Changgyeonggung Palace Seoul
A serene Joseon Dynasty palace known for its beautiful Secret Garden and enchanting evening illuminations.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Beautiful foliage, pleasant weather
Changgyeonggung Palace Seoul
Best Time
Beautiful foliage, pleasant weather
Highlights
Must-see attractions
A serene Joseon Dynasty palace known for its beautiful Secret Garden and enchanting evening illuminations.
"Changgyeonggung offers a peaceful escape with its stunning Secret Garden and magical night views."
🎟️ Book Secret Garden Tickets
Secure your Secret Garden tour tickets online in advance to guarantee entry.
👗 Hanbok for Photos
Rent a Hanbok for beautiful photos around the palace grounds.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Secret Garden (Huwon)
Within Changgyeonggung Palace
A serene and meticulously landscaped garden, once reserved for royalty. A must-see for its tranquility and beauty.
Palace Architecture
Throughout the palace grounds
Admire the elegant traditional Korean architecture, a testament to Joseon Dynasty craftsmanship.
Evening Ambiance
Changgyeonggung Palace
The palace is stunning when illuminated at night, offering a peaceful and romantic atmosphere.
Planning Your Visit
Book Secret Garden Tours in Advance
Consider Hanbok Rental for Photos
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🎟️ Book Secret Garden Tickets
Secure your Secret Garden tour tickets online in advance to guarantee entry. +1
👗 Hanbok for Photos
Rent a Hanbok for beautiful photos around the palace grounds.
🚶♀️ Explore at Your Own Pace
While the Secret Garden needs a tour, the main palace grounds are great for self-exploration.
🌙 Visit for Evening Glow
Experience the palace's enchanting beauty when it's lit up at night.
Tips
from all over the internet
🎟️ Book Secret Garden Tickets
Secure your Secret Garden tour tickets online in advance to guarantee entry. +1
👗 Hanbok for Photos
Rent a Hanbok for beautiful photos around the palace grounds.
🚶♀️ Explore at Your Own Pace
While the Secret Garden needs a tour, the main palace grounds are great for self-exploration.
🌙 Visit for Evening Glow
Experience the palace's enchanting beauty when it's lit up at night.
👟 Comfortable Shoes
You'll be doing a lot of walking, so wear comfortable shoes. :athletic_shoe:
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Changgyeonggung Palace is praised for its serene atmosphere and the beautiful Secret Garden, offering a more tranquil experience than other major Seoul palaces. Visitors appreciate the historical architecture and the enchanting evening illuminations. However, some find the Secret Garden tours to be a bit rushed or difficult to book.
"This palace is the palace used by the surviving Queens of the Joseon dynasty, there are many well known stories based in this palace. The palace was almost destroyed during the Japanese colonial period when it was turned into a theme park and some buildings were removed/sold but since that time it has been restored/maintained to some of its former glory. We saw it around sunset and it was nice to walk around as the sun was setting.
There is a lake with lovely surrounding gardens and greenery. Towards the back of the palace is a European style greenhouse."
Alexandra Bailey
"Well worth a visit. There's two sites which interconnect. The first main palace has an excellent audio guide and site map which you can access via the QR code at the entrance. The second Changgyeonggung palace is set in lovely park grounds, with ponds and a glass house. Toilets were nice and clean. You get free entry if you wear Korean national dress, which was nice for us tourists to see."
Ann Chalk
"Beautiful traditional palace, definitely worth visiting—especially for the Secret Garden. A separate ticket is required for the garden, and it’s best to arrive early as it’s very popular. Like other palaces, entrance is free if you wear a hanbok (traditional Korean clothing). Great spot for photos and soaking in the peaceful atmosphere!"
M.
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
From Myeongdong, take Subway Line 4 to Chungmuro Station, transfer to Line 3, and alight at Anguk Station. The palace is a short walk from there. Alternatively, a taxi will take about 15-20 minutes depending on traffic.
Yes, Changgyeonggung Palace is easily accessible by Seoul's extensive subway system. The nearest stations are Anguk Station (Line 3) and Hyehwa Station (Line 4), both within walking distance.
From Seoul Station, take Subway Line 1 to Jongno 3-ga Station and transfer to Line 3 towards Gyeongbokgung. Alight at Anguk Station. The palace is about a 10-minute walk from the station.
Limited parking is available at the palace, but it's often full. Public transportation is highly recommended for easier access.
Yes, ride-sharing apps are available in Seoul and can be a convenient option to reach Changgyeonggung Palace, especially if you have luggage or prefer door-to-door service.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
General admission to Changgyeonggung Palace is very affordable, typically around 1,000 KRW. A combined ticket for all five grand palaces is also available for 10,000 KRW, which includes entry to the Secret Garden.
