Changdeokgung Palace Complete Guide: Secret Garden Tickets, Best Time to Visit & Insider Tips

Most people visiting Seoul choose Gyeongbokgung Palace. It's more photographed, easier to access due to Gwanghwamun Square, and the name is more familiar. However, after visiting both, I personally found Changdeokgung more impressive, and now I always recommend both palaces to friends who ask.

This article explains why and shares insights I've gained from multiple visits. From booking the Secret Garden, avoiding crowds, to often-overlooked spots and moonlight tour strategies.

Changdeokgung Palace — Basic Information
Address	99 Yulgok-ro, Jongno-gu, Seoul
Subway	5-min walk from Exit 3, Anguk Station (Line 3)
Opening Hours	Feb–May & Sep–Oct 09:00–18:00 / Jun–Aug 09:00–18:30 / Nov–Jan 09:00–17:30
Closed	Every Monday (Open on public holidays, closed the following day)
Admission	General ₩3,000 / Secret Garden Combo ₩8,000 / Royal Palace Pass ₩10,000
Key Tip	Online reservation for Secret Garden is essential — same-day on-site booking often sells out early

Why I Recommend Changdeokgung

Gyeongbokgung is almost always included in Seoul trips. It's famous, has Gwanghwamun Square, and is great for hanbok photos. But honestly, I prefer Changdeokgung. Not just because it's "less crowded" — there's a real reason.

Gyeongbokgung was the official royal palace of the Joseon Dynasty. However, the kings actually lived in Changdeokgung. After Gyeongbokgung burned down during the Japanese invasion in 1592, it wasn't rebuilt for 270 years. During that time, Joseon kings were born, ate, slept, and died in Changdeokgung. If Gyeongbokgung was the stage for state events, Changdeokgung was the home where the king truly lived.

The design is completely different too. Gyeongbokgung was built on a straight north-south axis according to Confucian principles, while Changdeokgung follows the natural terrain of Mt. Bugaksan, with buildings placed in a winding layout. As you walk, unexpected pavilions appear around corners, and you find yourself drawn into a deep forest within the palace grounds. This is the Secret Garden, also known as Biwon. When I first encountered this 300,000㎡ space, I couldn't help but say, "This is inside the palace?" UNESCO inscribed Changdeokgung as a World Heritage Site in 1997, calling it an "outstanding example of the harmony between architecture and nature."

If you've already visited Gyeongbokgung, Changdeokgung won't just be another palace — it'll be a completely different experience. Especially if you see the Secret Garden, it'll be one of the best choices you make in Seoul.

UNESCO World Heritage Listing

When it was listed as a World Heritage Site in 1997, UNESCO praised Changdeokgung as an "outstanding example of Korean palace architecture harmonized with the natural landscape." The Secret Garden is particularly noted as a rare example of a royal garden in East Asia that preserves the natural topography. The slopes, valleys, and ponds remain in their original form, not artificially altered. The essence of Joseon architecture lies in its adaptation to nature — that's what Changdeokgung is all about.

How To Get There

Subway

Take Line 3 to Anguk Station. Exit through Exit 3 and walk straight for 5 minutes to see Donhwamun, the main gate of Changdeokgung. Anguk Station is also close to Bukchon Hanok Village and Samcheong-dong towards Gyeongbokgung, making it convenient to plan your day.

TIP: When you exit Anguk Station at Exit 3, you'll see two paths. Don't go towards Gyeongbokgung and Insadong (west). Walk east along Yulgok-ro to reach Donhwamun, the main gate of Changdeokgung. First-timers often get confused and end up in Ikseon-dong.

Bus & Walking

If you're starting from Insadong, it's about a 15-minute walk to Changdeokgung. From Gyeongbokgung, it's about a 20-minute walk along Samcheong-dong Street. If you plan to visit both palaces in one day, I highly recommend walking from Gyeongbokgung → Samcheong-dong Cafe Street → Changdeokgung. There's no need to take the subway, and you can enjoy a break at a cafe in Samcheong-dong.

What To See

Injeongjeon (Injeong Hall)

Injeongjeon ⓒ한국관광공사 포토코리아-김지호

This is the main hall of Changdeokgung, the most formal building. It hosted the king's coronation, receptions for foreign envoys, and large ceremonies. From the outside, it looks like a typical example of Joseon wooden architecture, but inside, you'll notice something interesting: Western-style electric lights. In 1907, King Sunjong brought electricity here, marking the first introduction of electricity to a Joseon royal palace. The modern chandeliers inside a traditional building vividly show the passage of time at Changdeokgung.

TIP: Look up at the ceiling inside Injeongjeon. There's a carving of two phoenixes facing each other that most tourists miss because they're focused on the front view. Use a zoom lens or your smartphone's zoom to capture a great photo.

