Life in Kanazawa: Musings from the Far East

Changdeokgung and Biwon

We made a visit to Changdeokgung, another of Seoul's palaces and probably its best-preserved. It was originally built in the 15th century and served as the primary Joseon palace from 1618 to 1896. Many of the buildings are reconstructions, but it does have Seoul's oldest stone bridge, built in 1411. On its extensive grounds is an impressive garden called Biwon (Secret Garden), with a number of pavilions, ponds and even a royal library.



Seoul's oldest stone bridge.




The main hall and throne room of Changdeokgung.




A detail of the palace roof. These designs are seen only on palaces and temples.




A sundial in the palace grounds.




Doorway with light shining through.




In the garden. You can see the royal library in the back right.




A thousand-year old Juniper tree in the garden, older than the Joseon dynasty itself.

posted by Zachary and Jane @ 5:46 AM