[One Thousand Characters a Day] Kim Seoul's 'A Very Private Palace Walk' <1>

Editor's NoteIn Seoul, where buildings are demolished and newly constructed almost daily, palaces as cultural heritage sites stand quietly and steadfastly in their long-standing forms, serving as precious parks and places of rest. However, have we perhaps viewed them with tinted glasses simply because we have seen them repeatedly in textbooks or history books, or because they are familiar relics we can visit anytime? If we look from a slightly different perspective, the beauty of the old palaces and the joy of strolling through them, which we had not fully realized, are hidden everywhere. As you turn each page of this book, written by cultural heritage expert Kim Seoul who combines professional knowledge with lively imagination, you may find yourself opening a door to another dimension leading to the old palaces of the Joseon Dynasty. Word count: 1001 characters.

Changdeokgung Palace is a palace that palace master visitors who truly enjoy palaces visit throughout the year. Among the five palaces in Seoul, it is perhaps natural that it satisfies the desires of those who want to enjoy a stroll in the city, as it contains the most elements commonly associated with 'Joseon palaces' and even has a rear garden.

Yet, unlike the other four palaces, Changdeokgung is also a palace that people rarely visit 'incidentally while stopping by nearby bustling areas.' It is distant from Gwanghwamun and Insadong, and also far from Daehangno, making it difficult to visit unless one sets out specifically to tour the palace. Somehow, it gives off an aura of elegance.

Upon entering Changdeokgung after purchasing a ticket at the ticket booth, visitors are first greeted by a dense cluster of green Chinese scholar trees. Crossing Geumcheon Bridge, which is designed to be entered immediately to the right from the main gate, visitors then walk along what seems like a maze-like path of the old palace. This feeling is distinctly different from Gyeongbokgung Palace, where after passing Gwanghwamun, the path stretches straight to the innermost pavilion.

If time permits, it is recommended to visit two or more palaces at short intervals. Even just Gyeongbokgung and Changdeokgung are so different, and each of the five palaces in Seoul has its own unique character. Exploring another palace before memories of the previous visit fade allows one to immediately sense how each palace differs and, furthermore, to easily gauge which palace suits one’s personal taste better.

Visitors to Changdeokgung generally follow the footsteps of previous visitors, expanding their tour to the right. After walking in the same direction for a few minutes, on the left, one can see Injeongjeon, the main hall of Changdeokgung used for state and royal ceremonies, and around that area, the path splits into two.

Whichever path is chosen, visitors can encounter Seonjeongjeon with its blue tiles, Nakseonjae built as Baekgoljip (a pavilion without dancheong decorative coloring), and various old palace pavilions, as well as seasonal trees such as red plum blossoms, apricot trees, and persimmon trees. Thanks to this variety, even beginners unfamiliar with palace spaces can enjoy moving their steps here and there happily.

- Kim Seoul, A Very Private Palace Walk, Nol, 15,000 KRW