Your city travel guideSeoul Guide
Updated: June 20, 2026

Changdeokgung Palace

Booking:Better to book in advanceAccess:See detailsAmenities:See details
Clara Whitfield
Clara WhitfieldEditor-in-chief

I’ve spent seven years in Seoul turning its subways, neighbourhoods, and everyday etiquette into clear guides you can use.

About this author →

Why visit

Who will love it

Changdeokgung Palace

Who should skip it

A UNESCO World Heritage site known for its harmonious integration with nature and the exclusive Secret Garden.

What to know beforehand

Changdeokgung Palace is best appreciated through its Secret Garden (Huwon), a sprawling royal retreat that requires a separate timed ticket of 5,000 KRW in addition to the 3,000 KRW general admission.

Travelers who enjoy slow-paced walks, traditional landscaping, and historical architecture will find the garden highly rewarding.

However, because access is strictly controlled via guided tours along hilly, unpaved paths, those who prefer exploring at their own pace or have mobility limitations may find the experience restrictive and tiring.

To make the most of your visit, coordinate your itinerary around the weekly closing schedules: Changdeokgung is closed on Mondays, whereas the nearby Gyeongbokgung Palace is closed on Tuesdays.

Securing a Secret Garden ticket online in advance is highly recommended, as on-site daily tickets are limited to 50 slots per session and sell out quickly, especially during peak autumn and spring seasons.

Travel Tip: If you plan to visit multiple royal sites in Seoul, the Royal Palace Pass offers combined entry to the city's major palaces and Jongmyo Shrine.

🎫 Tickets, tours & discounts

Which Ticket to Choose

To experience the palace fully, you need to understand that it is split into two distinct areas: the general palace grounds (Palace Building Area) and the Huwon Secret Garden. A basic ticket for the palace grounds costs 3,000 KRW.

However, the Secret Garden is the true highlight of the complex and requires a separate ticket costing 5,000 KRW, bringing the total to 8,000 KRW.

The most common mistake first-time visitors make is purchasing only the general admission ticket, thinking they can buy the Secret Garden entry once inside.

The Secret Garden has a strict daily limit of 100 visitors per session (50 tickets released online in advance and 50 sold on-site on a first-come, first-served basis). If you do not book the Secret Garden ticket online weeks ahead, you will likely miss out on the garden entirely.

  • General Admission (3,000 KRW): Best if you are short on time, only want to see the main architecture, or failed to secure a Secret Garden slot.
  • General Admission + Secret Garden (8,000 KRW): The recommended choice for a complete experience.

*Important:* You must purchase a general admission ticket to access the Secret Garden entrance. If you book the garden online, make sure to buy the general entry ticket at the main gate before walking to the garden entrance.

Best Time to Visit

The best time to visit is during the morning slots, specifically aiming for the 10:30 AM English tour of the Secret Garden. This allows you to explore the main palace grounds when they open at 9:00 AM, beat the midday heat, and avoid the heaviest crowds.

If you are visiting during the autumn foliage season or the spring cherry blossom season, tickets for the Secret Garden sell out online within minutes of release.

For photographers, the late afternoon tours offer beautiful golden hour light filtering through the ancient trees, but keep in mind that the palace grounds close shortly after the last tour ends. The palace is closed on Mondays, so plan your week accordingly.

Combos and Discounts

If you plan to visit multiple royal sites, buy the Royal Palace Pass (also known as the Integrated Ticket of Palaces) at the ticket booth for 6,000 KRW. This pass covers general admission to Gyeongbokgung, Changdeokgung, Changgyeonggung, Deoksugung, and the Jongmyo Shrine, and is valid for three months.

*Tip:* The Royal Palace Pass does not include entry to the Secret Garden. You must still book and purchase the 5,000 KRW Secret Garden ticket separately.

To save money on general admission:

  • Hanbok Discount: Anyone wearing a traditional Korean Hanbok receives free general admission to the palace grounds. However, this does not grant free entry to the Secret Garden; the 5,000 KRW garden ticket is still mandatory.
  • Age Discounts: Children and youth aged 18 and under, as well as seniors aged 65 and over, get free general admission.
  • Culture Day: General admission is free for everyone on the last Wednesday of every month.

When to Take a Tour

For the main palace buildings, you can easily explore on your own using the digital map available via QR codes at the entrance. The palace also offers free, optional guided tours in English at 10:15 AM and 1:15 PM, which start near the main information board and require no reservation.

