Changdeokgung Palace was built as a secondary palace to the primary palace, Gyeongbokgung Palace, in 1405 (the 5th year of King Taejong).

In the following year, the Secret Garden was formed on the north of Changdeokgung Palace and was expanded in 1463 (the 9th year of King Sejo) to blend in the space of governance and residence. Changdeokgung Palace was destroyed in the Japanese invasion in 1592 (the 25th year of King Seonjo) and rebuilt in 1610 (the 2nd year of King Gwanghaegun) before any other palaces. It was the major residence of kings for the next 270 years until Gyeongbokgung Palace was rebuilt in 1867 and served as the de facto primary palace. From the age of King Injo to King Sunjo, more structures such as Ongnyucheon Stream, Gyujanggak Library, Juhamnu Pavilion, Aeryeonji Pond, Uiduhap Study Area, and Yeongyeongdang Complex were constructed within the palace premises. In 1847 (the 13th year of King Heonjong), the Nakseonjae area was established, further expanding the grounds of the palace.

Changdeokgung Palace was often called Donggwol, or the East Palace, and had no boundaries that separated it from Changgyeonggung Palace. It was built in harmony with the surroundings and is regarded as the most Korean-style palace.

In particular, Emperor Sunjong (r. 1907–1910), the second emperor of the Korean Empire, resided in Changdeokgung Palace after his ascension to the throne and passed away here. Heungbokheon, a subsidiary building of Daejojeon Hall, is also the tragic place where the Korea–Japan Treaty of 1910 was signed. Changdeokgung Palace is also where the last descendants of the royal family (Empress Sunjeong, the second queen of Emperor Sunjong; Crown Princess Yi Bangja; and Princess Deokhye) lived and passed away.

History

Insa-dong, located in the heart of the city, is an important place where old but precious traditional goods are on display. There is one main road in Insa-dong with alleys on each side. Within these alleys are galleries, traditional restaurants, teahouses, and cafes.

The galleries are the heartbeat of Insa-dong. There are about 100 galleries in the area offering every example of traditional Korean fine art from paintings to sculptures. The most famous galleries are Hakgojae Gallery, which functions as the center of folk art, Gana Art Gallery, which promotes many promising artists, and Gana Art Center.

The teahouses and restaurants are the perfect complement to the galleries. They are hidden deep within the twisting alleyways, making it feel like a treasure hunt. The shops in Insa-dong are very popular among all age groups, because each one is unique.

Every Saturday from 14:00 to 22:00 and Sunday from 10:00 to 22:00, the main street is blocked to vehicular traffic and it becomes a cultural space. Stores set up booths outside and Korean candy merchants and fortune teller stalls can easily be found; there are traditional performances and exhibits as well. Insa-dong is especially popular among international tourists. This is where they can experience and see traditional Korean culture first-hand, and also purchase pieces of fine art.