On the grounds of the Changgyeong Palace is the Great Greenhouse, the first modern conservatory in Korea.

The greenhouse was built in 1909 and houses rare plants and flowers. 

I know, this is a weird thing to post about but it is the only distinguishing thing about Changgyeong Palace. I actually forgot what palace’s photos I was perusing through until I got to the greenhouse.

That’s one of the downfalls of the Korean historical tourist spots — they all look the same. Sure, there are some differences here and there…but it’s like looking at churches in Europe.

It gets boring.

I think I said this before but there are fives palaces in Seoul. I have been to three. I will only recommend two (Changgyeong and Gyeongbok). And I really don’t have the desire to go to the other two…well not anytime soon.

So when you come to visit Seoul, don’t really spend a lot of time on the palaces…they aren’t really worth the time that could be spent roaming around markets or other urban areas. And if it’s the traditional you want to explore, go to one palace (Gyeongbok if you are more into history or Changgyeong if you are more into nature) and then visit Bongeunsa Temple.

Cheers!

— Sara

Here’s more pics of the greenhouse.

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