Step inside private royal chambers of Changdeok Palace

Within the UNESCO-protected grounds of Changdeok Palace in Seoul's heart, away from the prying eyes of the public, an extraordinary architectural confluence lies hidden. This crossroads, where centuries of dynastic custom intersect with early 20th-century Western opulence, opened its doors to the general public starting October 20.

Through a selective guided program managed by the Changdeok Palace Office under the Royal Palaces and Tombs Center of the National Heritage Service, visitors can now step inside the private living quarters and official chambers that once belonged only to Korea's sovereign rulers.

The tour, titled "Entering the Inner Court of Changdeokgung: Living Spaces of the King and Queen," provides a unique opportunity to explore two significant royal spaces. Huijeongdang, once the royal bedchamber transformed into an administrative hall, and Daejojeon, the queen's official residence, are the primary attractions. While Huijeongdang has been occasionally open for special viewings since 2022, this month marks the unprecedented entry into the interior of Daejojeon.

Both Huijeongdang and Daejojeon have faced destruction and rebirth. Huijeongdang was ravaged by a devastating fire in 1917 and later rebuilt in 1920 during the Japanese colonial era. Similarly, Daejojeon has undergone transformations, emerging from the ashes of history to reveal its former glory. Together, these structures stand as enduring symbols of Korea's rich cultural heritage, inviting all who enter to immerse themselves in the royal past.