palace in Seoul, South Korea. A UNESCO World Heritage Site and a Historic Site of South Korea, it is among the best preserved of all Korean palaces. It and its neighboring palace Changgyeonggung have together been called the "East Palace".
Changdeokgung was established in 1405. It was the second palace to be established in Seoul, after Joseon's official main palace Gyeongbokgung. Despite Gyeongbokgung's legally superior status, a majority of kings preferred to reside in Changdeokgung instead. In 1592, amidst the Imjin War, Changdeokgung and all the other palaces in the city were completely destroyed. After the war, due to budgetary constraints, Gyeongbokgung was not repaired, while Changdeokgung and Changgyeonggung were. This effectively made Changdeokgung Joseon's main palace for several centuries.
In the late 19th century, under the reign of the penultimate Korean monarch Gojong, Gyeongbokgung was rebuilt and the royal family moved out of Changdeokgung and into Gyeongbokgung, although they would again move to another palace Deoksugung in 1897. In 1907, Gojong was forced by Japan to abdicate, and his son and final Korean monarch Sunjong ascended the throne and made Changdeokgung his official palace. In 1910, Japan colonized Korea, and proceeded to heavily alter the palace. The Korean royal family continued to reside in the palace even after the 1945 liberation of Korea and into the late 20th century.
Changdeokgung is now a major tourist attraction. In 1997, it was made a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The palace's , long beloved by Korean monarchs, are now mostly available to the public, with some sections requiring tours to be booked.
Name
"Changdeokgung" means "Palace of Prospering Virtue". The palace received this name on the 25th day, 10th month of 1404<!--This date formatting is intentional; see MOS:KO-CALENDAR-->, shortly after the first phase of its construction was completed.
Changdeokgung and its neighboring palace Changgyeonggung are together known as the "Eastern Palace" (), as they are located to the east of the city's main palace Gyeongbokgung.
History
Establishment
In 1392 (Korean calendar), Joseon was established. Afterwards, the state's capital Hanyang (also called Hanseong and later called Seoul) was established and Gyeongbokgung was made its main palace (). Due to political turmoil, the capital was temporarily moved to Kaesong and then back to Hanyang in 1404. King Taejong () then ordered the establishment of Changdeokgung as a secondary palace (). His possible motivations for this order have been analyzed. A number of scholars have argued Taejong wanted to avoid Gyeongbokgung because he associated it with unpleasant memories of familial deaths there Taejong entered the palace on the 20th day of that month and held a celebration banquet there. At the time, there were only several complete buildings in the palace, including the royal bedchambers and bathhouse. The palace then had either a total of 287 rooms () or 192 rooms. There was likely not much space for government offices in the palace for government offices at the time; offices in and around Gyeongbokgung were repaired and officials likely went back and forth between those and Changdeokgung. Meanwhile, construction continued. In 1406, the shrine Insojeon () and a Buddhist shrine were completed in the rear garden area, along with the pavilion Gwangyeollu (); in 1408, a pond was dug; and in 1411, a pavilion was completed. In 1408, the former king Taejo died at Changdeokgung.
Before the Imjin War
For the rest of his reign, Taejong primarily resided in Changdeokgung. Gyeongbokgung's restoration was ordered only after Taejong had moved into Changdeokgung. Even after his abdication, he resided in the palace Suganggung (; later became Changgyeonggung) next to Changdeokgung; from there he influenced the reign of his son Sejong the Great (). Even after Taejong's abdication, construction continued. Part of a building collapsed and the supervisor of that building's construction was exiled as punishment. By 1418, facilities were deemed adequate enough to hold more significant ceremonies at Changdeokgung instead of at Gyeongbokgung. From the third year of Sejong's reign, Sejong began putting more emphasis on Gyeongbokgung and moved frequently between the two palaces. In 1426, he ordered that many structures in Changdeokgung be named. In 1427, he entirely moved out of Changdeokgung and resided primarily in Gyeongbokgung, although he continued moving between the two frequently. King Sejo () significantly expanded Changdeokgung to the north and east. For one such project, 19,000 people from the Hanyang region were assembled. King Seongjo () also expanded the palace and resided in Changdeokgung for the entirety of his reign. In 1475, he had all 29 of the palace's gates named and held a ceremony for the installation of their name plaques. As there was not enough space in Changdeokgung for all the living queens in the royal family, he decided to expand Changgyeonggung for them instead. King Yeonsangun () also greatly renovated the palace, although renovations were put to a halt when he was deposed.
