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Construction of the historic Changdok Palace, Seoul also known as the Palace of Prospering Virtue was started in 1405 by King T'aejong and it was completed in 1412. In 1463, King Sejo expanded the Changdeok Palace, Seoul and created the Biwon Garden. Previously named Huwon, meaning "rear garden" Biwon happens to be an attractively landscaped garden in the palace backyards where kings and other members of the royal family used to relax and unwind. Imported trees, pavilions, pagodas, stone bridges and ponds adorned the garden. The Biwon garden, at the backyard of the Changdeok Palace, Seoul, houses 26,000 specimens of different varieties of trees. It may be mentioned here that some of the trees behind the palace are over 300 years old. Description of the Changdeok Palace, Seoul: Changdeok Palace, Seoul was inhabited by thirteen of Korea's kings who lived here for over 270 years. The Changdeok Palace, Seoul palace grounds cover over 110 acres of land. To visit the Changdeok Palace, Seoul one should take the help of tour guides. The tour to Changdeok Palace, Seoul requires about 2.5 km of walking and takes about 80 minutes. The main entrance to the Changdeok Palace, Seoul is the Tonhwamun which is quite similar to Honghwamun gate in Changgyeong Palace. It may be mentioned here that the Changdeok Palace, Seoul palace gate is the oldest wooden gate in Seoul. The palace is so beautiful that it was utilized in the recent past to stage the Korean Drama Dae Jang Geum. Some of the beautiful structures of the Changdeok Palace, Seoul include the following: Daejojeon Hall - this used to be the official residence of the queen. It was destroyed by fire in 1917, and was rebuilt in 1920. Donhwamun Gate - This is the main palace gate. Huijeongdang Hall - This used to be the royal bedchamber. The original building was destroyed in 1917 and was rebuilt 1920. In the year 1997, UNESCO declared Changdeok Palace, Seoul as the "World Cultural Heritage Site". So when on a tour to Seoul make it a point to visit Changdeok Palace, Seoul and have an experience of a life time.
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