1953 newsreel Changgyeonggung

This Universal Newsreel from 1953 (Narrated by Milton Cross) contains the scenary of Changdeokgung Palace(Korean; 창덕궁), one of the "Five Grand Palaces" built by the kings of the Joseon Dynasty, set within a large park in Jongno-gu, Seoul, South Korea. 

The literal meaning of Changdeokgung(昌德宮) is "Palace of Prospering Virtue".

Construction of Changdeok Palace began in 1405, and was completed in 1412 with the construction of the main gate Donhwamoon(Korean;돈화문) during the reign of King Taejong. King Seonjo expanded the palace grounds by about 500,000 square meters, including Huwon(Korean; 후원), also known as The Secret Garden. The Palace was burnt to the ground during the Japanese invasion in 1592 and reconstructed in 1609 by King Seonjo and King Gwanghaegun. The next arson was in 1623 because of King Injo Political Revolt against Gwanghaegun's tyranny. The palace was also attacked by the Manchu Qing but throughout its history of reconstruction and repair has remained faithful to its original design. Changdeokgung was the site of the royal court and the seat of government until 1872, when the neighboring Gyeongbokgung was rebuilt. Korea's last Emperor, Emperor Sunjong lived here until his death in 1926.

Today there are 13 buildings remaining on the palace grounds and 28 pavilions in the gardens, occupying 110 acres (45 hectares) in all and the area is designated as Historical Site No. 122.

Changdeokgung Palace was added to the UNESCO World Heritage List in 1997. The UNESCO committee inscribing the site stated the place was an "outstanding example of Far Eastern palace architecture and garden design" being exceptional because the buildings are "integrated into and harmonized with the natural setting" and adapted "to the topography and retaining indigenous tree cover."