Changdeokgung: Complete Guide To Seoul’s Best Palace

So you’ve heard that Gyeongbokgung might not actually be Seoul’s most interesting palace?

Changdeokgung Palace, only a 20-minute walk east of Gyeongbokgung, is the only palace in Seoul that’s been designated a UNESCO World Heritage site. And for a good reason!

This secondary palace is famous for its emphasis on nature over structure, a rare trait in Joseon palaces. The most popular part of the palace? The Secret Garden, hidden in a valley deep behind the complex.

But since the tickets to the palace and the garden are sold separately and in timed slots, securing tickets and planning your day can get complicated if you don’t know how it works. After visiting 3 times, I’m here to make sure you don’t stumble.

And in case you’re wondering, yes, you can totally visit both palaces together in one morning and enjoy a late lunch by 1 PM.

Table of Contents

Changdeokgung’s Historical Significance

Inscribed in 1997, the Changdeokgung Palace Complex became the only one of the Joseon palaces with the UNESCO World Heritage title.

The main characteristic of Joseon palaces is that they were always built on flat land and followed very strict layout rules. Changdeokgung, however, was built on hilly terrains, with its layout breaking the rules to harmonize with the landscape.

This is the only Joseon palace where you’ll be walking on uneven grounds.

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Traditional Korean architecture at Changdeokgung Palace, featuring an intricately designed red and green wooden structure with tiled roofs. The building is surrounded by lush greenery and framed by pine tree branches under a clear blue sky. A serene historical setting in Seoul.

The Secondary Palace of Joseon Royalty

In 1405, King Taejong, the third king of Joseon, ordered the construction of a secondary palace to the east of Gyeongbokgung. He had two reasons.

The first reason was that Gyeongbokgung, despite being the main palace, was not right at the center of the capital. It was a little bit off-center to the west. So he wanted to build another palace that would be right at the center.

Another off-the-record reason discussed among palace scholars is that the king no longer wanted to live in the main palace, where princes and officials constantly fought for power. So in a way, Changdeokgung became his escape.

View of Changdeokgung Palace's Nakseonjae complex, showcasing traditional Korean tiled roofs and stone walls under a bright blue sky. The architectural details include stepped stone pathways and lush green trees surrounding the historic structures. A peaceful representation of Korean heritage.

Its Elevated Status as the Main Palace

For the first 200 years, the kings of Joseon resided in Gyeongbokgung Palace and looked after state affairs there. Changdeokgung was the secondary palace where the kings would stay only in times of emergency

However, after the Japanese invasion of 1592, leaving Gyeongbokgung heavily damaged, Changdeokgung became the main palace of Joseon.

Changdeokgung Palace was home to the kings and their family members until 1926, although the seat of government was moved back to Gyeongbokgung in 1868.

How to Get to Changdeokgung Palace

Changdeokgung is located at 99 Yulgok-ro, Jongno District, Seoul. You can get to there via the Metro Line 3 (orange) or Line 1 (dark blue).

Line 1: Get off at Jongno 3-ga station, exit 7, then follow Donhwamun-ro north for about 10-15 minutes. The palace will be right in front of you.
Line 3: Get off at Anguk station, exit 3, and continue walking straight for about 10 minutes. You’ll see the palace coming up on your left.

Plan to spend 2-3 hours inside for a relaxed visit.

Changdeokgung Hours and Ticketing

Facing the main gate, the ticket office is off to the left side and looks like it doesn’t belong there.

It’s a modern glasshouse. You’ll see automated ticket machines lined up in front of the building. They are for Korean citizens only. Your only choice is to line up for the ticket windows.

Visitors walking toward the modern ticket office at Changdeokgung Palace, surrounded by a mix of contemporary architecture and traditional Korean elements in the background. The open plaza features a paved walkway with tactile tiles for accessibility, set under a clear blue sky. A bustling entry point to the historic site.

Unlike other palaces, Changdeokgung has a lot of information you need to process and make careful choices before entering. I’ve laid them out below as clearly as I can. Please study them carefully so you don’t show up at the wrong hours!

Hours of Operation

The first thing you need to note; the palace is closed on Mondays.

Palace Area

Feb-May & Sep-Oct: 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM
June-August: 9:00 AM – 5:30 PM
November-December: 9:00 AM – 4:30 PM

Secret Garden

Jan-Feb & Dec: 10:00 AM – 3:00 PM
March-October: 10:00 AM – 4:00 PM
November: 10:00 AM – 3:30 PM

Ticket Options and Admission Fees

General Admission: 3,000 KRW (Free if wearing a Hanbok, 18 and under, or over 65)
Secret Garden (Palace included): 8,000 KRW (5,000 KRW for those who get free general admission)
Royal Palace Pass: 6,000 KRW (4 palaces and Jongmyo Shrine, Secret Garden not included)

NOTE: The Secret Garden tickets are sold in time slots. You’ll see the times and tour language for each hour on the screen above the ticket windows.

Make sure you have at least 15 minutes to reach the garden entrance when you’re buying because it’s quite a walk into the palace, and there are no late admissions.

What to See Inside Changdeokgung Palace

Let’s take a quick look at what you can expect to see inside Changdeokgung. This includes the main palace buildings and the separately ticketed Secret Garden.

Main Palace Complex

In this section, I will walk you through some of the important structures inside the palace, including their significance and historical snippets.

Donhwamun Gate (돈화문)

This is the main gate to the palace grounds. Donhwamun was constructed in 1412, unfortunately burnt down during the Japanese Invasion of 1592 (Imjin War), and reconstructed in 1609.

Front view of Donhwamun Gate, the main entrance to Changdeokgung Palace, showcasing traditional Korean architecture with ornate red columns and tiled roofs. Visitors can be seen walking near the gate on a bright sunny day, with a backdrop of trees and clear blue sky. A historic landmark blending culture and nature.

This makes it the oldest standing gate among all the palaces in Seoul.

Only the King and his high-ranking officials could enter the palace through this gate, while everyone else would use the next gate on the west wall.

The King would use the middle space, called Gan (간), while his officials would go through the two Gans on both sides. The two remaining Gans furthest out were always closed. They were there simply for grandiosity.

Geumcheongyo Bridge (금천교)

Geumcheongyo Bridge, surrounded by neatly maintained stone pathways and lush greenery. The traditional Korean gate features ornate tiled roofs and red columns, framed by trees and a clear blue sky. A serene and inviting entrance to the historic site.

Geumcheongyo, which means the bridge over the silky stream, was built in 1411. Since then, it has survived all the fires from wars and revolts, remaining intact until today.

What you see is literally over 600 years old, with no reconstructions whatsoever.

This “silky river” and the stone bridge leading into the outer court are characteristic of all Joseon palaces. Through the river, the king’s subjects cleansed their minds so that they could meet the king with clear minds.

Jinseonmun Gate (진선문)

The gate right ahead of the bridge is Jinseonmun. Its name translates to “Arriving towards goodness.” It means that anyone passing through this gate will speak only truth to the king.

Wide view of the courtyard at Changdeokgung Palace, featuring a paved stone pathway leading to traditional Korean gates and red-walled buildings with tiled roofs. Visitors stroll through the open space on a sunny day, framed by greenery and a clear blue sky. A historic and spacious setting highlighting traditional Korean architecture.

Once you pass through Jinseonmun and look straight ahead, you’ll see a vast courtyard with a stone path that leads to another gate, and no buildings. Instead, another gate that leads to a building is on the left side.

This is unconventional and is the only case among the Joseon palaces. This courtyard is where you’ll first see how Changdeokgung’s layout pays more attention to landscape than tradition.

“Square or Trapezoid?“

This empty courtyard you’re standing on isn’t unconventional just because it doesn’t lead straight to a throne hall… It’s also not perfectly square-shaped.

The architect thought that a trapezoid-shaped courtyard would better complement the topography, so he did what his gut told him to, and got imprisoned for it. (Yikes!)

Luckily, the king changed his mind and released the architect after a month. So, here we are.

“The Holy Paths”

Close-up of the stone-paved pathway, known as Samdo. The path features neatly arranged rectangular stones with a raised central section, historically designated for royalty. The detailed texture of the stones is highlighted under the bright sunlight.

Samdo (삼도), or the Three Holy Paths, is another important element of a palace. The middle path, raised above the other two, was for the king only, while his subjects would walk the two lower paths.

Once you’re ready, walk through Injeongmun, the gate to the left-hand side of the courtyard, and you’ll find the Throne Hall!

Injeongjeon: The Throne Hall (인정전)

With its name translating to “The Hall of Benevolent Governance,” this was where the kings held court and welcomed foreign missionaries.

Front view of Injeongjeon Hall, a two-story structure featuring intricate wooden detailing and traditional tiled roofs. The courtyard is lined with rank stones marking the positions of officials during royal ceremonies. Visitors explore the historic site under a clear blue sky, emphasizing its grandeur and cultural significance.

Many Joseon kings were also coronated right here in the courtyard between the gate and the Throne Hall. In the case of official events like that, officials would stand in orderly lines according to their ranks.

Rank stones in front of Injeongjeon Hall, arranged in a line to designate seating positions for officials during royal ceremonies. The stone markers feature engraved inscriptions and are set on a paved courtyard with neatly cut stones. The hall's intricate architecture and golden lattice doors provide a historic backdrop under the clear sky.

You’ll notice little stone pillars with 3 Chinese characters on them.

These are Pumgyeseok (품계석 or 品階石), assigning rank positions. If you face the Throne Hall, military officials would stand in the left courtyard, while civil officials would stand on the right.

Interior of Injeongjeon Hall, featuring an ornate throne adorned with intricate patterns and the iconic folding screen depicting the sun, moon, and five peaks behind it. The hall's high ceiling showcases colorful traditional Korean designs, with yellow draped lanterns adding elegance to the space. A regal setting for royal ceremonies.

Looking inside the hall, you’ll see the throne with a screen painted with 5 mountain peaks, a sun, and a moon. The painting reflects the dignity of the king and queen.

You’ll see this screen in every palace, wherever the king sits, from the throne hall to his office.

Seonjeongjeon Hall (선정전)

This is the king’s office, where he held meetings with officials or studied and discussed Confucian classics with scholars. This building was where he spent most of his time.

Seonjeongjeon Hall, a smaller wooden structure with traditional green-tiled roofs and detailed eaves. Stone steps lead to the entrance, where visitors are seen exploring the interior. The hall is surrounded by a tranquil courtyard and bathed in sunlight under a clear blue sky.

The most special thing about this building is its roof, covered with blue-glazed tiles. The blue glazing was a Cobalt pigment imported from Arabia, considered luxurious, overly expensive, and took more time to install.

That is why its use has been prohibited ever since the 1600s. Among all the palaces you could visit in Seoul, this is the only building left with this blue-glazed roof. So, take a good picture!

Huijeongdang Hall (희정당)

Exterior view of Huijeongdang Hall, a traditional Korean building with red walls, green lattice windows, and a black-tiled roof. Wooden steps lead up to the hall, which served as a royal audience chamber. The structure is illuminated by sunlight under a clear blue sky, showcasing its historical significance and elegant design.

This was the king’s living quarters, where he rested at night and got ready for each day. Historical paintings showed that there used to be a lotus pond in the courtyard.

What you see today was reconstructed in 1920 after the original hall burnt down in 1917. The Western architectural elements and interior decorations were implemented to give it a modern feel.

nterior view of Huijeongdang Hall, showcasing a vibrant red carpet with traditional patterns, a painted wall mural, and a decorative ceiling with colorful wooden designs. The room features a mix of traditional Korean architecture and Western-style furniture, including a yellow upholstered chair and a wooden desk. The open green doors frame the elegant and historic space.

Interior view of Huijeongdang Hall, seen through open green doors. The hall features an intricately patterned ceiling, wooden lattice windows, and a red carpet with traditional Korean designs. The space reflects a blend of traditional craftsmanship and historical elegance.

Daejojeon Hall (대조전)

Right behind the king’s quarter is the queen’s quarter.

This is another building where you’ll see Westernized elements. It was burnt down along with Huijeongdang and reconstructed in 1920 as well.

Seongjeonggak (성정각)

Walking back out to the garden in front of Huijeongdang and continuing east, the next building is Seongjeonggak. This was where the crown prince lived and took classes on Confucian classics.

This building, along with the one to its east across the walking path, is nicknamed “East Palace” or “Donggung.”

Seongjeonggak Pavilion at Changdeokgung Palace, featuring traditional Korean architecture with red pillars, green accents, and a curved tiled roof. The raised structure rests on a stone foundation with steps leading up to its entrance. Surrounded by trees and bathed in sunlight, the pavilion highlights its historical charm under a clear blue sky.

Seongjeonggak Pavilion, showcasing traditional Korean architecture with vibrant red pillars, green wooden lattice windows, and a gracefully curved tiled roof. Surrounded by lush greenery and framed by overhanging pine branches, the pavilion exudes tranquility under a bright blue sky.

No matter which palace you’re visiting, you’ll always find the crown prince’s quarters to the east of that palace. This is because the crown prince’s position is likened to that of a rising sun, to the east.

Nakseonjae Complex (낙선재)

Follow the sand path downhill to the southeast, and you’ll find a complex of unpainted, wooden Hanok homes.

Wooden entrance gate to Nakseonjae, featuring a carved wooden sign with traditional Korean characters above. The gate opens to reveal a courtyard with traditional wooden buildings and tiled roofs in the background. A serene and historically rich view under a bright blue sky.

This is the Nakseonjae Residence, built in 1847 by King Heonjeong, who treasured simplicity and avoided extravagance.

Because of this, when he built these homes, he ordered the workers not to paint them, making them look like a nobleman’s home rather than a palace building.

Side view of Nakseonjae at Changdeokgung Palace, showcasing traditional Korean wooden architecture with white walls, wooden verandas, and a tiled roof with elegant curves. Stone steps lead to the elevated structure, surrounded by a peaceful courtyard. A clear blue sky enhances the historical charm of the scene.

Courtyard of Nakseonjae, featuring a harmonious blend of traditional Korean wooden architecture with tiled roofs and white plaster walls. Stone steps lead to the wooden verandas, and the open courtyard is surrounded by greenery under a bright blue sky. A tranquil and historic setting reflecting Korean heritage.

The Western Clusters: Government Offices

If you have enough time before your entrance to the Secret Garden, walk back out to the group of buildings you saw to your left at the Geumcheongyo Stone Bridge.

A peaceful corner of Changdeokgung Palace, featuring a small courtyard with a tree surrounded by traditional stone walls and wooden gates. The building's vibrant painted eaves and green lattice windows add colorful detail to the scene. The serene atmosphere is accentuated by soft sunlight and a clear blue sky."

This is the court of government offices, where you’ll find the Royal Library, scholars’ offices, advisors’ offices, and the Royal Infirmary.

You’ll also find the Royal Portrait Hall, or Seonwonjeon (선원전), where ancestral rites were held privately for the royal family.

Close-up of a beautifully adorned building at Changdeokgung Palace, showcasing intricate wooden eaves painted with vibrant floral patterns in traditional Korean style. The structure features red pillars, green lattice windows, and stone steps leading to its elevated veranda. A sunny courtyard and clear blue sky enhance the architectural elegance.

A serene courtyard, featuring a large, mature tree surrounded by neatly trimmed greenery. The backdrop includes traditional Korean architecture with red walls, green lattice windows, and tiled roofs. The peaceful setting is illuminated by sunlight under a clear blue sky.

These offices were built to serve so many needs in such a tight space, so the layout ended up being a real maze. I can’t even begin to tell you how to navigate them and find any specific building.

I kind of just went through every doorway I saw until I read all the information plaques. But when in doubt, keep going east and you’ll find a small gate that leads you back to the Throne Hall.

This area is ideal for taking serene photos with Changdeokgung because not a lot of people care to explore here. Either that or it’s just so confusing to navigate that no one crosses paths.

The Secret Garden (Huwon | 후원)

The highlight of your visit is the Changdeokgung Palace Secret Garden, considered the masterpiece of Korean landscape design. I highly recommend visiting before noon for the best lighting.

Serene view of the Changdeokgung Palace Secret Garden featuring a large pavilion on a hilltop, with its reflection shimmering in the still pond below, framed by manicured greenery.

This 78-acre garden was a royal retreat where kings and queens relaxed in nature. You’ll find over 56,000 specimens of trees and plants here, from walnut, white oak, ginkgo, to chestnuts.

Traditional wooden gate and stone wall in the Changdeokgung Palace Secret Garden, surrounded by lush green plants and vibrant red maple trees under a clear blue sky.

Scenic pond in the Changdeokgung Palace Secret Garden, reflecting the surrounding greenery and two traditional pavilions nestled among the dense forest landscape.

The garden tour is a guided experience, with spots limited to 50 people per hour. The entrance is right between the two East Palace buildings. You’ll see some signs and barricades to the left of an uphill path.

Entrance to the Changdeokgung Secret Garden, marked by informational signs and a wooden sign in both Korean and English. The area is surrounded by traditional stone walls and lush green trees, creating a serene and inviting atmosphere. A visitor dressed in traditional attire can be seen near the gate under soft sunlight.

Do NOT try to go past the gate to the right. That is the entrance to Changgyeonggung Palace. You’ll end up leaving the grounds if you do!

Changdeokgung Palace Tours: Audio vs. Guided

While you need to enter the Secret Garden with a guide, you have more options on the main palace grounds. I love how the audio guide was put together and how much information it provided.

However, for those not yet familiar with Korean history and culture, a guided tour where you can ask questions will work better. Even if the pacing is a bit too fast, you can always retrace your steps to process the information on your own later.

Audio Guide

There are no audio guide devices that you need to pick up. Everything is done on your phone. After passing through the main gate, walk to the information boards you see to the right of the path.

Informational boards at Changdeokgung Palace, including a site map, historical descriptions, and a sign offering a smartphone-based audio guide in multiple languages. A QR code is displayed for easy access to the guide. The boards are set among tall trees in a shaded, tranquil area near the palace grounds.

There, you’ll find one board with a QR code on it.

Scan the code, put your headphones on, and start touring at your own pace. The audio guides are available in English, Korean, Japanese, Chinese, and Sign Language.

Free Guided Tours

English-language tours of the palace grounds operate twice a day: 10:15 AM and 1:15 PM. The tour lasts between 50 minutes to an hour and does not include the Secret Garden.

Walking Tour Option with Other Stops

While every historical walking tour takes you to Gyeongbokgung, there’s a way around this. Gyeongbokgung is closed on Tuesdays, so if you book these tours for a Tuesday, it’ll take you to Changdeokgung instead!

Other stops include Bukchon Hanok Village, Ginseng Museum, and Gwangjang Market.

The Best Time to Visit Changdeokgung

Which season to visit depends largely on your preference. Here’s a quick breakdown.

Spring: Pleasant weather, with colorful flowers inside the garden
Summer: Extremely hot and humid, but nice sunlight and lush green
Fall: Mostly pleasant weather, higher chance of rain, warm-colored leaves
Winter: Extremely cold, oddly charming despite the lack of colors

Visiting on a weekday vs. a weekend doesn’t make much difference. However, visiting in the morning vs. the afternoon does. The Secret Garden becomes backlit in the afternoon, with horrible lighting. Visit before noon if you can!

Planning Your Day With Changdeokgung

While you can visit both Gyeongbokgung and Changdeokgung in one morning, I rarely recommend it unless you have such a limited time in the city.

I always tell people to visit Gyeongbokgung in the morning, then group Changdeokgung with its twin palace, Changgyeonggung, in the afternoon.

Then visit Jongmyo Shrine, another UNESCO Heritage Site, then spend the rest of your evening cafe-hopping and having a good dinner in Ikseondong Hanok Village.

To fully apply this plan above to your trip, follow my 3-day itinerary for Seoul.

Don’t forget to bookmark my South Korea Immersive Travel page, where you can access all my guides. Chances are, you’ll want to plan another trip within the first day there!

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Changdeokgung: Complete Guide to Seoul’s Best Palace