AFTERNOON TEA AT CHANGDEOKGUNG

AFTERNOON TEA AT CHANGDEOKGUNG

After my duty, I went to Changdeokgung--- it was a UNESCO World Heritage Site as its edifice was preserved and was not destroyed by the World Wars and the Korean War. 30% of the complex was deemed authentic by the said UN body.

Changdeokgung, also known as Changdeokgung Palace or Changdeok Palace, is set within a large park inJongno-gu, Seoul, South Korea. It is one of the "Five Grand Palaces" built by the kings of the Joseon Dynasty. Because of its location east of Gyeongbok Palace, Changdeokgung, with Changgyeonggung, is also referred to as the East Palace(東闕, Donggwol). The literal meaning of Changdeokgung(昌德宮) is "Palace of Prospering Virtue".

Changdeokgung was the most favored palace of many princes of the Joseon Dynasty and retained many elements dating from the Three Kingdoms of Korea period that were not incorporated in the more contemporary Gyeongbokgung. One such element is the fact that the buildings of Changdeokgung blend with the topography of the site instead of imposing upon nature.

Changdeokgung, like the other Five Grand Palaces in Seoul, was heavily damaged during the Japanese occupation of Korea. 

Me drinking Korean tea at the shade of a centuries old tree.

The ticket

Donhwamun Gate - The main palace gate. Built in 1412, Donhwamun has a two-story pavilion-type wooden structure, and is the largest of all palace gates. Donhwamun was burned down during the Japanese invasion of 1592 and was restored in 1608.

Haechi?

The Throne Hall

Injeongjeon Hall (National Treasure) - the throne hall of Changdeokgung, it was used for major state affairs including the coronation of a new king and receiving foreign envoys. Originally built in 1405, it was rebuilt in 1610 after being burned down during the 1592 Japanese invasion, and a third time in 1804 after being destroyed by a fire.

Before entering the Main Gate

Huijeongdang Hall - Originally the king's bed chamber, it became his workplace after Seonjeongjeon was deemed too small for conducting routine state affairs. The original Huijeongdang was destroyed by a fire in 1917. The reconstructed structure is completely different from the original due to recent Western influences. Wooden floorboards and carpets, glass windows, and chandeliers can be seen inside the building.

More photos are posted here: http://mjse.multiply.com/photos/album/346/AFTERNOON_TEA_AT_CHANGDEOKGUNG