Destruction and reconstruction
In 1592, during the 1592–1598 Imjin War, all the city's palaces were completely burned down. It is debated who burned down the palaces, as surviving contemporary records are from intellectuals who did not witness the burnings. Various contemporary Korean texts, including the ', report hearsay that it was Korean commoners who burned down the palace to destroy palace records. When the Japanese invaders entered the city on the 2nd day, 5th month of that year, Gyeongbokgung was still intact. Japanese discipline in the city was reportedly initially high, but when they began suffering defeats, they took their frustrations out on the city and locals, burning buildings and killing.
After the war, efforts began to repair the city's palaces. Initially, plans were drawn up to have Gyeongbokgung repaired, but these were not acted upon. There is a record of arguments against Gyeongbokgung's reconstruction because of perceived inauspicious qualities of that palace. In addition, Joseon's economy had been devastated by the war, and funding for repairing Gyeongbokgung was likely difficult to procure. Changdeokgung was restored instead; a number of buildings were recreated in their original locations. The first round of restorations was completed during the reign of King Gwanghaegun () on the 1st day, 9th month of 1610. However, Gwanghaegun expressed little interest in Changdeokgung, and continued to reside in the temporary palace Gyeongungung (later became Deoksugung). In 1617, he had the palaces and established.
In 1623, during the Injo coup that installed King Injo (), rebels burned down almost all the buildings in Changdeokgung. Only Injeongjeon, two buildings for the , a palace pharmacy, a building for the government office Ch'unch'ugwan, a building called Biseunggak, a building for the government office Hongmun'gwan, and a building called Sujeongjeon were spared. Injo was crowned at Gyeongbokgung, and resided at Changgyeonggung. He had In'gyŏnggung and Kyŏngdŏkkung demolished and recycled to repair Changdeokgung and Changgyeonggung. Injo had the rear gardens renovated, and spent much relaxation time there. In 1624, during Yi Kwal's Rebellion, Changgyeonggung was mostly burned down. Injo then resided in Kyŏngdŏkkung temporarily, and first ordered that Changgyeonggung be repaired. In 1633, after repairs on Changgyeonggung were completed, Injo ordered that Changdeokgung be repaired. He then began to temporarily reside in the palace pharmacy. Construction work on palaces was interrupted and delayed by the 1636 Qing invasion of Joseon. Minor construction projects occurred in the meantime, especially in the rear garden. Significant construction resumed in 1647 and concluded after five months in 1648; a major reason why construction was able to be finished in five months was because of recycling of buildings from In'gyŏnggung. In total there were around 735 rooms in the palace around this time. One significant change after the reconstruction was the presence of more government office buildings. This was in part because the government offices in Gyeongbokgung had not been restored.thumb|This painting, [[Donggwoldo, depicts Changdeokgung (left) and Changgyeonggung (right) in |210x210px]]After this reconstruction and without rivalry from Gyeongbokgung, Changdeokgung became the definitive main palace of Joseon. More buildings continued to be constructed in the palace. There was a fire in the palace in 1671. Under the reign of King Sukjong (), the rear garden reached its greatest extent. In 1687, a fire destroyed almost all of the Mansujeon area. In 1702, a fire destroyed part of the East Palace. Succeeding kings continued to expand and renovate the palace, although King Yeongjo () ordered much fewer repairs as he primarily resided in Gyeonghuigung. There were a number of fires during the reign of King Sunjo (), with a major one occurring in the 10th month of 1833. During his reign, most construction at the palace was either rebuilding or maintenance work. By the 19th century, Changdeokgung and Changgyeonggung were functionally a single palace. The two had some unique government offices, although they had some facilities with overlapping purposes.
