While Gyeongbokgung Palace is bigger in size, Changdeokgung is the best preserved. Changdeokgung Palace or “Palace of Illustrious Virtue was designated as UNESCO’s World Cultural Heiritage in 1997. Alight at Angguk Station Exit 3 and walk to the palace about 10 mins. The palace close on every mondays. Entrance fee cost 3000KRW. Changgyeonggun is located nearby the area which can be access through Changdeokgung.
UNESCO award. Changdeok Palace, the second of five grand Joseon palaces in Seoul
Geumcheongyo Bridge or “Forbidden Stream Bridge”, which dates back to 1411, and is the oldest bridge still in use in Seoul.
Injeong-jeon or “Hall of Benevolent Government” is the the throne hall at Changdeokgung Palace.
Injeong Hall was the throne room of the palace, and the venue for formal state ceremonies such as coronations and diplomatic events. Notice the light bulb at the pillar, electricity was installed in 1908.
A bronze Censer. Whenever the king sat on the throne for official functions, incense sticks were burned in the censers located on the left and right of the hall.
This is the bed of the last queen of Joseon Dynasty. This bed was later restored in 2009.
The Korean traditional decorative coloring of Dancheong is comprised of five basic colors: blue (east), white (west), red (south), black (north) and yellow (center). Dancheong represented social rank and status and denoted several symbolic meanings. It was also used was to protect the building’s surface from temperature fluctuations and to make the structures blend more in with the surrounding environment, having them appear less conspicuous.
Seonjeong Hall was the working office of the king and his officials. The folding screen behind the throne is a Joseon royal screen. It depicts the sun (king) and moon (queen), mountains, waterfalls, and pine trees.
Changgyeonggung Palace
Just next to Changdeokgung is Changgyeonggung. This palace compound can be access from Hamyangmun gate at Changdeokgung with an entrance fee of 3000KRW. Changgyeonggung palace served as residential quarters for queens and concubines.
It later became a park with a zoo and a botanical garden during Japanese colonial rule.
Chundangji, consisting of two ponds, was made in 1909. The pond was frozen solid during the winter. Half of the pond was originally a rice field that the King took care of.
The first modern Western style greenhouse in Korea, Changgyeonggung Grenhouse was built in 1907 and remains indicative of the Victorian style that was prevalent during that time. With a true Renaissance-style fountain and labyrinthine garden occupying its front, the sharply pointed arch and window frames were made with long, thin wooden frames.
Steel and glass were new materials at that time.
Interior of the Greenhouse. Showcase of local breed of plants and flowers
To conclude, sunset view of Changgyeonggung Palace.
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Lonely Travelog 
Can we walk on the Chundangji ponds? I can see that the greenhouse and surrounding areas are very well maintained.
There’s a sign saying the pond is 2meters deep. I wouldn’t want to cause any trouble there heh. Yes pretty well maintained there. Hardly see any litters laying around.