Seonjeongjeon (Seonjeong Hall)

This is the most unique building in Changdeokgung. It's the only pavilion in a Joseon palace with blue tiles. It served as the king's office for daily affairs with his officials, and the blue tiles are linked to a folk belief that they prevent fires. It's small but stands out due to its color, making it my favorite building in Changdeokgung. It's right next to Injeongjeon, so it's hard to miss, but most people are too focused on Injeongjeon to notice it.

Huijeongdang & Daejojeon

These were the living quarters for the king and queen. After a fire in 1917, buildings from Gyeongbokgung were dismantled and moved here. As a result, parts of Gyeongbokgung remain here today. Inside, you'll find a mix of modern furniture and Western-style interiors, offering a vivid glimpse into the transitional period when the Joseon royal family was adopting Western culture.

Nakseonjae

This is where I spend the most time in Changdeokgung. Built by King Heonjong in 1847, it was the residence of the last royal family even after the fall of Joseon. Princess Yi Bangja lived here until 1989. While other palace buildings feel like museums, Nakseonjae feels like a real home. It's a simple building without the colorful dancheong, which makes it even more beautiful.

TIP: Be sure to find the flower steps (Hwagye) behind Nakseonjae. It's a stone terraced flowerbed, especially beautiful in spring. There aren't many signs, so many people miss it. Go around to the left rear of the Nakseonjae building.

Secret Garden — Reservation Required

This is the real highlight of Changdeokgung. It's a 300,000㎡ royal garden on the slopes of Mt. Bugaksan behind the palace, featuring natural valleys, ponds, and pavilions. It's not just a "pretty garden" — it was a real living space where Joseon kings strolled, took exams, and fished. Because the garden was created with minimal alteration to the natural terrain, it feels almost untouched. Most people react with "This is inside the palace?" when they first enter.

How to Book the Secret Garden

Visit the official Changdeokgung reservation site
Click "Reservation" → Choose language (Korean, English, Chinese, Japanese tours available)
Select date and time — limited to about 50 people per session, book quickly if you have a specific date in mind
Purchase tickets: Secret Garden Combo ₩8,000 (includes Changdeokgung admission) or buy Changdeokgung admission (₩3,000) and Secret Garden ticket (₩5,000) separately
Save the confirmation email (entry via QR code on-site)

TIP: English tours are usually at 10:30 AM and 2:30 PM. They sell out 2–3 weeks in advance during spring (April–May) and fall (October). If your Seoul trip dates are set, book immediately. It's better to reserve first since cancellations are easy. Don't assume you can buy tickets on-site.

Secret Garden Highlights

Changdeokgung Secret Garden ⓒ한국관광공사 포토코리아-이범수

Buyongji & Juhamnu: The most famous scene in the Secret Garden. It's a composition with a square pond (Buyongji) and a two-story pavilion (Juhamnu) used as a royal library and study during King Jeongjo's reign. Seeing this, you can't help but think, "The kings must have loved it here."

Aeryeonji: A pond named by King Sukjong because he loved lotus flowers. The atmosphere changes completely when the lotus blooms in summer. Sitting in Aeryeonjeong Pavilion, looking at the lotus, you understand why the kings chose to relax here.

Yeongyeongdang: Although a royal building, it's the only one without dancheong on its tiled roof. Crown Prince Hyomyeong ordered it to be built in the style of a yangban (noble) house. A commoner's style house inside the palace — this paradox is fascinating. The simple wooden building without dancheong is, in some ways, more beautiful.

Ongnyucheon: The stream at the deepest part of the Secret Garden. King Injo personally carved the words "Ongnyucheon" into the rock. In this space where only the sound of flowing water can be heard, Joseon kings wrote poetry and fished. It's the last stop on the Secret Garden tour, and leaving it is always the hardest part.

How To Make the Most of Your Visit

When to Visit for Fewer Crowds

Right after opening at 9 AM on weekdays is the least crowded. From my visits, I've found that between 9 and 10 AM, there are hardly any people. You can walk alone in the courtyard of Injeongjeon. On weekends and holidays, 2–4 PM is peak time. Even the courtyard of Injeongjeon is packed during these hours.

During the cherry blossom season in April and the autumn foliage season in November, the crowd is 2–3 times the usual size. It's better to come early in the morning or aim for the special night tours.

Recommended Route (Starting from Changdeokgung)

Enter through Donhwamun (main gate) → Pass through Jinseonmun → Injeongjeon → Seonjeongjeon → Huijeongdang & Daejojeon → Nakseonjae → Join Secret Garden tour. The Secret Garden tour takes about 90 minutes, so allow 3–3.5 hours for the entire visit. If you're only seeing the main palace, 1–1.5 hours is enough.

