Stories of 500-Year-Old Trees Seen and Heard While Strolling Through Changgyeonggung Palace

About 53,000 Trees Including Zelkova and Baeksong
Hovenia Tree in Front of Seoninmun Featured in 'Donggwoldo'

The Cultural Heritage Administration's Office of Palaces and Royal Tombs and the Korea Forest Interpretation Association will operate the program "Stories of Trees in Changgyeonggung Palace with History" every Saturday and Sunday at 2 PM from the 6th until November 30th (excluding August). This program allows visitors to tour Changgyeonggung Palace while listening to expert explanations about the palace's history and its trees.

Changgyeonggung Palace was built in 1484 by King Seongjong. It was mainly used as a royal living space. Many pavilions were demolished during the Japanese colonial period. Some parts were restored in 1983, but many building sites remain as they were. Most of the area is filled with various trees, including traditional species.

Last year, approximately 53,000 trees were identified, including 45 species of large trees and 78 species of shrubs. Among them, the zelkova, white pine, and yew near Chundangji Pond are estimated to be over 500 years old. The pagoda tree in front of Seoninmun Gate is also depicted in the Donggwoldo (estimated 1826?1830), which shows Changgyeonggung and Changdeokgung Palaces.

The Office of Palaces and Royal Tombs introduces the area around Chundangji Pond on Saturdays and the site of Gwonnaegaksa (government office within the palace) on Sundays. They plan to share interesting stories about the landscaping principles of Joseon palaces, the trees shown in Donggwoldo, and the vegetation of Changgyeonggung. An official from the office said, "Visitors can also see the mandarin ducks, a natural monument, that have returned to Chundangji Pond in spring."

The program starts at 2 PM in front of Okcheon Bridge in Changgyeonggung Palace. The expected duration is 1 hour and 30 minutes. For more details, please refer to the Changgyeonggung Management Office website.