How to Visit Changdeokgung Palace and Huwon Secret Garden

Seoul, the capital of South Korea, never ceases to amaze visitors. Its captivating array of attractions includes historical sites, cultural treasures, gastronomical adventures, and the one and only Changdeokgung Palace, home to Huwon Secret Garden. A brilliant architectural marvel set amidst lush greenery, Changdeokgung Palace is a definite must-visit. Here’s a look at this marvellous man-made structure fused with the incredible natural beauty of South Korea.

History

Before you start exploring the palace vicariously, here’s some historical context to make it even better when you actually visit the palace.

It was during the Joseon Dynasty that the palace was constructed, which means the history of this palace goes back to the 14th century. The second-largest palace in the country, Changdeokgung, was loved by the royals, which doesn’t come as a surprise, given its tranquil and exclusive setting and location. During the Japanese invasion, however, the palace was destroyed, but it was restored to its original state in 1610.

Changdeokgung served as the royal residence for many moons – 270 years, to be exact. One reason why this palace was loved by royals is its secret garden. This garden provided the members of the royal family with a private spot away from the public eye. As you’d imagine, royal family members were always in the spotlight and under heavy scrutiny, so they welcomed the respite provided by the Huwon Secret Garden.

It's now a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and walking the pathways once enjoyed by kings, queens, princesses, and princes is a must-do for anyone visiting Seoul.

Tidbits You Should Know

Changdeokgung is located in the eastern part of Seoul, earning it the nickname Eastern Palace. The palace welcomes visitors from 9 AM to 5 PM – depending on the time of year, the palace remains open till about 6.30 PM.

The palace is closed on Mondays, so visits are a no-go on that day. Also, the last admission is an hour before the closing time.

Tickets for adults are priced at about USD 2, and children under the age of 19 and adults over the age of 65 get free admission. On the last Wednesday of every month, which is Culture Day in South Korea, the palace offers free admission for everybody.

For the most accurate pricing and open hours, visit the palace's official website.

Accommodation

Changdeokgung Palace is one of the most visited attractions in Seoul, so naturally, the area is home to all kinds of hotels, resorts, and apartments. The location of the palace is a good starting point for sightseeing tours, so consider staying in the area. If you’re searching for a serviced apartment in Seoul, why not stay at a place like Somerset Palace Seoul? It’s about 17 minutes from Changdeokgung Palace.

Tours

Changdeokgung Palace offers a variety of free guided tours conducted in English, Korean, Chinese, and Japanese. At the entrance, you’ll be given free brochures listing all the information necessary to explore the palace.

A free guided tour typically lasts for about one and a half hours, and the tours begin at the main entrance. There are specific time slots for each guided tour – check the website for the correct times. If you cannot make it for a free guided tour, you can book a paid guided tour through a third-party company.  

Things to Do and See

The Secret Garden is the standout attraction and therefore, the main highlight of the palace. If you don’t purchase a ticket, however, you won’t be able to enter the garden. So, make sure to buy a ticket; it's not expensive by any measure. If you don’t, you’ll be missing out on a lot.

Some of the unmissable attractions, besides the Secret Garden, include Donhwamun Gate, Geumcheongyo Bridge, Injeongjeon Hall, Seonjeongjeon Hall, Huijeongdang Hall, and Daejojeon Hall. While you can explore the palace on your own, at your own pace, it’s recommended to join a guided tour – free or otherwise.