Shall We Stroll Inside Changdeokgung Palace, Including the "King's Office"?

'Exploring Changdeokgung Palace, Huijeongdang' Program
Held Weekly Tuesday to Saturday, Conducted by Lottery

The Cultural Heritage Administration's Palace and Royal Tombs Headquarters Changdeokgung Management Office announced on the 20th that from the 1st to the 19th of next month, the ‘Deep Dive into Changdeokgung, Heejeongdang’ program will be operated, allowing visitors to tour the interior of Heejeongdang twice a day from Tuesday to Saturday each week.

Treasure 'Changdeokgung Heejeongdang'
[Photo provided by the Cultural Heritage Administration Cultural Heritage Portal] [Image source=Yonhap News]

This program is an in-depth commentary program that allows visitors to enjoy detailed explanations throughout the Changdeokgung area.

Heejeongdang is a palace pavilion meaning ‘to carry out bright governance’ and was also used as the king’s office. Along with Daejojeon, it belongs to the inner quarters of Changdeokgung where the Joseon Dynasty king and queen lived.

The current building, reconstructed in 1920 after being destroyed by fire in 1917, features an entrance hall not found in traditional buildings and allows cars to enter, blending traditional architectural methods with modern cultural styles. It relatively well preserves the living environment of the late Joseon period and the modern royal family. It was designated as a Treasure in 1985.

Heejeongdang’s interior is usually restricted from public viewing. Since 2019, a project has been underway to restore the interior space to its original appearance, reproducing the roof, floor, windows, wallpaper, carpet, lighting, and more, and since then, limited interior tours have been conducted.

Changdeokgung Heejeongdang East Wing Corridor. [Photo provided by the Cultural Heritage Administration, Palace and Royal Tombs Headquarters] [Image source=Yonhap News]

Participants can listen to explanations from Changdeokgung guides while touring the outside entrance, East Wing, and central hall of Heejeongdang, and explore various areas such as the reception room and VIP room decorated with modern lighting, as well as the corridors.

Every Saturday at 4 p.m., visitors can also hear vivid stories about the difficulties and experiences during the restoration and reproduction process from Changdeokgung guides and related experts who participated in the maintenance and restoration.

The tour program runs at 10 a.m. and 4 p.m., lasting about one hour. Participation is open to those aged 19 and older, with a capacity of 20 people per session.

Reservations will be divided into three rounds and conducted through a lottery. For more details, please refer to the Cultural Heritage Administration’s Palace and Royal Tombs Headquarters Changdeokgung Management Office website.