Late Joseon and Korean Empire periods
thumb|A map of Changdeokgung, Changgyeonggung, and the rear gardens ()
In 1865, efforts began to restore Gyeongbokgung. King Gojong () and his family moved out of Changdeokgung and into Gyeongbokgung on the 2nd day, 7th month of 1868. Although Gyeongbokgung was officially made Joseon's main palace, Changdeokgung continued to see some use. Gyeongbokgung experienced major fires in 1873 and 1876. After the 1876 fire, the royal family moved back into Changdeokgung and did not return to Gyeongbokgung until 1885, after the 1884 Kapsin Coup. The king resided mostly in Gyeongbokgung until 1895. Meanwhile, more maintenance work occurred at Changdeokgung. Such work was interrupted in by the 1882 Imo Incident. In 1891, a number of Changdeokgung's buildings were disassembled and moved to Gyeongbokgung.
Amidst increasing Japanese influence over Korea and the 1895 assassination of Empress Myeongseong at Gyeongbokgung, Gojong fled Gyeongbokgung and made Gyeongungung his official palace. From there, he established the Korean Empire and crowned himself emperor. Gojong did not significantly use Changdeokgung thereafter. Some minor construction work continued at the palace in his absence.
In 1905, Korea was made a protectorate of Japan, governed by the . On July 19, 1907, Gojong was forcefully deposed by Japan and replaced by his son and the final Korean monarch Emperor Sunjong (). After ascending the throne, Sunjong made Changdeokgung his primary residence, while Gojong continued to stay in Deoksugung. Historian Lee Gyu-cheol argued that Japan moved Sunjong to Changdeokgung in order to separate him from his father. Soon after his coronation, Sunjong ordered that Changdeokgung be repaired. He moved into the palace in November of that year. The residency-general oversaw the demolition of large portions of the palace from 1907 to 1909; this has since been viewed critically by Lee et al., who argued it was an attempt to demolish a symbol of Korean sovereignty.
Colonial period
On August 29, 1910, Korea became a colony of Japan. According to a 1912 document, the Office of the Yi Dynasty, an organization representing the former Korean royal family, owned the palace. Japan continued significantly altering the palace, demolishing dozens of buildings. Despite this, the overall outer boundary of the palace and its rear garden remained mostly unchanged throughout the colonial period.
Around 5 p.m. on November 10, 1917, a major fire broke out in the palace. It began in the former emperor's bedchambers Daejojeon and destroyed the naejŏn area of the palace.<gallery class="center">
File:조선고적도보의 창덕궁 배치도.jpg|Map of Changdeokgung published in 1930; extant structures colored in black, demolished structures colored in grey
File:昌德宮平面圖 창덕궁평면도.jpg|Map of Changdeokgung, Changgyeonggung, the rear gardens, and Jongmyo (produced around 1921 to 1932)
</gallery>
Post-liberation
Parts of the palace (notably Nakseon-jae hall) continued to function as a royal residence up to 1989, when both Princess Deokhye and Crown Princess Bangja died. Other post-WWII residents included Empress Sunjeong (Sunjong's second wife), Crown Prince Yi Un, his son Yi Ku and Yi Ku's wife Julia Mullock. Residence for former royals in the palace in the post-war period was at the whim of South Korean presidents, and after the Korean liberation in 1945. The resignation of Syngman Rhee finally allowed former imperial family members to return.
Changdeokgung was added to the UNESCO World Heritage List in 1997. The UNESCO committee stated the place was an "outstanding example of Far Eastern palace architecture and garden design" being exceptional because the buildings are "integrated into and harmonized with the natural setting" and adapted "to the topography and retaining indigenous tree cover."
Design and layout
The palace was designed in consideration of both ancient Chinese principles and practicality. Changdeokgung's primary layout is based on the three gates and three courtyards () system,
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A small north gate to the palace. It is named for the mythological Black Turtle-Snake, which is associated with north. The gate was rarely used. It currently exits to the Sungkyunkwan University campus and is generally inaccessible to the public.