For the Secret Garden, a guided tour is mandatory. You are not allowed to wander the garden freely. You must stay with the official guide throughout the 90-minute walk.

The tour is highly informative, explaining the history of the Joseon dynasty, the royal family's private life, and the architectural philosophy of blending structures with nature.

If you prefer not to follow a group, you will have to skip the Secret Garden entirely, but doing so misses the most beautiful part of Changdeokgung.

Weather nowRain · Dust in the air
Seoul, South Korea
NowRain 🌧️
Temperature24°C
VisibilityPoor
AerosolsDusty · AOD 0.40

Weather may affect your visit — consider indoor alternatives or reschedule.

AOD — how much dust and haze in the air dim the distant view. 0 clean, >0.4 noticeable, >0.7 heavy.

Crowd indicator

Crowds peak during spring cherry blossoms and autumn foliage, while morning slots offer the quietest experience for exploring the grounds.

When to go?

Mini-calculator based on crowd levels by day and time.

Best time at Mon — 18:00

This day is usually calmer than average. This slot has a higher chance of a comfortable visit: Closed. But today's weather is weak for panoramas: rain 🌧️.

30–50% · Quiet60–80% · Moderate90–100% · Crowded

Nearest days

TodayExpect heavy weekend crowds; walk-in garden tickets are likely sold out early.
10:0055%
12:0080%
14:0090%
16:0085%
17:0035%
18:000%
TomorrowThe palace and Secret Garden are closed on Mondays.
10:000%
12:000%
14:000%
16:000%
17:000%
18:000%
Day after tomorrowA quieter weekday, though advance booking for the garden remains essential.
10:0045%
12:0060%
14:0070%
16:0065%
17:0025%
18:000%

How to find the entrance

1
Anguk Station Exit 3Walk straight east along the main road for approximately five minutes.
2
Donhwamun Main GateIdentify the massive two-story wooden entrance at the end of the street.
3
Ticket OfficePurchase standard entry or Secret Garden tour tickets at the booth left of the gate.
4
Main EntrancePresent your ticket or scan your mobile pass at the turnstiles under the gate.

99 Yulgok-ro, Jongno-gu, Seoul

Anguk Station (Line 3), Exit 3

Jongno-gu

Changdeokgung is a UNESCO World Heritage site and the most favored palace of the Joseon royalty, renowned for its Secret Garden and architecture that follows the natural topography.

To reach the palace, take Exit 3 of Anguk Station and walk straight for approximately five minutes. You will arrive at the Donhwamun Gate, a massive two-story wooden structure. The ticket office is located immediately to the left of this gate.

If you are wearing a Hanbok to avail of free entry, you must still present yourself at the ticket window or the gate for verification.

The main source of confusion is the separate ticketing for the Huwon Secret Garden. General admission only covers the palace courtyards; the garden requires a specific timed-entry ticket.

If you have not booked a garden tour in advance, head to the ticket booth immediately upon arrival to secure one of the limited walk-in slots before they sell out for the day.

Expect to spend extra time navigating the transition between the main palace and the garden. The entrance to the Secret Garden is a 10-minute walk from the main Donhwamun Gate. You should pass through the main gates at least 20 minutes before your scheduled garden tour to ensure you reach the inner meeting point on time.

  • Use the dedicated line for the Secret Garden if you already hold a general admission pass.
  • Be prepared for a security bag check during periods of high diplomatic activity.
  • Follow the signs for 'Huwon' once inside the main grounds to find the secondary tour entrance.
ImportantYou must purchase a general palace admission ticket (3,000 KRW) in addition to the Secret Garden ticket (5,000 KRW) to access the garden area.

Practical limits & what to bring

Changdeokgung Palace

Seoul

South Korea

KRW

What to consider before visiting

Changdeokgung is a vast historical complex where you will spend several hours walking on gravel paths and stone courtyards. Sturdy, closed-toe walking shoes are essential as the ground is often uneven.

While the main palace area is relatively accessible, the Secret Garden (Huwon) features steep hills and wooded trails that are physically demanding and not recommended for those with significant mobility issues.

Entry to the Secret Garden is strictly limited to timed guided tours and requires a separate ticket from the general palace admission. These tours sell out quickly, so you must book your slot in advance to ensure entry.

Visitors wearing a full traditional Hanbok receive free admission to the main palace grounds, though the Secret Garden tour still requires a paid ticket for everyone.

What is allowed and what is forbidden

  • No food, snacks, or alcoholic beverages are permitted inside the palace grounds.
  • Only bottled water in sealable containers is allowed; other drinks are prohibited.
  • Smoking, including e-cigarettes, is strictly forbidden throughout the entire site.
  • Drones and professional filming equipment, such as large tripods and lighting rigs, are not allowed without prior official authorization.
  • Pets are prohibited, with the exception of registered service animals.
  • Do not touch the wooden structures, paintings, or historical artifacts within the halls.

Storage and belongings

Small coin-operated lockers are available near the Donhwamun main gate for a fee of 100 to 500 KRW. These lockers are designed for small bags and personal items; there is no facility on-site for storing large suitcases or heavy luggage.

If you are traveling with large bags, it is best to use the storage lockers at nearby Jongno 3-ga or Anguk subway stations.

Strollers are permitted in the main palace courtyards, but they are highly discouraged in the Secret Garden due to the steep inclines and unpaved forest terrain. A limited number of strollers can be borrowed for free at the entrance for use within the accessible palace areas.

TipArrive at least 20 minutes before your scheduled Secret Garden tour time, as the walk from the main gate to the garden entrance takes about 10 to 15 minutes.

Location and what's nearby

The Neighborhood

  • Preserved historic heart where Joseon-era architecture meets modern galleries and artisan workshops.
  • Quiet, upscale residential pockets mixed with bustling traditional tea houses and boutique shops.
  • A cultural hub ideal for those seeking traditional Korean aesthetics and a slower pace of exploration.

Nearby on Foot (up to 15 minutes)

  • Changgyeonggung Palace — Adjacent royal grounds featuring a historic Western-style botanical greenhouse · 5 min walk
  • Bukchon Hanok Village — Historic residential area filled with hundreds of traditional Korean houses · 10 min walk
  • Insa-dong — Cultural street famous for traditional crafts, tea houses, and art galleries · 12 min walk
  • Unhyeongung Royal Residence — Former home of King Gojong with well-preserved Joseon-era architecture · 8 min walk

15–30 Minutes by Transport

  • Gyeongbokgung Palace — The primary royal palace known for its grand scale and architecture · 15 min by taxi
  • Namsan Seoul Tower — Iconic landmark offering panoramic views of the city from Namsan Mountain · 25 min by taxi
  • Myeong-dong — Vibrant shopping district famous for street food and global fashion brands · 20 min by metro

Where to Eat Nearby

  • Mishmash — Creative Korean fusion with views of palace walls · above average · reservation recommended · 3 min walk
  • Bukchon Son Mandu — Famous local spot for traditional fried and steamed dumplings · budget · no reservation needed · 10 min walk
  • A Flower Blossom on the Rice — Michelin-listed restaurant serving organic traditional bibimbap · average · reservation recommended · 12 min walk

Ready-made Day Itinerary

Start the morning exploring the Secret Garden at Changdeokgung Palace, then walk through the winding alleys of Bukchon Hanok Village. Head to Insa-dong for a traditional lunch at A Flower Blossom on the Rice and some souvenir shopping. End the day with a short taxi ride to Gyeongbokgung Palace to catch the changing of the guard ceremony.

NoteArrive early to secure a spot for the Secret Garden guided tour as tickets are limited.
Reference

Facts

Read more

Numbers and Scale

  • Construction: Completed in 1405 as a secondary palace, it served as the primary royal residence for 270 years.
  • Total Area: Spans 462,000 square meters, making it one of the largest preserved palace complexes in Seoul.
  • Green Space: The Huwon (Secret Garden) occupies 60% of the entire palace grounds, preserving the natural topography.
  • Historic Gate: Donhwamun Gate, rebuilt in 1609, stands as the oldest remaining two-story main entrance in the city.
  • UNESCO Recognition: Designated a World Heritage site in 1997 for its unique integration of architecture with the natural landscape.
  • Royal Trees: The grounds house over 56,000 trees, including a Chinese scholar tree estimated to be over 400 years old.

Myths and Misconceptions

  • Myth: Changdeokgung was the primary palace of the Joseon Dynasty. In reality: It was a secondary palace, though it served as the main seat of government for centuries.
  • Myth: The Secret Garden was a private space for the King's concubines. In reality: It was used for royal relaxation, state exams, military training, and agricultural experiments.
  • Myth: All palace buildings are original structures from the 15th century. In reality: Most were destroyed in 1592 and rebuilt in 1609, with later additions in the 1900s.
  • Myth: The palace layout follows a strict symmetrical grid like Chinese palaces. In reality: It was intentionally designed to follow the uneven mountain terrain, breaking traditional symmetry.

Rare and Unusual

  • The Blue Tiles: Seonjeongjeon is the only remaining palace building with expensive blue-glazed roof tiles, a status symbol of the era.
  • Western Influence: Huijeongdang Hall features an interior with carpets, glass windows, and chandeliers, added during a 1920 reconstruction.
  • Agricultural King: The Okryucheon stream area contains a small rice paddy where Joseon kings personally farmed to experience peasant life.
  • The Floating Pavilion: Buyongjeong is uniquely designed with two of its support pillars submerged in the lotus pond, creating a floating effect.
  • Hidden Chimneys: Many buildings use a traditional Ondol heating system with chimneys disguised as decorative wall elements or detached structures.
Background

History

Read more

Changdeokgung Palace

Seoul, South Korea

Built in 1405 as a secondary royal residence, Changdeokgung eventually became the primary seat of power for the Joseon Dynasty for nearly three centuries. While other palaces followed strict, symmetrical layouts, this site was designed to follow the natural topography of the land, blending architecture seamlessly with the surrounding hills and forests.

The palace’s resilience is a core part of its identity. After being destroyed during the late 16th-century Japanese invasions, it was the first palace to be reconstructed, serving as the main royal home while Gyeongbokgung lay in ruins for hundreds of years.

This long period of continuous use is why the buildings and grounds remain the most authentic examples of Joseon-era court life and government.

Harmony with Nature

Today, the palace is celebrated for the Huwon, or Secret Garden, which occupies sixty percent of the grounds. Originally reserved for the king’s private rest and royal examinations, it remains a rare example of traditional Korean landscape gardening where human intervention is kept to a minimum.

This commitment to preserving the natural environment earned the palace its status as a UNESCO World Heritage site.

♿ Accessibility & families

The main palace grounds are generally accessible, with wooden ramps installed over the high thresholds of major gates and halls. However, the terrain consists of packed earth and stone pavers, which can be bumpy for manual wheelchairs. Accessible restrooms are located near the main entrance and the visitor center.

The Secret Garden (Huwon) is the most challenging area for visitors with reduced mobility. The guided tour lasts approximately 90 minutes and involves steep hills, unpaved forest paths, and some stairs. Visitors who find long walks difficult should focus on the main palace buildings rather than the garden tour.

Strollers are permitted throughout the main palace grounds. For the Secret Garden, strollers are allowed but difficult to navigate due to the hilly terrain; a baby carrier is recommended for this section. Free stroller rentals are available at the Donhwamun Gate entrance on a first-come, first-served basis.

Children aged 6 and under enter the main palace for free. For visitors aged 7 to 18, the entrance fee is 1,500 KRW. Seniors aged 65 and older receive free admission upon presenting a valid ID. All children must be accompanied by an adult at all times.

Nursing rooms and diaper-changing stations are available near the main ticket office. There are limited seating areas within the historic courtyards, so plan for rest stops at the cafeteria or gift shop located near the entrance to the Secret Garden.

🏢 On-site amenities

Free public restrooms are located near the main Donhwamun Gate entrance and adjacent to the entrance of the Secret Garden (Huwon). Inside the Secret Garden, an additional restroom facility is available near the Buyongji pond area.

Drinking water fountains are positioned next to most restroom blocks, and visitors are encouraged to bring their own water bottles, especially for the 90-minute guided garden tour.

A traditional tea house is located near the entrance to the Secret Garden, providing a casual space for Korean teas and traditional snacks. Gift shops are situated near the main entrance and within the tea house area, selling authentic Korean crafts, stationery, and palace-themed souvenirs.

Free public Wi-Fi is available throughout the main palace courtyards. For families, a dedicated nursing room and baby-changing station are located near the main ticket office at the palace entrance.

Reliability & freshness

AuthorClara Whitfield
UpdatedJune 20, 2026

I live in Seoul and have spent seven years here writing clear, practical guides for English-speaking visitors.