The Secret Garden of Changdeokgung

Originally built in 1405, the Changdeokgung palace was constructed by the Joseon Dynasty, the final ruling dynasty of Korea. Ruling for over 500 years (1392-1910), the Joseon Dynasty is one of the longest continuously ruling royal dynasties in world history.

Rank markers for visiting dignitaries

Harmony between man and nature in the secret garden

Script adorning wooden doorway

The rooftops of Changdeokgung's buildings are lined with scultpures of Taoist animal symbols. It was these same characters that inspired the creation of Monkey, Sandy, Pigsy and Tripitaka in one of my favourite TV series- Monkey !

Taoist sculptures

Monkey!

"Born from an egg on a moun-tain top,
Funk-i-est Mon-key that e-ver popped,
He knew eve-ry ma-gic trick un-der the sun,
So appease the Gods, and every-one, And have some fun."