Changdeokgung Palace - the most beautiful place to see Korean autumn

Changdeokgung, also known as Changdeo Palace, is one of the five largest palaces in Korea.
Changdeokgung Palace is one of the five most famous palaces in Seoul. As one of the most ancient palaces in Korea, this building was recognized by UNESCO as a world cultural heritage in 1997 with unique architecture, harmoniously combined with the surrounding natural scenery, creating a unique the scenery is extremely charming
Changdeokgung Palace, whose Sino-Vietnamese name is Changdeo Palace, is located in the modern capital Seoul. This is also one of the five largest palaces in Korea. Up to now, this palace is home to the most preserved works among heritage sites. The total area of ​​this project is 580,000 square meters, in addition the garden surrounding the palace also has an area of ​​up to 120,000 square meters.
It can be said that the development of garden architecture, landscape planning and even Korean art were more or less influenced by the architecture of Changdeokgung Palace. This palace illustrates traditional Confucian principles through the architectural design of the palace and surrounding gardens. And this also represents the influence of Confucianism on many fields from politics to architecture during the Joseon Dynasty.
Changdeokgung Palace has a structure including the main gate Donhwamun (Don Hoa Mon), the bridge leading into the Geumcheongyo granite palace and Injeongjeon (Regent Hall) which functions like the royal workplace. In addition to the main areas, the palace also has Seonjeongjeon (Declaration Hall) which is the workplace of the king and ministers, Daejojeon (Dai Tao Palace) which is the queen's protection area and also a teaching place for princes. Currently, the palace has more or less changed, partly because the original garden was destroyed many times, partly because during the Japanese occupation, the palace was Westernized.
To be able to visit Korea's Changdeokgung Palace, visitors will have to go through the majestic Donhwamun Gate. Built in 1608, this is the largest passage among the palaces in Seoul, South Korea. Go through the gate, turn right, visitors will see Geumcheongyo bridge. This bridge dates back to 1414 and is the city's oldest bridge. The highlight of this bridge is that the two sides of the bridge are carved with animals considered guardian gods of Korea.
On the left is the main palace building, beautiful Injeongjeon. The sophisticated design has helped Injeongjeon Palace become in harmony with the surrounding landscape including brick courtyards, corridors and even trees behind it. Connected to the temple are government office buildings, notably a blue tiled building. In the distance are the royal private living areas.

Entering the rooms serving the royal family, visitors will be overwhelmed by the extremely sophisticated and luxuriously decorated interior. Because of this luxurious and magnificent decoration, Changdeokgung Palace is considered one of the testaments to the golden age of the Joseon Dynasty.
Behind the main palace is a terraced garden with chimneys decorated with ondol. And in this area there is Nakseonjae Palace, built by King Heonjong in traditional Confucian style, using unpainted wood. This palace was used until the late 20th century by the remaining descendants of the royal family.
Tourists visiting Changdeokgung Palace in Seoul are very interested in the stream called Ongnyucheon. This stream has clear blue water like jade, that's why King Injo carved three Chinese characters on the giant rock called Soyoam which translates as "stream flowing jade". This is the name of a poem composed by King Sukjong in 1690 in Chinese

The point that makes Changdeokgung Palace attractive is that the construction has little impact on the natural environment and the design is in harmony with nature. The palaces are designed and built to be closely linked with the surrounding space. The space design is calculated in detail to bring a fresh, comfortable, pleasant atmosphere as well as bring vitality to the works inside the palace.

Changdeokgung Palace is not simply a Confucian architectural work but also a valuable historical relic of Seoul in particular and Korea in general.