Name: [Free Walking Tour] Changgyeonggung Palace
SKU: 37845
Availability: InStock

The stage where some of the most tragic incidents in Korean history took place, Changgyeonggung.

This Free Walking Tour in Changgyeonggung Palace takes visitors around Changgyeonggung Palace), one of the Five Grand Palaces of the Joseon Dynasty. Although an independent palace, Changgyeonggung is connected with Changdeokgung Palace) and the two palaces were utilized together.

Because of its location east of Gyeongbok Palace, Changgyeonggung, with Changdeokgung, is also referred to as the “Donggwol”, or the “East Palace”. Compared to the four other palaces, Changgyeonggung is compact and simple, butitis also the location of two historically renowned stories: the story of Queen Inhyeon and the king’s favorite concubine Janghuibin during the reign of King Sukjong (the 19th king of the Joseon Dynasty) and the story of the Crown Prince Sado who was sealed alive in a wooden rice chest and killed during the reign of King Yeongjo!

Detailed Information about Free Walking Tour Changgyeonggung Palace

Length of tour: 2 hours

Meeting Place: Ticket booth at Changgyeonggung

Route:: Changgyeonggung Honghwamun; Okcheongyo; Myeongjeongjeon; Sungmundang; Munjeongjeon; Munjeongmun; Gwancheondae; Gyeongchunjeon; Yeongchunheon; Tongmyeongjeon; Jagyeongjeon Site; Chundangji; Changgyeonggung Honghwamun

Key Attractions on the Tour

Changgyeonggung (Changgyeong Palace) Initially established by King Sejong the Great, the fourth monarch of the Joseon Dynasty, for his father Taejong, this palace was later expanded by King Seongjong, the ninth monarch, in 1483 to accommodate the queens of previous kings. Under Japanese colonial rule, it was converted into Changgyeongwon Park, featuring a zoo and botanical garden. In 1983, efforts were made to restore the palace to its former glory.

Myeongjeongjeon (Main Hall) Recognized as National Treasure No. 226, Myeongjeongjeon served as the central hall of the palace, hosting state functions, foreign envoy receptions, and royal feasts. It stands out as the oldest main hall among the palaces and uniquely faces east, unlike the south-facing halls of other palaces. King Injong was crowned here in 1544.

Gyeongchunjeon (Hall) Constructed by King Seongjong for his mother, Dowager Queen Insu, Gyeongchunjeon was rebuilt in 1616 after its destruction in 1592 by Japanese forces and again in 1834 after a fire in 1830. This hall is noted for being the birthplace of King Jeongjo and King Heonjong, with King Sunjo penning the calligraphy on its signboard.

Tongmyeongjeon (Hall) Situated northwest of Myeongjeongjeon, Tongmyeongjeon was the royal couple’s bedroom. Originally one of the palace’s earliest constructions, it was reconstructed after destruction by the Japanese Invasion and an uprising during King Jeongjo’s rule. King Sunjo rebuilt it in 1834. It’s infamous for a royal scandal involving Janghuibin, King Sukjong’s favored concubine, who attempted to curse Queen Inhyeon by burying objects in front of the hall.