Of the four major Joseon-period palaces in Seoul, Changdeokgung Palace stands out for its natural beauty. Unlike the nearby Gyeongbokgung Palace, which was arranged in the Chinese style, Changdeokgung Palace reflects the more nature-loving Korean style. The palace was built to be in harmony with the natural terrain and the extensive garden has been kept in its natural state.
The palace also stands out for being well-preserved. The Changdeokgung Palace garden was closed to the public for 38 years to give nature time to rest and recover. Even today, entrance to some parts of the garden are restricted. In 1997, it joined the UNESCO World Heritage list.
For those who appreciate the efforts that went into preserving Changdeokgung Palace, the news that two of the buildings in the palace compound may be turned into high-end accommodation came as a surprise.
The Cultural Heritage Administration says it is reviewing a plan to turn two buildings that are part of Nakseonjae into luxury accommodation for foreigners. Nakseonjae was built in 1847 by King Heonjong and is composed of three separate buildings: Nakseonjae, Seokbokheon and Sugangjae. It was at one point used by King Gojong as his office but it is best known as the place where the Japanese-born Empress Lee Bang-ja and King Gojong’s only daughter Princess Dokhye lived out their remaining days.
While Nakseonjae is a National Treasure, Seokbokheon and Sugangjae have not been designated national treasures because the two structures underwent numerous additions and renovations. The Cultural Heritage Administration is considering turning the two unlisted buildings into high-end accommodation, complete with guest rooms and various amenities by 2017.
Advocates of the hotel idea claim that there are many instances of castles being turned into boutique hotels in the West. However, those castles most often belong to individual aristocrats or cultural foundations who are at liberty to turn their properties into lucrative business ventures. The two buildings in Changdeokgung Palace, on the other hand, are part of a UNESCO World Heritage-listed palace that belongs to the people. While they are not national treasures, they hold much history that should be available for everyone to appreciate.
The public must be asked their opinion on opening a hotel on the royal palace grounds before the Cultural Heritage Administration makes a hurried decision.