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Oejo
Oejo () refers to the part of a palace where the king conducted state affairs. It can be subdivided into the chŏngjŏn (; main area) and p'yŏnjŏn (; secondary area).
Oejŏn
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|Jinseonmun ()
This gate was completed on the 18th day, 3rd month of 1411. At the time, it possibly served as the outermost gate to the palace. It was demolished in 1908 and was reconstructed in 1999.
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|Sukjangmun ()
A large gate that leads into the naejŏn. It was named in 1475. Its right and left annexes were destroyed in the Imjin War, and rebuilt in 1647. It was destroyed during the colonial period and reconstructed in 1996.
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|Injeongmun ()
Gate to Injeongjeon and a Treasure. There is no record of when it was built, but it is presumed to have been completed around the time of the palace's founding. It was destroyed in 1592 and rebuilt during the reign of Gwanghaegun. It burned down in 1744 and was rebuilt in 1745; this version has persisted until the present. The gate and corridors were restored to their pre-colonial states from 1992 to 1996.
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|Injeongjeon ()
The throne hall of the palace and a National Treasure. It was built possibly around 1405. It was destroyed during the 1592–1598 Imjin War, rebuilt, and again destroyed in 1803 and rebuilt in 1804. This version of the building has persisted until the present, although it was renovated over time. The building stands on a wŏltae. Major state events were held at this building and its front courtyard, such as enthronement ceremonies.
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|Seonjeongmun ()
It was rebuilt in 1647; this version has persisted until the present.
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A single-story hall where the king received council and conducted politics. It is a designated Treasure. Spirit tablets were also possibly stored here. It was built in 1405 and originally named Jogyecheong (). It received its current name in 1461. After being destroyed in 1592 during the Imjin War, it was rebuilt in 1608. It was destroyed in 1623 during the Injo coup and rebuilt in 1647, using materials recycled from a building called Gwangjeongjeon in In'gyŏnggung. It has since become the oldest extant building in the palace. It is the only remaining Joseon palace building with blue roof tiles, which were then considered luxurious and difficult to make. During the colonial period, the building was opened to the public, and glass put in its windows. The building was restored to its pre-colonial appearance in 1996.
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Government offices
The government offices inside palaces are called ' (). Changdeokgung's facilities were relatively small and meant for daily work with the king; most large government ministry facilities were located outside the palace, for example on . After being destroyed in 1592 during the Imjin War, government offices were rebuilt in 1647. Many offices that had once existed in Gyeongbokgung were moved over to Changdeokgung. All government office buildings in front of Seonjeongjeon and Huijeongdang were demolished between 1907 and 1909.
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A royal library building that went by a number of names, including "Naegak" () and "Kyujanggak". The latter name has been applied to several different buildings, depending on which held the royal library's collection at the time. This building was completed on the 10th day, 3rd month of 1781, and the royal library was moved from Juhamnu to Imunwon.
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|Geomseocheong ()
It was built in 1783 and used by the Kyujanggak. It was demolished some time between 1911 and 1921.
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|Bongmodang ()
A hall used an archive for the possessions of previous monarchs.
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|Chaekgo ()
An annex building used by the Kyujanggak to store books.
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|Yemungwan ()
There was a fire here on the 6th day, 3rd month of 1811.
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|Hongmungwan ()
Also called Okdang (). Used by the government office Hongmun'gwan<!-- This link has the diacritic ' because it's referring to the government agency, which is rendered in MR. The name of the building is rendered in RR as "Hongmungwan" because it's the name of the building and not the name of the government agency. -->, which maintained palace records and advised the king. It was demolished some time between 1911 and 1921.
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|Naeuiwon ()
A part of the palace that used to house the palace pharmacy Naeŭiwŏn. The organization was also called Yakbang (), and began to go by Naeŭiwŏn in 1443.
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|Eokseongnu ()
A two-story building likely used by the Naeŭiwŏn as a storage facility for medicines.
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Naejo
Naejŏn
Naejŏn () refers to a part of a palace where a king or queen resided. Palace women, particularly those of the Naemyŏngbu, also often used this space. When space for buildings became insufficient in this part of the palace, buildings were constructed in Changgyeonggung instead. The naejŏn experienced a fire in 1833 and was rebuilt in 1834. It was completely destroyed in the 1917 fire.)
