Why is there a private-style building in Changdeokgung where the king lives

 Hello, Your untact world tour guide, Mr.Been. I`ll show you all the corners of the historic and unique sights around the world. At first, I`ll let you go to Changdeokgung palace, the world Unesco heritage in seoul. You can see many beautiful Korean traditional buildings andgarden in the palace. So, You don`t have to miss here, when you have a plan to visit Seoul. Please, follow me!

 

 We will look around the Nakseonjae complex today. Though it was located within the palace, it was built like a private house. The reason why it was built like a private house was that King Heonjong wanted to use it as his private space. He wanted to live there with only his concubine and mother. So, there is a beautiful stone terraced garden with the beautiful octagonal pavilion called Sangrangjeong. Let`s start.

 

 From the left, the buildings here are Nakseonjae, Seokbokheon and Sugangjae. Originally, the Donggung, which is the quarters of the crown prince, was on this site. Nakseonjae was built as the king’s quarters in the reign of King Heonjong, in 1847. It was a very personal space built so that King Heonjong could relax and read. Though it was part of the palace, King Heonjong refrained from using colorful paint decorations, Dancheong.
Meanwhile, Nakseonjae was used until the most recent days. Bangja Lee, who was the wife of the last crown prince lived here until 1989. Seokbokheon was constructed in 1848. It was built for the Royal Lady Gyeongbin who was joseon in order to give King Heonjong’s desired heir. Sugangjae was first built in 1785, later renovated in 1848 and turned into the quarters of Queen Sunwon, the grandmother of King Heonjong. Nakseonjae was originally enclosed by lines of buildings and courtyard walls, but they were removed during the Japanese occupation. In 1996 this area was restored to its original style. And it was designated as a Treasure No. 1764 in 2012.

* Resource : Changdeokgung palace office

 

 

Naksunjae complex was where the 24th king, Heonjong, built for his concubine.

Around Naksunjae hall, there are beautiful terraced garden and hexagonal pavilion.

Naksunjae complex belonged to Changgyeonggung first, but now to Changdeokgung.

Beyond Jangrakmun , the main gate of Naksunjae complex, is beautiful Sangnyangjeong.

Naksunjae hall was used as a study room and lounge for the 24 th king, Heonjong.

Between the upper floor and room there is the Manwolmun door looks like a full moon.

The stone walls and door gratings are decorated with various beautiful patterns.

The beautiful backyard of Naksunjae with fantastic rocks is modeled after a fairyland.

The backyard of Naksunjae and Seokbokheon is divided by a small gate and stone wall.

Seokbokheon hall was built by the 24 th king for his concubine as her residence.

 

 

Did you have fun to look around the new place? The Korean traditional buildings are beautiful and unique. Next time I`ll show you the other spaces of Nakseonjae complex. I`ll tell you the story soon. Good day!^^