Located in the heart of Seoul, Changgyeonggung Palace stands as a timeless symbol of South Korea’s royal heritage since the Joseon Dynasty. First built in 1483 by King Seongjong, the palace served as a residence for queens and concubines. Today, it offers visitors a window into Korea’s royal past, evoking both historical curiosity and inviting the imagination.
If you come to South Korea, you should definitely add historical sites among the places you will visit in Seoul. Now let’s get away from the chaos of the city and take a small journey in Korean history.
Changgyeonggung was originally built as a residence for the king’s wives and is thought to reflect the importance of female royals in the Joseon court. Over the centuries, the palace has witnessed many historical events in Korea, from peaceful times to invasions and rebellions. During the 16th century Japanese invasion, it was partially destroyed, but later restored. During the 20th century Japanese occupation, the palace grounds were turned into a zoo and botanical garden. However, after Korea gained independence, the palace was restored to its former splendor and today it is considered one of Seoul’s most important cultural landmarks.
Walking through the old gates of Changgyeonggung, it’s easy to visualize life here in the past. Spacious courtyards, complex wooden passageways and peaceful pools stimulate the imagination. What was it like to live in such a large space? Who walked these halls and what stories did they leave behind?
What if we imagine? Let’s go back to the 16th century, when Queen Sohye roamed the palace as the wife of King Seongjong. Imagine the queen looking out over the gardens, watching the plum blossoms bloom in spring. The palace is not just a place of residence, but a world in itself, a world full of nobles, servants, scholars and soldiers.
Imagine the 16th century palace in the early morning: As the morning mist drifts over the roof tiles, the royal court begins its daily routine. The Tongmyeongjeon Hall was the queen’s residence, and with the first light of day, bridesmaids in silken robes bustle about in morning preparations. Servants whisper, obeying the strict rules governing court life. Outside, the rustle of servants’ robes echoes along the stone pathways as messages are passed between the king and his advisors.
Now imagine a grand banquet in the Myeongjeongjeon Hall. It is evening, the palace is lit by paper lanterns. Musicians on traditional instruments spread their melodies throughout the hall, while courtiers and scholars gather around low tables, savoring the delicacies of grilled fish, steamed rice and seasonal vegetables.
In the center of the hall, the Crown Prince, dressed in gold and red, gives a ceremonial bow to the king. This is an important moment, celebrating the young prince’s achievements in Confucianism and management. The atmosphere changes with the music. The ceremony turns into fun and laughter fills the hall. The normally strictly governed palace comes alive with joy, if only for one night.
As the seasons changed, so did the atmosphere at Changgyeonggung Palace. In spring, the gardens would burst with life, plum and cherry blossoms covering the ground. The royal family would take walks in the gardens, while children ran through the courtyards laughing.
When summer came, the stone walls of the palace were scorched by the sun. The royal family spent time cooling off in the shade around the tranquil Hyangwonji Pond. The Queen spent long afternoons in contemplation, the hum of cicadas echoing in the air.
Autumn brought a golden color to the palace grounds. Courtiers dressed in colorful hanboks moved among the rustling leaves, preparing for harvest festivals. The cool air carried the scent of chestnuts and dates, and the palace became a place of quiet contemplation.
Winter was perhaps the most magical time. The palace, covered in snow, seemed calm and almost otherworldly. In the early morning light, the roofs of the palace shimmered with ice, the air was crisp and quiet. During these long winter months, the royal family would gather indoors, drinking hot tea around braziers and sharing old stories.
Today, Changgyeonggung Palace may seem like a silent relic of history, but its walls are filled with whispers of history. Every stone, every tile has witnessed the rise and fall of kings, the joys and sorrows of royal life. As you explore the palace, let your imagination run free; visualize the people who lived here centuries ago… their loves, losses and the secrets they took with them.
When you visit Changgyeonggung today, pause for a moment in the tranquil gardens. Listen to the rustle of the leaves, the gentle splash of the pools and let the palace tell you its story.