Yes, the Secret Garden (Huwon) requires a separate ticket and is only accessible via a guided tour. It's highly recommended to book these tickets online in advance as they sell out quickly. +1
Opening hours vary seasonally, but generally, the palace is open from 9 AM to 9 PM (last entry at 8 PM) during warmer months and closes earlier in winter. It is closed on Mondays. Always check the official website for the most up-to-date information.
While you can sometimes purchase Secret Garden tickets on-site, they are often more expensive and may be sold out. Booking online beforehand is the safest bet.
Visitors wearing Hanbok often receive free admission to the grand palaces, including Changgyeonggung. Check the official website for any other potential discounts or promotions.
🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience
To fully appreciate the palace and its Secret Garden, allocate at least 2-3 hours. If you're only visiting the main palace grounds, 1-1.5 hours might suffice.
English guided tours are available for the main palace grounds and the Secret Garden. Check the official palace website for tour schedules and booking information.
Yes, Changgyeonggung offers a different atmosphere, often described as more serene and less crowded than Gyeongbokgung. Its Secret Garden is a unique highlight.
The Secret Garden is best experienced on a guided tour to understand its history and significance. The guided tours offer a peaceful and informative walk through its beautiful landscapes. +1
Photography is generally allowed in most areas of Changgyeonggung Palace, but tripods and professional photography equipment may require special permits. Be mindful of other visitors.
📸 📸 Photography
The Secret Garden offers stunning natural backdrops, especially during spring and autumn. The palace architecture itself provides beautiful framing for portraits.
Yes, there are several Hanbok rental shops located near Changgyeonggung Palace and other major palaces in Seoul. Renting a Hanbok enhances the photo opportunities.
Early morning or late afternoon offers the best natural light for photography. Evening visits are also magical when the palace is illuminated.
Drone usage is typically prohibited within palace grounds in Seoul to preserve the historical sites and ensure visitor safety. Always check local regulations.
With a Hanbok, you can capture vibrant, traditional-looking photos that blend seamlessly with the palace's historical setting, creating memorable keepsakes.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
Consider renting a Hanbok for a fun, interactive experience that kids might enjoy, turning the visit into a dress-up adventure. The palace grounds are generally safe for children to explore, but always keep a close eye on them, especially near water features in the Secret Garden. Pack snacks and water, as dining options within the palace are limited.
📸 Photography Enthusiasts
Visiting during the golden hours (early morning or late afternoon) will provide the best natural light. Don't miss the chance to photograph the palace during its evening illumination, which creates a magical and atmospheric scene. Renting a Hanbok can also add a vibrant cultural element to your photos, creating striking contrasts with the historical setting.
🚶♀️ Solo Travelers
Taking a guided tour of the Secret Garden can be a great way to connect with other travelers and gain insights into the palace's past. The palace is also easily navigable, and you can explore at your own pace, stopping to admire details or simply soak in the ambiance. Consider visiting during off-peak hours to enjoy the tranquility even more.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The Allure of the Secret Garden (Huwon)
Visitors often describe the Secret Garden as a tranquil oasis, a stark contrast to the bustling city outside. The tours, usually conducted in English and Korean, provide fascinating insights into the garden's history, its symbolic meanings, and the daily lives of the Joseon royalty who once frequented it. Booking these tours in advance is crucial, as they are a popular attraction and tickets can sell out rapidly, especially during peak seasons like spring and autumn.
Experiencing the Secret Garden is a highlight for many visitors to Changgyeonggung. The changing colors of the foliage in spring and autumn add an extra layer of beauty, making it a photographer's dream. Even without a deep knowledge of Korean history, the sheer beauty and peacefulness of the garden are universally appreciated.
Changgyeonggung Palace: A Royal Residence with a Unique History
This rich and complex history gives Changgyeonggung a distinct character compared to other Seoul palaces. While Gyeongbokgung was the main seat of power, Changgyeonggung offers a more intimate glimpse into the lives of the royal family. The palace grounds are less sprawling than Gyeongbokgung, making it more manageable for visitors with limited time.
Many visitors find Changgyeonggung to be a more peaceful and less crowded experience than its more famous counterparts. This allows for a more immersive exploration of the architecture and the serene atmosphere, especially when combined with a visit to the adjacent Secret Garden.
Hanbok Experience at the Palaces
Numerous Hanbok rental shops are conveniently located near the palace entrances, offering a wide variety of styles and sizes. The rental process is usually straightforward, and many shops provide styling tips and accessories. Wearing a Hanbok not only makes for stunning photographs but also often grants free admission to the grand palaces, making it a cost-effective and culturally immersive experience.
Social media is flooded with images of people enjoying their Hanbok experience at the palaces, showcasing the vibrant colors and elegant designs against the traditional Korean buildings. It's a popular activity for couples, friends, and families looking to add a unique and photogenic element to their Seoul itinerary.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit