Jondeokjeong Pavilion is believed to be the latest building in the Secret Garden, which was built in 1644. Its name contains the meaning "to respect virtue”. Originally, there were three small, round or rectangular ponds. However, during the Japanese invasion of Korea, three of them were transferred into one curved pond, whereas the other two ponds were combined to form the Jondeokji Pond.
There are various pavilions in the Secret Garden. Among all the pavilions, Jondeokjeong Pavilion is unique and famous for its eye-catching two layers of hexagonal roof top. Due to its shape, it was also called “Yukmyeonjeong Pavilion”. The two layers both have pillars. The outer roof was supported by a group of three pillars at each corner to enhance the sleekness of the pavilion. Looking inside the pavilion, the ceiling was painted with a yellow and a blue dragon. Furthermore, it was said that originally, the signboard written by King Heonjong and poems handwritten by King Sukjong were hung in the pavilion. However, the signboard is currently not hanging there.
On the Jondeokjeong Pavilion's northern window is a signboard that King Jeongjo wrote. It is “Mancheon Myungweol Juinong Jaseu”, which means “Ten thousand moons are reflected in each of ten thousand streams, but the moon floating in the sky is only one.” The moon here represented King Jeongjo, and he wrote this poem to show his belief and dedication to being a caring and wise king. It is said King Jeongjo came to the pavilion every year with his subjects to enjoy fishing and watching flowers.