Changdeokgung

  
I had a great time visiting Seoul’s second largest palace last Saturday.  Changdeokgung remains decidedly calm in the center of Seoul’s hectic Jongno district.

 

The palace was originally constructed in 1405, then burnt down in 1592, then reconstructed in 1610.  It’s now a UNESCO World Heritage site.

   
The Japanese added a greenhouse to the site during colonization. It’s full of exotic plants and adorable bonsai trees.   

 Spring has just begun and it was especially obvious here. Elderly couples fed ducks and pigeons, little kids pointed excitedly at the new buds adorning the trees.  

   
   
 
I really enjoyed wandering aimlessly through the palace grounds, people watching and taking pictures of all the beautiful little things that come with spring.