A pavilion on the south side of an artificial pond named Buyongji (). The pond was dug in 1707. A building called Taeksujae () was constructed next to the pond that year. That building was torn down and replaced in 1792. The building was renamed "Buyongjeong" in either 1776 or in 1792, after the reconstruction. King Jeongjo enjoyed fishing here in 1795.
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|Yeonghwadang ()
A pavilion to the east of Juhamnu that was used for leisure. It possibly existed before the Imjin War. It was rebuilt in 1692. It was used for activities like poetry reading and viewing flowers.
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A large two-story building on the top of a hill. It was completed on the 26th day, 9th month of 1776. The name "Juhamnu" originally applied only to the second floor; the first floor was named "Kyujanggak" and contained the royal library. In 1781, the library's collection was moved to Imunwon. During the reign of Sunjong, the building was used as a reception hall for Japanese dignitaries. For example, Sunjong hosted Itō Hirobumi here in 1908.
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|Sajeonggibigak ()
A pavilion surrounding a stone stele. It is also called Sulseonggak (). It memorializes an event that happened in this area. King Sejo commanded four of his nephews to find wells in the area. To Sejo's delight, they located four. Over time and amidst wars, two of the wells were destroyed. In 1690, King Sukjong repaired the remaining two wells and had the stele and pavilion to commemorate the remaining wells.
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|Seohyanggak ()
Building used for various purposes over time. It was used to air out books for Kyujanggak, to paint and store royal portraits, and to raise silkworms. It was built in 1776.
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|Huiujeong ()
A small one-room pavilion. It was first built in 1645 or 1646 as a thatched roof building named Chwihyangjeong (). It received its current name in 1690, after King Sukjong wished for rain after a drought at this location and the rain came.
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|Cheonseokjeong ()
A small building to the northeast of Juhamnu. It is also called Jewolgwangpunggwan ().
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Yeongyeongdang area
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A residence used for ceremonies and events. It was built in 1828. It consists of an anchae, sarangchae, and kitchen building (). It does not have dancheong (traditional elaborate paintwork), and more closely resembles a nobleman's residence. This was intentional; while residing here, King Sunjo dressed like a regular nobleman and lived more simply. King Gojong sought refuge here during the 1884 Kapsin Coup, and Emperor Sunjong temporarily resided here after the 1917 fire.
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|Seonhyangjae ()
A study building used to receive guests. The angle of the awning is adjustable to let in more or less sunlight.
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|Nongsujeong ()
A small pavilion.
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Ongnyucheon area
The stream () flows through the north side of the Secret Garden. It was created in 1636. This area was closed for access beginning in 1979, in order to protect the ecology of the area. It was reopened to the public on May 1, 2004 on a reservation only basis. The pavilions Soyojeong, Taegeukjeong, and Cheonguijeong are collectively called the "Three Pavilions of the Royal Grove" () and have been described as scenic.
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|Soyojeong ()
A small pavilion used for leisure. It was completed in 1636 and was originally called Tanseojeong (). A large rock in front of the pavilion has calligraphy by King Injo (written in 1636) and a poem by King Sukjong. The pavilion was especially loved by a many kings; several wrote poems about it. Injo and his subjects held wine drinking parties here, where cups of wine would be floated down the nearby stream.
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|Cheonguijeong ()
The only extant thatched-roof building in the palace. It was completed in 1636. In accordance with Taoist ideals of heaven being round and the earth square, its roof is round and floor square. In recent years, the agricultural ritual Ch'in'gyŏngnye () has been reenacted here. The ritual involves the king participating in agriculture and a banquet in order to appease the agricultural deity Hou Ji.
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|Taegeukjeong ()
A small pavilion. It is named for the symbol taegeuk, which is also engraved in a nearby cistern. It was completed in 1636 and originally called Unyeongjeong ().
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|Chwigyujeong ()
A pavilion that was completed in either 1640 or 1647. It was repaired in 1688.
