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DANCHEONG

Dancheong: The Art of Symbolic Ornamentation      Dancheong  is the traditional practice of Korean architectural ornamentation in which wood is painted and decorated with vibrant colors and symbolic motifs. More than decoration, this practice expresses cultural values rooted in both Buddhism and Confucianism in its preservation of traditional and historic Korean architecture.  Geunjeongjeon at Gyeongbokgung, photo by author Color Systems in Dancheong     The term dancheong literally translates to "red-green," referencing the dominant hues often used in structures: reddish-brown on lower elements and blue-green on upper ones, evoking the colors of a tree trunk and its canopy. This natural palette reflects Buddhist ideals of harmony with nature.   Example of red-green color scheme at Gyeongbokgung, photo by author     However, dancheong employs a much broader system of color rooted in  obaengsaek , or the five cardinal colors. Th...
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CHANGDEOKGUNG

 Changdeokgung: The Palace of Prospering Virtue

Huijeongdang Hall, photo by author

    Changdeokgung is widely considered the most Korean palace for its integration into the surrounding landscape. Constructed in 1405 as an addition to Gyeongbokgung Palace, it was also destroyed during the Japanese invasions of 1592. It was later reconstructed in 1610 and was used as the main palace until the reconstruction of Gyeongbokgung. Designated as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1997, it is still revered today for its integrated structure and harmony with nature.
Roof detailing of Injeongjeon, photo by author


    Serving as the primary royal palace for nearly 200 years, it housed many of the same functions as Gyeongbokgung. Consequently, the dancheong of Changdeokgung is similarly grand and complex in decor. However, a notable difference is the presence of dancheong that better symbolized and harmonized with the surrounding nature, a principle that was integral to the design of Changdeokgung overall. 
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Dancheong of Injeongjeon, photos by author
    Injeongjeon, the main throne hall of Changdeokgung, features moro dancheong with detailed bracket carvings and vibrant, symbolic motifs. Clouds, lotuses, and cranes are prominently featured motifs, symbolizing peace, longevity, and harmony with nature, highlighting the overall design and its intentions as a palace constructed within its landscape.

PALACE INFORMATION

website: https://royal.khs.go.kr/ROYAL/contents/menuInfo-cdg.do?grpCode=cdg


opening hours/cost:

general viewing:

*closed on Mondays


Nov. - Jan.: 9AM - 5:30PM (last admission 4:30PM)

Feb. - May: 9AM - 6PM (last admission 5PM)

June - Aug.: 9AM - 6:30PM (last admission 5:30PM)

Sep. - Oct.: 9AM - 6PM (last admission 5PM)


general admission:


individuals: 

                koreans: 3,000won (ages 25 - 64)

foreigners: 3,000won (ages 19 - 64)


groups: (10+ people)

koreans: 2,400won (ages 25 - 64)

foreigners: 2,400won (ages 19 - 64)


secret garden admission: 

* only valid with purchase of general admission ticket

individuals: 


                seniors: 5,000won (ages 65+)

adults: 5,000won (ages 19 - 64)

youth: 2,500won (ages 7 - 18)

address/location: (03072) 99, Yulgok-ro, Jongno-gu, Seoul

closest major transit:


5 min on foot:

                Line 3 Anguk Station Exit 3


 10 min on foot:

Line 1 / 3 / 5 Jongno 3-ga Station Exit 7


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