Online reservations for guided tours of the Nakseonjae complex at Changdeokgung, one of the five Joseon-era (1392-1910) palaces in Seoul, will run through Sunday, according to the Korea Heritage Service.
The agency will notify successful applicants on Monday, and the tours will take place twice daily at 10 a.m. and 2:20 p.m. from March 21-27. A guide will explain the history and significance of the Nakseonjae complex, which comprises the king’s study of Nakseonjae and two halls, Seokbokheon and Sugangjae.
Nakseonjae was built in 1847 as the king’s study and quarters. Seokbokheon and Sugangjae were added to the complex the following year to accommodate the king’s grandmother and consort. King Heonjong had sought to use the complex to show his authority, the KHS said.
Nakseonjae, the agency added, reflected the aristocratic residence, with the walls and fences decorated in a style atypical for palace buildings. The complex also touts an abundance of spring flowers, according to the KHS.
Up to 24 people will be selected for each tour, which will last an hour and be available to those as young as middle school students. Tours will be in Korean. Refer to the agency website for details: royal.khs.go.kr.
siyoungchoi@heraldcorp.com
