Gwallamjeong is a fan shaped pavilion sitting on the edge of Bandoji Pond, deep inside the Secret Garden of Changdeokgung Palace. The floor, roof line, and curved timber all follow that fan shape, so it looks completely different then all the other pavilions in the gardens. Jondeokjeong is hexagonal with a two tiered roof, Seungjaejeong is square, and Pyeomusa has a gambrel roof. That variety gives you a lot to work with in a small area. Gwallamjeong photographs well from across the pond, especially when the water is still and you can pull in a reflection. Autumn is the standout season here. The foliage around the pond slowly turn to deep red and orange making the contrast against the dark timber and grey tile roof really stand out. You can walk down the steps near the pavilion for closer angles, but you cannot go inside it. Korean proverbs written in Hanja line the posts, so there is some nice detail work if you get close enough. This shooting location can be tricky to access because you can only visit the Secret Garden on a guided tour. Tours are capped at 100 people, and the guide sets the pace, so you will not have unlimited time at any one spot. You should make sure to book your tour online ahead of time because on site spots fill fast. The garden opens at 10am and closes between 4:10pm and 5:30pm depending on the season, with last admission an hour or so before that. You will also need a separate ticket for Changdeokgung Palace itself. (Seoul, South Korea)
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