so after a satisfying lunch at Insadong Geu Jib 仁寺洞那家 인사동 그집 @ insadong 仁寺洞

& a short walk alonginsadong 仁寺洞, we got to Changdeokgung 昌德宫in good time around 1pm on 10.11.2016.^^

we had booked online an english guided tour of the secret gardens biwon 秘苑 at 1.30pm.

there was a special counter for those with reservations.

entrance fee was 3,000won for Changdeokgung 昌德宫 & 5,000won for secret gardens biwon 秘苑=total 8,000won.

for 10,000won we get a booklet – integrated tickets admission to all 5 royal sites, so we bought that.

donhwamun敦化门, the great two-story, five-bay gate of Changdeokgung 昌德宫, is said to be the largest and oldest wooden gate in Korea. It was burned down during the Imjin War and restored 1608.

Changdeokgung 昌德宫 was the second palace after Gyeongbokgung 경복궁 景福宮 which had been established in 1395 as a primary palace.

As it is located east of Gyeongbokgung, Changdeokgung—along with Changgyeonggung—is also referred to as the “East Palace” (동궐, 東闕, Donggwol).

Changdeokgung 昌德宫 is a huge palace.

it’s a noted autumn colours viewing place, especially the secret gardens biwon 秘苑.

nice red maple.

& a mix of colours.

the scent of autumn.

crossing over the Geumcheon Bridge.

Geumcheon Bridge was built in 1411 and is the oldest remaining in Seoul.

very large grounds. 🙂

on the open grounds leading to the injeong-jeon, ther are designated labels for court officials to stand according to rank/appointment.

Injeong Hall was the throne room of the palace, and the venue for formal state ceremonies such as coronations and diplomatic events.

finally arriving at the entrance to secret gardens biwon 秘苑, and to Changgyeonggung 창경궁 昌慶宮, about 1pm.

Changgyeonggung 창경궁 昌慶宮 is a much smaller palace.

our guides tour at secret gardens biwon 秘苑 starts at 1.30pm, we have the ticket booklet to enter Changgyeonggung 창경궁 昌慶宮, & not going to be back here again, so we took a 1/2hr walk at Changgyeonggung 창경궁 昌慶宮.

a pleasant walk. nice autumn colours.

pavilion.

a serene & beautiful place.

this was a great start. we were quite pleased that there was still good autumn colours, though we may have come past the peak.

c.h.e.f andy

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Changdeokgung 창덕궁 昌德宮

Operating Hours, Admission Fees, Guide Tour Schedule

Directions:

secret gardens biwon 秘苑 online reservation