Changdeokgung is the most architecturally and historically intact of Seoul’s five royal palaces, a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1997. The adjoining Huwon Secret Garden is one of the finest traditional gardens in Korea. Here is the complete visitor guide.
Changdeokgung (창덕궁) was built in 1405 as a secondary palace to Gyeongbokgung. It became the primary royal residence after the Japanese invasions of the 1590s destroyed Gyeongbokgung, and Korean kings lived here for over 270 years. The palace is considered the finest because it follows the natural topography of the hillside rather than imposing a rigid grid layout.
Getting There
Anguk Station on Line 3 (orange). Exit 3, then about a 5-minute walk west. The palace entrance is clearly signed from the station. Anguk Station is also the access point for the Bukchon Hanok Village and the Insadong district, making it easy to combine multiple sights in the same area. See the Best Hotels in Insadong for nearby accommodation.
Tickets
Palace entry: 3,000 won for adults, free for children under 7. The palace entry ticket does not include the Secret Garden. Secret Garden admission: 8,000 won for adults, 2,500 won for children. Secret Garden tours run on the hour from 10 am to 4 pm (last tour) in Korean and English. The English-language tours are at 11:30 am and 2:30 pm. Booking is not always required but is recommended on weekends and during peak seasons (cherry blossoms in April, autumn foliage in November).
The Palace Grounds
Donhwamun Gate: The main gate and Seoul’s oldest palace gate, originally built in 1412 and rebuilt in 1609. The wooden structure with green tiles is the first impression of the palace.
Geumcheongyo Bridge: The oldest bridge in Seoul (1411), crossing the small stream inside the palace grounds. Still intact and walkable.
Injeongjeon Hall: The main throne hall where official state ceremonies took place. The interior has the original wooden throne under a carved canopy. Photography permitted.
Nakseonjae: A quiet residential complex at the eastern edge of the palace grounds where the last members of the Joseon royal family lived until 1989. The most intimate section of the palace.
The Secret Garden (Huwon)
The Huwon (후원), mistranslated as ‘Secret Garden’ but more accurately ‘Rear Garden’, is a 32-hectare forested garden behind the palace grounds, accessible only on guided tours. The garden was the private retreat of Joseon kings and contains pavilions, lotus ponds, and a historic collection of trees, including a 300-year-old juniper.
The tour route covers about 1.5 kilometres and takes approximately 1 hour. The autumn foliage in the Huwon is among the finest in Seoul, with the garden’s dense deciduous forest turning brilliant orange and red from late October to mid-November. The cherry blossoms in early April are equally spectacular. The English tour schedule should be checked on the palace website before visiting.
Night Palace Tours
Changdeokgung offers a special evening admission (Moonlight Tour) on selected dates in spring and autumn, when the palace is illuminated at night. Tickets for these specific events sell out weeks in advance through the palace ticketing website. Booking tickets as soon as they become available is necessary for popular dates.
