WHY CAU?Touch The World

Changdeokgung

What is Changdeokgung?This sprawling palace from the mid-15th

century is right in the middle of downtown Seoul. This amazing city has a mix of old and new and this palace is no expectation. Built by king Sejong the great, the father of the Korean language “han-geul” , this palace has stood for centuries. This palace consists of a main palace with various other buildings from the era present. Also, a secret garden awaits you inside the palace. Sprawling parks, cherry blossoms, and buildings this place is a must-see place to learn more about Korean history and culture.

How Do You Get there?

1. Walk out of Campus by the front gate and walk to the bus stop Chung Ang Univ (located close by CAU hospital)

2. Wait at the Bus Stop for Bus 151 (Usually every 15 minutes)

3. Ride Bus 151 for 28 stops and get off at Anguk Station, Jongno Police Station

4. Walk 240m east on same street (Palace should be in sight once off the bus)

Travel Summary

• *41 mins travel time

• 1 bus stop, 0 transfers; (Can use subway however by bus is faster)

• Cost: ₩1250 ($1.25USD)

What to Do?/ Highlight

Changdeokgung Palace

• Really beautiful and super cheap!

• Best place to experience Korean history and culture

Introduction

Relaxing, laid back, and very fun! Exploring this massive palace is very unique and amazing experience. It’s not just one palace but also a series of buildings built in the style of the mid-15th century Korean style. Amazing flowers and cherry blossoms are blooming right now, and it only gets better once summer starts! This amazing palace is open year-round but summer by far is the best time to explore!

What is it?

Its in the name, but yes this is a massive palace that was built for Korean royalty. In the past family members or the king, himself would have lived in this palace. This palace is also designated as a UNESCO world heritage site. But this palace is more than just “where the king lives”, it’s a snap shot of what Korea was like during the mid-15th and 16th century! There are gardens, other buildings, fortress walls, large main gates, steps, a “secret garden” and more. The history of this palace and ancient Korea is also very interesting, this palace was built by King Sejong the great. It was built for his late father. There is more to experience when it comes to Korean history than just observing and exploring a palace. In Korea you don’t just watch history you become it with hanbok!

What is Hanbok?

Hanbok is traditional Korean clothing, usually worn by noblemen and the elite of Korean society. There is a lot of variety when it comes to Hanbok epically for women. You can dress up as a queen, royal advisor, simple noblewomen and more. But don’t worry guys there cool hanbok outfits for you too. From simple noble men, royal advisors, kings, warrior and more! Hanbok stores are literally right next to the palace and offer rentals. Rentals are 2 hours, 4 hours, or full day! The prices will vary depending on store and outfit.

Benefits of Hanbok

Besides the fun part of dressing up in Hanbok there is another benefit and reason for dressing up in hanbok. If you dress up in hanbok, YOU GET IN FOR FREE! You get into Changdeokgung Palace for free as well as all other palaces in Korea. If you go to any traditional attraction in hanbok you get in for free! A cost breaks down of everything will be place below so what are you waiting for!

Cost

Warning some costs will vary

• ₩1000, ($1USD) (Entrance fee without hanbok)

• ₩0 (Free entrance with Hanbok)

• Women’s Hanbok• Starts at ₩13,000 - ₩15,000 ($13 -$15 USD) noblewomen

design (2 HR)• ₩15,000 - ₩17000 ($15 - $17USD) (4 HR)

• ₩30,000 - ₩40,000+ ($30 - $40 USD) empress/queen design (2 HR) • ₩40,000+ ($40 USD) (4 HR)

• Men’s Hanbok• Starts at ₩10,000 - ₩15000 ($10 - $15 USD) noblemen design

(2 HR) • ₩13,000 - ₩17000 ($13 - $17 USD) (4 HR)

• ₩30,000 emperor/king design (2 HR)• ₩35,000+ ($35 USD) (4 HR)

• *Hanbok Prices vary based on design and store*

• Link 1: http://cgg.cha.go.kr/agapp/main/index.do?siteCd=CGG• Link 2:

http://english.cha.go.kr/html/HtmlPage.do?pg=/royal/RoyalPalaces_3.jsp&mn=EN_02_03_03

What else is there?

Once you’re finished with the palace there are many other things to do. Jongmyo Shrine is right next to Changdeokgung Palace, another place to explore. Not fulfilled on your palace exploration don’t worry there is another palace close by. Gyeongboggung palace is just 5 – 10-minute walk from Changdeokgung Palace. Both palaces are very nice, and different from each other. When it comes to tourism Gyeongboggung is more well known and more popular. It has higher walls and is worth checking out. Another place close by is cheonggyecheon stream! Just a 10 -15 minute walk from the palace, and is a hot spot for sightseeing in Seoul!