Moonlight Tour — Special Night Viewing

In spring and fall, there's a special night viewing program called the "Moonlight Tour," where you walk through Changdeokgung under the lights. Check out the Seoul Palace Culture Festival Guide for a chance to enjoy all five palaces in Seoul at once. It's a completely different atmosphere from daytime. Especially when the moonlight reflects on Buyongji in the Secret Garden — you'll find yourself just standing there in awe. Tickets are sold on Interpark (interpark.com) and sell out immediately upon release, so book as soon as your dates are set.

TIP: The Moonlight Tour is a self-guided tour, not a guided one. You walk at your own pace along a set route. Visiting during the day first will enhance your night experience. The same space feels like a completely different place.

Where to Go Nearby

Bukchon Hanok Village

It's a 10–15 minute walk north of Changdeokgung. This neighborhood preserves the hanok alleys where Joseon-era nobles lived. It's a great course to walk after visiting Changdeokgung. However, it's a residential area where people still live, so be mindful of noise and photography. Photos turn out much better if you visit early in the morning or late in the afternoon when the light is good.

Ikseon-dong

It's about a 10-minute walk south from Changdeokgung's main gate. Hanoks built in the 1930s have been transformed into trendy cafes and restaurants. It's the perfect spot for lunch or coffee after visiting Changdeokgung. The narrow alleys packed with unique shops are fun to explore. Pairing it with Changdeokgung fills your day. For practical Seoul food tips from Gwangjang Market yukhoe to Ikseon-dong salt bread, check out the Seoul Food Guide.

Changgyeonggung

It's right next to Changdeokgung, beyond the eastern wall. With a Changdeokgung ticket, you can also visit Changgyeonggung on the same day (additional ₩1,000 for entry). Changgyeonggung is smaller but has early Joseon relics and a greenhouse, offering a slightly different atmosphere. It's a good choice if you want to efficiently see two palaces in one day.

Insadong

It's about a 15-minute walk from Changdeokgung. This street is filled with traditional crafts, tea houses, and galleries, allowing you to enjoy Seoul's traditional culture shopping and food at the same time. It's a good course to grab a meal before visiting Changdeokgung or to shop for souvenirs afterward. Note that the Seoul Lantern Festival is held annually in spring in the Insadong-Jongno area. If you time your visit to Changdeokgung right, you can enjoy a special experience in the Jongno area.

Frequently Asked Questions

Which should I visit first, Changdeokgung or Gyeongbokgung?

If it's your first time in Seoul, visit Gyeongbokgung first, then Changdeokgung. Understanding the basic structure of Joseon palaces at Gyeongbokgung will make the differences at Changdeokgung more apparent. If you only have one day, choose Changdeokgung + Secret Garden. It's more impressive.

Can I visit Changdeokgung without the Secret Garden tour?

Yes, you can. Even without the Secret Garden, there's plenty to see like Injeongjeon, Seonjeongjeon, and Nakseonjae. However, remember that the Secret Garden is more than half of Changdeokgung. If you have time, definitely include it. Changdeokgung without the Secret Garden is only half the experience.

Is the Royal Palace Pass worth it?

If you plan to visit Changdeokgung + Secret Garden + Gyeongbokgung + Deoksugung + Changgyeonggung, it's worth it. But if you're only visiting Changdeokgung, there's no need to buy the pass. The Changdeokgung + Secret Garden combo ticket (₩8,000) is sufficient.

Is entry free if I wear a hanbok?

Yes, wearing a hanbok grants free entry to Changdeokgung. However, the Secret Garden requires a separate ticket regardless of hanbok. There are hanbok rental shops nearby in Ikseon-dong or Bukchon, so consider using them.

How long does it take to tour Changdeokgung?

Without the Secret Garden, it takes 1–1.5 hours. With the Secret Garden tour, about 3–3.5 hours. The Moonlight Tour is a 2-hour program. If you combine it with nearby Bukchon or Ikseon-dong, it can easily fill a day.

Where can I book the Moonlight Tour?

Tickets are available on Interpark (ticket.interpark.com). It's usually held in spring (April–May) and fall (September–October), and tickets often sell out immediately after the program is announced. Follow Changdeokgung's official SNS or the Cultural Heritage Administration's SNS for notifications.

Are there restaurants or cafes inside Changdeokgung?

There are no restaurants inside Changdeokgung. There are small snack shops near Donhwamun, but they're not for full meals. I strongly recommend eating in Ikseon-dong or Insadong before entering. There are few options if you get hungry during your visit.

Changdeokgung is a must-visit with foreign friends visiting Seoul for the first time. Most found it more impressive than Gyeongbokgung. Especially with the Secret Garden and Moonlight Tour offering a different charm, I recommend visiting if you have the time.

Changdeokgung Palace Complete Guide: Secret Garden Tickets, Best Time to Visit & Insider Tips