I was fortunate to join their group on a tour around Seoul and visit one of the five grand palaces built by the kings of the Joseon Dynasty. In my book, the palaces are the most amazing historical sites still standing today! Even though the palace we visited, the Changdeokgung Palace, was built in 1405 and destroyed during Japanes invasion (1592-1598), it was rebuilt in 1608 and occupied by kings and queens until the last emperor Sunjong died in 1926.
The Changdeokgung Palace complex stretches over 110 acres and is strewn with 13 buildings and 28 pavilions for various purposes -- from separate residences for the king and queen, to national treasury, to secret gardens and monuments to former dynasty.
Common to most architecture during the Joseon Dynasty, the roof swoops upward at the corners and often have small figurines lined along the ridge to (what they believed would) ward off evil spirits. However you look at it, these buildings are impressive architecture -- from overall design to construction. For instance, I was told they didn't use any nails during construction and that all elements of the building 'fit together' much like tongue-and-groove hardwood floors found today!
Visitors to the palaces will often see traditional ceremonies, as they've been performed for hundreds of years. In fact, you don't even have to go to the palace grounds to observe one of the ceremonies. I couldn't believe my eyes when I saw a procession with full historic garb, flags and drums as the clock struck 12 on a busy street corner in the financial district in Seoul. Too bad I didn't have my camera with me!
Behind the palace lies the 78 acre Secret Garden which was originally constructed for the use of the royal family and palace women. The garden incorporates a lotus pond, pavilions, and landscaped lawns, trees, and flowers. There are over 26,000 specimens of a hundred different species of trees in the garden and some of the trees behind the palace are now over 300 years old. Now that's what I call a backyard =)
