Changdeokgung Palace was the second royal villa built after the construction of Gyeongbokgung Palace in 1405. It was the main palace of several Joseon kings, and is the most well-preserved of the five remaining royal palaces of the Joseon Dynasty. The palace grounds consist of a public palace area and a residential building. The royal family has a picturesque back garden. The back garden is known as the resting place of kings. It features a small pond, pavilion and a giant tree over 300 years old. This palace was recognized as a World Cultural Heritage site by UNESCO in December 1997.