HELLO from KOREA
Hello-Eng(3.3) - Korea.net
Hello-Eng(3.3) - Korea.net
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65 _ Places<br />
Changdeokgung Palace<br />
palace was reconstructed during the reigns of King Seonjo (r. 1567-1608)<br />
and Gwanghaegun (r. 1608-23), most of the structures were destroyed<br />
again in the coup that overthrew Gwanghaegun in 1623, and were rebuilt<br />
by 1646. Unfortunately, this was not to be the last fire, but<br />
Changdeokgung nevertheless served as the royal residence for the kings<br />
of Joseon <strong>from</strong> 1611 to 1872. During the turbulent period of the late 19 th<br />
century, the king moved <strong>from</strong> one palace to another until the royal family<br />
returned to Changdeokgung in 1907.<br />
Until 1989 the palace was the residence of the last surviving member of<br />
the royal family, Princess Yi Bang-ja. She lived until the age of 87, being<br />
a firsthand witness and humble survivor of the turbulences of modern<br />
Korean history.<br />
Another feature that distinguishes Changdeokgung Palace <strong>from</strong> the others<br />
are the royal garages which still house the first car in Korea, a<br />
Cadillac brought in 1903 by its proud owner, King Sunjong.<br />
Changdeokgung's biggest attraction is, however, Huwon, the Back<br />
Garden. Huwon did not escape the ravages of the Japanese invasion of<br />
1592, but most of the original buildings were rebuilt after 1623 by King<br />
Injo (r.1623-48) and his successors. Members of the royal family relaxed<br />
and held parties on its 32 hectare grounds. Huwon's landscaped gardens,