King Taejong ordered Changdeokgung built as a secondary palace. Construction began in the tenth month of 1404, and the first phase was completed in 1405. The Imjin War destroyed it in 1592, and the first restoration was completed in 1610 under Gwanghaegun. Donhwamun, the main gate, was completed in 1412 and is the oldest extant gate of any Joseon palace. The throne hall, Injeongjeon, burned in 1803 and was rebuilt in 1804.
The plan follows the three-gates, three-courtyards system from the Kaogongji, on a west-to-east axis. UNESCO said the buildings are integrated into and harmonized with their natural setting, and it listed the palace in 1997. The site covers 143 acres (57.9 ha).
The Huwon, or Secret Garden, has over 160 tree species, more than 70 of them over 300 years old. It closed in 1979 and reopened on May 1, 2004. Parts of the palace remained a royal residence until 1989.
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