Changdeokgung

One of the Five Grand Palaces built by the Joseon Dynasty kings, Changdeokgung alternated with Gyeongbokgung as the main palace compound for the royal court throughout korean history.  As seen in the picture below, it is now a UNESCO world heritage site, added in 1997, as an example of far eastern palace architecture.

A picture of the front gate from the outside and from within:

Crossing a bridge to enter the main compound.

The tiled roofs of these buildings and the colorfully decorated wooden brackets on the underside add an impressive traditional flair to the buildings.

The entry to the main palace hall and the palace hall itself, where the coronation of the king and other official ceremonies were held.  A sculpture of a haechi is on the side of one of the stairs, as a protector of the kingdom.

A look at the throne room itself with some curious looking lamps and fascinating layered, wall decorations.  Another shot of the impressive main hall from the side.

Some more buildings in the compound, including a bridge crossing between two buildings, some elevated rooms and what appears to be a sitting room.

 

My favorite part of the palaces were always the troupes of little creature figurines standing guard at the corners of the building roofs to protect the palace from harm.