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|Chwihanjeong ()
A pavilion. Its name comes from the phrase "", meaning "blue pines despise the cold of winter". It was built before 1720.
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|Nongsanjeong ()
A pavilion. It was used for a variety of purposes over time. It was built in 1636. It has a kitchen that was used to prepare food and drink for the king during his visits.
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Aeryeonjeong area
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|Aeryeonjeong ()
A small pavilion to the north of the pond Aeryeonji (). It and its pond were first built in 1692. There is a record of a pavilion of this name being constructed on an islet in the pond; it was rebuilt at its current location at some point.
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|Gioheon ()
A study hall for Uiduhap.
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|Uiduhap ()
A small hall used as a study room. It is attested to in 1827. It is likely erroneously labeled as "Yeoganjae" () in the 18th-century map Donggwoldo.
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|Ungyeonggeo ()
A storage building and annex to Uiduhap. It has two rooms.
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Gwallamjeong area
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|Gwallamjeong ()
A small pavilion uniquely shaped like a fan. It was also known as Seonjajeong (). It has a unique name plaque shaped like a banana leaf. It is located next to the pond Bandoji (); that pond is said to resemble the shape of the Korean peninsula. The building was possibly built during the reigns of Gojong or Sunjong.
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|Pyeomusa ()
A small pavilion near Jondeokjeong. Crown Prince Hyomyeong read books here. Joseon noblemen used to practice walking gracefully here. The building's name literally means "pelt naive person with stones"; this is a metaphor for being cautious.
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|Seungjaejeong ()
A small pavilion. It was possibly built around the same time as Gwallamjeong (around the reigns of Gojong or Sunjong).
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|Jondeokjeong ()
A hexagonal pavilion that is elaborately painted. It was built in 1644 and originally named Yukmyeonjeong (). It has a two-tiered roof. Inside is calligraphy by King Jeongjo. It is near the pond Banwolji ().
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Other structures
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|Gajeongdang ()
It was moved from Deoksugung to this location some time between 1911 and 1921.
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|Neungheojeong ()
A small pavilion.
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|Cheongsimjeong ()
A small pavilion first built in 1688.
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|Uirojeon ()
An annex building to the New Seonwonjeon. It is believed that this building is actually Uihyojeon (), a building that was moved from Gyeongbokgung to Gyeongungung in 1904, then to Changdeokgung in 1921. It was then used to hold spirit tablets.
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|Jaesil ()
An office building and annex to the New Seonwonjeon.
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Other
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|Bigungdang ()
A guesthouse and hall for meetings. Also called Bincheong () or Eochago (). It has eight rooms. In 1910, the cars were moved to the National Palace Museum in 2007. In 2010, the building began operating as a cafe called Donggwolmaru (). The use of the building as a cafe has been criticized by several politicians and journalists. It has two arches. It has a number of stone statues of mythological creatures. On its northern baluster is a statue of the Black Turtle-Snake, mythological guardian of the north. The statue on the south baluster is the Bai Ze, guardian of the south. On each of the bridge's four newels is a statue of a Xiezhi. The bridge also has engravings of a dokkaebi (Korean goblin) called nati on both sides.
Former landmarks
Naejo
Naejŏn
Jinggwangnu () was a two-story pavilion to the northeast of Daejojeon. It was built in 1647 using materials from In'gyŏnggung. It had blue roof tiles. It was destroyed in the 1917 fire. Gyeonghungak was rebuilt in Jinggwangnu's former location in 1920.
Yeonghwidang () was a building to the west of Gyeonghungak. It was closely linked with another building Okhwadang. It was destroyed by fire in 1833 and restored. It was destroyed in the 1917 fire and never rebuilt.
Yeonyangnu () was a small pavilion to the southeast of Yeonghwidang. It burned down in 1833, was restored, then was again burned down in 1917 and never rebuilt.
Okhwadang () was a building to the west of Yeonghwidang. It was named in 1461. It was destroyed by fire in 1833 and restored. It was destroyed in the 1917 fire and never rebuilt.
