📍 SeoulOpen now · Closes at 18:00(Open now · Closes at 18:00)🕒 KST: 16:01

Changdeokgung Palace & Secret Garden

창덕궁(昌德宮)•Changdeokgung Palace

The only Joseon palace designated a UNESCO World Heritage site, world-renowned for its sublime Secret Garden and organic landscape harmony.

Injeongjeon Hall and stone terrace at Changdeokgung Palace, Seoul.
📷 Injeongjeon Throne Hall, UNESCO World Heritage, the longest-serving royal seat of Joseon.
kallerna·CC BY-SA 4.0
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Hours & Closures

Schedule: 09:00 - 18:00
Last Admission: 17:00
⚠️ Closed every Monday
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Tickets & Admission

General Palace (Adults)3,000 KRW
Secret Garden Additional Pass5,000 KRW
Youth (General Palace)1,500 KRW

ℹ️ General palace walk-in friendly; Secret Garden strongly recommends online reservation.

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Contact & Website

Changdeokgung Palace Administration:
📞 +82-2-3668-2300Call
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Transit Access

Line 3 (Orange): Anguk Station (Exit 3)
🚶 5 min walk

🚗 No public visitor parking; please use nearby public lots or subway.

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History & Heritage

Built in 1405 under King Taejong, Changdeokgung was conceived in harmony with the natural topography rather than imposing an artificial geometric axis. It served as the primary residence of Joseon monarchs for over 270 years and contains the famed Huwon (Secret Garden).

Founded as a secondary royal villa in 1405, Changdeokgung took center stage after Gyeongbokgung was incinerated in 1592. King Gwanghaegun rebuilt Changdeokgung in 1610, and it remained the epicenter of royal governance for 270 consecutive years.

The rear Huwon garden spans 78 acres with lotus ponds, stepped gardens, and pavilions where kings studied philosophy, held state banquets, and practiced archery amidst ancient oak and zelkova groves.

⏳ Historical Milestones

1405Palace construction begins under King Taejong
1610Rebuilt by King Gwanghaegun as the principal royal seat
1997Inscribed on the UNESCO World Heritage List
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What to See & Highlights

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Injeongjeon Throne Hall

인정전 (국보)

National Treasure No. 225, where eight Joseon monarchs were crowned, featuring early 20th-century Western electric chandeliers and dragon ceiling carvings.

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Huwon Secret Garden & Buyongji Pond

후원 부용지

A square pond embodying the Earth with a round island representing Heaven, overlooked by the royal library Juhamnu and two-legged Buyongjeong Pavilion.

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Donhwamun Gate

돈화문 (보물)

Treasured wooden gate dating back to 1412 and reconstructed in 1609, making it the oldest existing palace main gate in Seoul.

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Photo & Heritage Gallery

3 Verified Photos
Donhwamun Gate, the oldest surviving wooden palace gate in Seoul built in 1412.Entrance & Gates

Donhwamun Gate, erected in 1412 under King Taejong, framing the main entrance.

📷 Josh HallettCC BY-SA 2.0
Buyongjeong Pavilion and pond nestled in the Secret Garden (Huwon) of Changdeokgung.Site View

Lotus-shaped Buyongjeong Pavilion resting over the tranquil Secret Garden pond.

📷 No machine-readable author provided. IGEL assumed (based on copyright claims).CC BY-SA 3.0
The royal throne and Sun and Moon screen inside Injeongjeon Hall.Architecture & Halls

Royal Joseon throne beneath the symbolic Irworobongdo folding screen.

📷 kallernaCC BY-SA 4.0
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Visit Planning & Advice

⏱️ Recommended Duration:

2.5 to 3 hours (including Secret Garden)

☀️ Best Time of Day:

Early afternoon for booked Secret Garden guided walks.

🍁 Seasonal Tips: Autumn foliage (late October to mid-November) turns the Secret Garden into a world-class spectrum of colors.
✅ Practical Rules:
  • The Secret Garden requires a separate admission ticket and can only be visited on guided tour slots.
  • Online reservations open 6 days in advance and are strongly recommended as slots sell out rapidly in peak seasons.

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