Heritage in Asia Landmarks

SEOUL, SOUTH KOREA

Changdeokgung Palace

The Joseon dynasty lives through its five royal palaces today, but the Changdeokgung Palace is still the most striking and well-preserved of them – despite having burned down twice. Thanks to its good feng shui, or pungsu, it remained in use until the 20th century, and now stands as a UNESCO World Heritage Site due to its signatory ornamental design, Biwon (secret garden), and surrounding royal structures, such as the Donhwamun Gate, Geumcheongyo Bridge, Huijeongdang, Seongjeongjeon and Injeongjeon Halls, Juhamnu Pavilion, and Yeongyeongdang Residence, some of which have been around for over 600 years.

AGRA, INDIA

Taj Mahal

Some lovers receive flowers, some receive chocolates. But only a select few get palaces built for them. This magnificent marble landmark was built at the beckoning of Shah Jahan, the Mughal emperor, between 1632 and 1653, for his favourite wife, Mumtaz Mahal, with construction starting immediately after she died in childbirth. Some 20,000 professional artists were employed for the project and they travelled to Agra from across India, Turkey, and Iraq. A little more than two decades of work resulted in not only the iconic marble domes made with imported precious stones and the breathtaking carvings in the mausoleum, but also its lavish surrounding gardens, reflecting pool, and outlying buildings.