Changdeokgung Palace
Changdeokgung Palace was built in 1405 as a secondary royal palace of the Joseon Dynasty.
Known for its harmonious design that follows the natural landscape, it is one of Korea’s most beautiful royal palaces and has been designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Visitors can admire the perfect harmony between traditional Korean architecture and nature throughout the palace grounds.
The palace’s most famous attraction is the Secret Garden (Huwon), renowned for its breathtaking seasonal scenery. It is a favorite destination for visitors seeking a peaceful and relaxing stroll.
With its ever-changing beauty throughout the year, Changdeokgung Palace offers a unique experience in every season.
Highlights of Changdeokgung Palace
Secret Garden (Huwon)
A beautiful garden designed to follow the natural landscape.
Known for its seasonal scenery throughout the year, it is one of the most popular highlights of Changdeokgung Palace.
Buyongji Pond
A scenic spot in the Secret Garden where a quiet pond and traditional architecture blend beautifully.
It is especially stunning during the autumn foliage season.
Juhamnu Pavilion
A building once used as a royal library.
It is known as one of the symbol
Donhwamun Gate
The main gate of Changdeokgung Palace.
Its calm atmosphere and elegant appearance reflect the dignity of a royal palace.
Popular Experiences at Changdeokgung Palace
All of the following experiences can be enjoyed with a regular admission ticket.
Secret Garden (Huwon)
The Secret Garden (Huwon) is the most popular attraction at Changdeokgung Palace.
This beautiful garden, designed in harmony with nature, offers breathtaking scenery throughout the four seasons. Highlights include Buyongji Pond and Juhamnu Pavilion, where historic architecture blends beautifully with the surrounding landscape.
The Secret Garden can only be visited through a guided tour. Tours are available in Korean, English, Japanese, and other languages, depending on the day and time.
Japanese-language tours are available only on Wednesdays and Fridays at 1:30 PM, and the reservation website is available in Korean and English.
As the Secret Garden is one of the palace’s most popular attractions, tours often sell out quickly during weekends and peak travel seasons.
We recommend making your reservation as early as possible once your travel dates are confirmed.
Palace Walk
As a UNESCO World Heritage Site, Changdeokgung Palace is celebrated for its beautiful architecture, which was carefully designed to follow the natural landscape.
Explore historic buildings such as Injeongjeon Hall and Donhwamun Gate, and experience the royal history of the Joseon Dynasty.
The peaceful Secret Garden (Huwon) is another must-see highlight, offering visitors a relaxing walk through one of Korea’s most beautiful palace gardens.
Opening Hours
Jan-Feb
Opening Hours：9:00〜17:00
Last Admission：16:00
Mar-May
Opening Hours：9:00〜18:00
Last Admission：17:00
Jun-Aug
Opening Hours：9:00〜18:30
Last Admission：17:30
Sep-Oct
Opening Hours：9:00～18:00
Last Admission：17:00
Nov-Dec
Opening Hours：9:00～17:00
Last Admission：16:00
Closed Day
Closed every Tuesday
🎫 Admission
Adults
Changdeokgung Palace
3,000 won
Changdeokgung Palace ＋ Huwon
8,000won
Children
Changdeokgung Palace
1,500won
Changdeokgung Palace ＋ Huwon
2,500won
Visitors Wearing Hanbok
Free
*Admission fees are subject to change.
Travel Tip
The Secret Garden (Huwon) requires a separate reservation. Reservations often sell out quickly during the spring and autumn seasons.
Opening hours and admission fees are subject to change. Please visit the official website for the latest information.
📍Getting to Changdeokgung Palace
By Subway
Line 3
Anguk Station (Exit 3)
About a 5-minute walk from Exit 3.
Bukchon Hanok Village and Samcheong-dong are also nearby, making this area perfect for exploring before or after your palace visit.
By Bus
Changdeokgung (창덕궁) Bus Stop
– Blue Buses: 109, 151, 162, 171, 172, 272
– Green Bus: 7025
The palace entrance is just a short walk from the bus stop.
💡 Tips for First-Time Visitors
Changdeokgung Palace and Changgyeonggung Palace are located next to each other, and their bus stop names are similar, so it’s easy to confuse them.
- Changdeokgung (창덕궁) Bus Stop → Changdeokgung Palace
- Changgyeonggung · Seoul National University Hospital (창경궁·서울대학교병원) Bus Stop → Changgyeonggung Palace
I once boarded the wrong bus and ended up at the Changgyeonggung side while trying to visit Changdeokgung.
If it’s your first visit, I recommend taking Subway Line 3 to Anguk Station and walking from Exit 3. It’s the easiest and most straightforward route.
Explore Two Palaces in One Visit
Changgyeonggung Palace is directly connected to Changdeokgung Palace, and you can easily walk between the two within the palace grounds.
If you have enough time, visiting both palaces on the same day is highly recommended.