Changdeokgung Palace, Seoul
A UNESCO World Heritage site, Changdeokgung Palace offers a harmonious blend of royal architecture and natural beauty, especially its famed Secret Gar...
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Pleasant weather, vibrant foliage
Changdeokgung Palace, Seoul
Best Time
Pleasant weather, vibrant foliage
Highlights
Must-see attractions
A UNESCO World Heritage site, Changdeokgung Palace offers a harmonious blend of royal architecture and natural beauty, especially its famed Secret Garden.
"The Secret Garden is a must-visit for its serene beauty and tranquil escape from the city."
🎟️ Book Secret Garden Tickets
Reserve your Secret Garden tour tickets online in advance to guarantee entry.
👘 Wear a Hanbok for Free Entry
Rent a Hanbok nearby for free palace admission and fantastic photo opportunities.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
The Secret Garden (Huwon)
Changdeokgung Palace
A serene, secluded oasis with pavilions, ponds, and lush greenery. A must-see for its beauty and tranquility.
Donhwamun Gate
Main Entrance
The grandest and oldest gate of the palace, offering a majestic first impression of the royal grounds.
Injeongjeon Hall
Main Throne Hall
The principal hall where important state affairs and royal ceremonies took place. Admire its intricate architecture.
Planning Your Visit
Book Secret Garden Tours in Advance
Hanbok Rental for Free Entry
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🎟️ Book Secret Garden Tickets
Reserve your Secret Garden tour tickets online in advance to guarantee entry. +2
👘 Wear a Hanbok for Free Entry
Rent a Hanbok nearby for free palace admission and fantastic photo opportunities. +1
🚶♀️ Explore Palace Grounds First
Consider exploring the main palace grounds before your Secret Garden tour for a complete experience.
💧 Stay Hydrated in Summer
Summer can be hot; bring water and wear light clothing. The Secret Garden offers cooler air.
Tips
from all over the internet
🎟️ Book Secret Garden Tickets
Reserve your Secret Garden tour tickets online in advance to guarantee entry. +2
👘 Wear a Hanbok for Free Entry
Rent a Hanbok nearby for free palace admission and fantastic photo opportunities. +1
🚶♀️ Explore Palace Grounds First
Consider exploring the main palace grounds before your Secret Garden tour for a complete experience.
💧 Stay Hydrated in Summer
Summer can be hot; bring water and wear light clothing. The Secret Garden offers cooler air.
📸 Hire a Photographer
Enhance your visit with a professional photographer for memorable K-drama style photos.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors consistently praise Changdeokgung Palace for its serene beauty, especially the enchanting Secret Garden. The opportunity to wear a Hanbok for free entry and capture stunning photos is a major draw. While the Secret Garden requires advance booking and a separate tour, most find it a worthwhile and peaceful experience. Some find the palace grounds less grand than Gyeongbokgung, but appreciate its natural integration and historical significance.
"This place is absolutely massive! My friend and I spent nearly 3 hours wandering around, yet it still felt like we barely scratched the surface. If I ever get the chance to come back to Korea, this will definitely be on my list again. The area is so vast that I almost lost track of where I’d been — each corner felt like a new adventure waiting to be discovered."
Anh Quân Lê
"Beautiful and most historically original of the palaces in Seoul even if it wasnt the main palace. The secret garden is absolutely worth it. I booked the tickets for the secret garden online and it turned out to be a great decision since all tickets were sold out by the time we arrived in the afternoon."
Mohammad Mohsin
"Wow, this is a great and beautiful place and palace. You can see how the movies were created from this history. It is also suitable for people with wheelchairs, and the secret garden is amazing."
Ronit Nawoganker
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
From Myeongdong, you can take the subway Line 3 to Anguk Station (approx. 10-15 minutes). Changdeokgung Palace is a short walk from Exit 3. +1
Yes, Changdeokgung Palace is easily accessible by Seoul's extensive subway system. The nearest station is Anguk Station (Line 3).
The palaces are relatively close. You can walk between them (about 15-20 minutes) or take a short bus ride.
While there might be limited parking, it's generally recommended to use public transportation due to potential congestion and cost.
Yes, taxis are readily available in Seoul and can take you directly to the palace entrance. Ensure your driver knows the destination.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
General admission to Changdeokgung Palace is 3,000 KRW. However, wearing a Hanbok grants you free entry.
Yes, the Secret Garden (Huwon) requires a separate ticket and is only accessible via guided tours. Booking in advance is highly recommended. +2
Tickets can be purchased online through the official website or at the ticket office on-site. Online booking for the Secret Garden is strongly advised. +1
While possible, it's risky as tours have limited capacity and can sell out quickly. Booking online beforehand is the safest option. +1
Wearing a Hanbok provides free admission. A combined ticket for multiple palaces is also available for 10,000 KRW, which includes access to the Secret Garden.
🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience
Exploring the main palace grounds can take 1-2 hours. The Secret Garden tour adds another 1.5 hours, so budget at least 3-4 hours for a comprehensive visit.
The Secret Garden tour is guided and lasts about 90 minutes, offering insights into the garden's history and design. +1
Absolutely! The palace architecture and the Secret Garden offer numerous picturesque spots. Wearing a Hanbok enhances the photographic experience.
Yes, English guided tours are available for both the palace and the Secret Garden. Check the official website for schedules.
Comfortable walking shoes are essential. If you plan to wear a Hanbok, ensure it's rented from a reputable shop. +1
📸 📸 Photography
The Secret Garden, especially during spring and autumn, offers stunning natural backdrops. The main palace halls and gates are also very photogenic.
Yes, photography is generally allowed in the Secret Garden, but it's important to be respectful of the environment and other visitors.
Many visitors recommend hiring a photographer, especially if you're wearing a Hanbok, to capture professional-quality K-drama style photos.
Early morning or late afternoon, during the 'golden hours,' provides the best natural light for photography.
Drone usage is typically restricted in historical sites and national parks to preserve the atmosphere and for safety reasons. Check official regulations.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
Tips for families: Consider visiting during off-peak hours to avoid large crowds. Pack snacks and drinks, as dining options within the palace are limited. Ensure children wear comfortable shoes, as there's a fair amount of walking. The palace's historical significance can also be a great educational opportunity to teach children about Korean history in an interactive way.
📸 Photography Enthusiasts
The Secret Garden is particularly renowned for its serene ponds, traditional pavilions, and lush greenery, offering a tranquil and picturesque setting. Recommendations: Renting a Hanbok can elevate your photos, creating a more authentic and visually striking aesthetic, often compared to K-drama scenes.
Consider hiring a local photographer for a professional photoshoot to capture high-quality images that truly embody the palace's charm. 🚶 Budget Travelers
The combined palace ticket for 10,000 KRW is also a cost-effective option if you plan to visit multiple royal palaces. Money-saving tips: Utilize Seoul's efficient and inexpensive public transportation (subway and buses) to reach the palace.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The Enchanting Secret Garden (Huwon)
During the tour, you'll wander through picturesque ponds, pavilions, and wooded areas, learning about the garden's history and the flora and fauna that inhabit it. Redditors often describe the garden as a peaceful escape from the city bustle, with one user noting they 'immediately felt a breeze of cooler and fresher air' upon entering.
Key takeaway: Booking your Secret Garden tour well in advance is crucial, as daily visitor numbers are limited. The tour itself is a highlight, offering a tranquil and informative experience that complements the palace's historical significance.
Hanbok Experience and Free Admission
Numerous Hanbok rental shops are located in the vicinity of the palace, offering a wide range of styles and sizes. Many TikTok creators highlight the joy of dressing up and taking photos in the palace grounds, comparing it to living out K-drama fantasies.
Pro-tip: When renting a Hanbok, ensure you choose a comfortable one that allows for easy walking, as you'll be exploring the palace grounds. The Hanbok rental experience is a fantastic way to make your visit more memorable and visually appealing.
Navigating Changdeokgung Palace
When visiting, it's important to understand that the palace grounds are extensive. Visitors typically purchase a general admission ticket to explore the main palace buildings, such as Donhwamun Gate and Injeongjeon Hall.
However, the Secret Garden requires a separate ticket and is only accessible through scheduled guided tours. Practical advice from visitors includes wearing comfortable shoes, as there's a lot of walking involved, especially in the Secret Garden.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit