Learn the Origin and History in a Palace Blooming with Spring Flowers

Spring Viewing Events at Changdeokgung and Deoksugung Palaces

Spring vibes are felt at Changdeokgung and Deoksugung, where viewing events highlighting the beauty and value of the palaces are held consecutively.

According to the Cultural Heritage Administration's Office of Palaces and Royal Tombs on the 16th, Changdeokgung will hold "Nakseonjae Embracing Spring" every Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday at 2:30 PM from the 21st of this month until the 6th of next month. This program tours the rear garden area of Nakseonjae, which is usually restricted to visitors.

Nakseonjae, located between Changdeokgung and Changgyeonggung, was a living space created by King Heonjong of Joseon for his concubine, Gyeongbin Kim. It was designed as a study and sarangchae (men's quarters). Although not extravagant, it demonstrates the authority and dignity of the palace. The accumulated craftsmanship of late Joseon artisans is evident here, giving it significant historical and architectural value. This place was also where the last royal family of the Korean Empire, including King Gojong’s youngest daughter Princess Deokhye, resided until 1989. It holds the last history of the royal family after the loss of national sovereignty.

Visitors can hear from cultural heritage interpreters about the background of Nakseonjae’s creation and its architectural features. They can also view the spring flowers blooming on the hwagye (flower terrace, a terraced flower bed), pavilion, and flower walls.

At Deoksugung, from the 28th of this month to the 5th of next month, the program "Seogeodang Welcomes Spring with Apricot Blossoms at Deoksugung" will be held. This program tours major pavilions such as Seogeodang, a rare two-story wooden building in the palace, Junghwajeon where official ceremonies were held, Hamnyeongjeon where King Gojong passed away, and Jeukjodang, which was used as the main hall in the early Korean Empire, accompanied by professional guides. It is held twice daily at 10 AM and 3:30 PM. The Deoksugung Management Office said, "This is an opportunity to look outside from inside the pavilions, breaking away from the usual perspective of looking inside from outside," adding, "Visitors will be able to deeply understand and feel the cultural heritage up close."

Both programs are free and require prior application. Participants must be middle school students or older. For more details, please refer to the Changdeokgung Management Office and Deoksugung Management Office websites.

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.