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Of all the Grand Palaces in Seoul, Changgyeonggung is perhaps my favorite. Traveling to this palace during daylight hours is special, as it different from the others in Seoul -- it has a much more green feel to it. So when Cultural Heritage Administration added Cheonggyeonggung to the list of nighttime palace viewings this year, I jumped at the chance.
Sure, the palace's exteriors are always illuminated, giving those passing by the chance to see Honghwamun, or the exterior gate, in all its glory, but the palace isn't usually on the list for viewings after dark for long periods. Seeing the palace in this light, cast new shadows onto structures originally built in 1483. The floods not only pointed out the intricate paintings along the roofline and over the gates themselves, but also highlighted the eroding features of many carved statues -- details that may have previously gone unnoticed in sunlight.
It created a surreal environment, and many Seoullites jumped at the opportunity to walk these grounds. Admission fees for this special viewing remained the same as during daylight hours; however, organizers limited the number of people permitted inside after dark to ensure no damage would incur to the ancient structures.
Changgyeonggung was open only for three hours during the program, but it wasn't enough. Time seemed to slow when inside. Everywhere we looked, we could see something new, despite having visited this palace numerous times during the day. It's this aspect of the nighttime viewings that makes them so special, for no matter how many times one may have visited the palace during the day, it seems to come alive once the sun sets.
Visitors were able to view the aforementioned Honghwamun, the Okcheon bridge, Myeongjeongjeon, or Main Hall, and many others. Those visiting found different ways to enjoy the scenery, but for me, the best part of the visit was walking towards the palace's rear area.
Chundangji are a pair of ponds that create a wonderful garden experience during the day. At night, with the added lights, they are simply spectacular. Sauntering along the bank ultimately leads one to the palace's greenhouse. It shines at night like nothing else at Changgyeonggung and is home to a wonderful botanic garden.
Changgyeonggung is accessible by bus or subway. The closest subway station is Hyewa Station, Line 4. To obtain the best directions from your location, call +82-02-1330 for assistance. We usually arrive by bus, as there is a stop directly in front of Honghwamun.
Admission is W1,000 and the palace is closed on Mondays.
Changgyeonggung Official Tourism Site: http://visitkorea.or.kr/enu/SI/SI_EN_3_1_1_1.jsp?cid=264350
For the best after dark program, visit http://english.visitkorea.or.kr/enu/SI/SI_EN_3_6.jsp?cid=1087481 to get information on Changdeokgung's Moonlight Tour. While more expensive than the annual evening viewings of many of the Five Grand Palaces, this guided tour by moonlight is one not to be missed.
BLOG: http://www.qiranger.com/2013/11/05/changgyeonggung-night-steve-millers-e...
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Steve Miller
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