Bogyeongdang () was the living quarters of Royal Noble Consort Sukbin Choe. It was the birthplace of King Sukjong. It was named in 1461. After being destroyed in 1592 during the Imjin War, it was rebuilt in 1647.
Sodeokdang () was a northern annex to Seonjeongjeon. It received the name "Sodeokdang" in 1461. It is attested to in 1565 but is not depicted in the 19th-century map Donggwoldo.
Taehwadang () was a building to the north of Seonjeongjeon. It is not known when it was built; it is attested to in 1647.
Jaedeokdang () was a building to the north of Seonjeongjeon and to the east of Taehwadang.
East Palace
thumb|261x261px|Junghuidang (center), as depicted in Donggwoldo ()
() was the East Palace's main hall and the residence of the crown prince. It was originally built in 1782, likely for Crown Prince Munhyo. It was meant to replace older facilities in the East Palace that had previously burned down. After Munhyo's premature death, it was used as a council hall. It was relocated to an unknown location in 1891; its former location has remained empty ever since. A number of its former buildings still stand, including the crown prince's library Seunghwaru (), the gazebo Samsamwa (), and the building Chilbunseo ().
Old East Palace
Simindang (), Jeoseungjeon, and Nakseondang (later replaced by Nakseonjae) were together considered the East Palace. Simindang was destroyed by fire in 1780. Rather than rebuild Simindang and the rest of the East Palace, Junghuidang was built in what became the current East Palace area inside the naejŏ.
Old Seonwonjeon area
Mansujeon () was a building behind Injeongjeon. It was completed on the 2nd day, 4th month of 1657. It had an annex building Chunhwijeon () that was completed that same year. Mansujeon burned down on the 2nd day, 9th month of 1687. In its place was later built Gyeongbokjeon (). Chunhwijeon was then converted to a portrait hall. In 1695, it was renamed "Seonwonjeon" and became a part of the Seonwonjeon complex. Queen Jeongsun died here in 1805. Gyeongbokjeon burned down on the 24th day, 8th month of 1824.
Yeongmodang () was a hall. It was a residence of Queen Jeongsun.
New Seonwonjeon area
Daebodan () was a building constructed to hold rituals honoring the Chinese Ming Emperor, in thanks for their assistance during the Imjin War. It was first built in 1704 and was significantly renovated in 1749. The building was demolished to make way for the New Seonwonjeon some time between 1911 and 1921.
Other buildings
Sujeongjeon (). It was originally called Sujeongdang () and received its final name in 1794. Repairs were completed on the 8th day, 12th month of 1794. In 1796, the crown prince began to reside here. Queen Jeongsun and Queen Hyoui resided here. A fire broke out here on the 13th day, 12th month of 1813, but the main building was mostly undamaged. Hyoui died here in the 3rd month of 1821. It was repaired in the 3rd month of 1881 and renamed to Hamnyeongjeon (; different from the in Deoksugung). It was destroyed by fire only months later, on the 7th day, 11th month of 1881. It was nearly finished being rebuilt when its progress was interrupted by the 1895 assassination of Empress Myeongseong. Hamnyeongjeon was then relocated to Gyeongbokgung, where it became the building Jibokjae.
Jibokjae and Hyeopgildang. They were originally built as annex buildings to Sujeongjeon in 1881. They were spared by the Hamnyeongjeon fire that year. In 1891, they were disassembled and moved to Gyeongbokgung.Jipsangjeon () was a residence hall. It was built in either 1647 or 1667, originally for Queen Inseon.
Cheonhangak () was a building. It was previously named Gyeongsojae () but was renamed in 1694. It was possibly located to the north of Jipsangjeon.
Maewoljeong () was a pavilion to the north of Jipsangjeon. It was demolished when Jipsangjeon was constructed.
Yeonhwadang () was a building to the east of Seonjeongjeon. It is attested to existing in 1647 and 1784.
Jangchunheon () was a building. It is presumed the building was used as a living quarters for concubines. Queen Danui died here in 1718. The building was gone by the 1790–1834 reign of King Sunjo.
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Sources
In Korean
In English
Additional reading
External links
- UNESCO: Changdeokgung Palace Complex