Changgyeonggung Palace: The Seoul Palace That Stays Open Until 9PM Every Night

Gyeongbokgung's nighttime openings sell out online in minutes, and it's tough to enter Changdeokgung's Secret Garden without a reservation. But Changgyeonggung is different. It's open until 9 PM every day of the year, no reservation needed.

Though Changgyeonggung is less known among Seoul's five major palaces, there's no better place to leisurely enjoy a palace at night. If you've ever been pushed around by crowds at Gyeongbokgung or Changdeokgung, you'll immediately feel the difference at Changgyeonggung.

Based on my visits both day and night, I've summarized when and how to best experience Changgyeonggung, along with its unique history and sights.

Basic Info — Changgyeonggung
Address	185 Changgyeonggung-ro, Jongno-gu, Seoul
Subway	15-min walk from Exit 4, Hyehwa Station (Line 4) / Also accessible from Anguk Station (Line 3)
Hours	09:00~21:00 (Last entry 20:00), Open year-round
Closed	Every Monday (If Monday is a holiday, closed the next weekday)
Admission	Adults ₩1,000 / Youth (7-18) ₩500 / Free for seniors 65+, children under 7, and hanbok wearers
Key Tip	The only palace among the four that stays open until 9 PM year-round — no reservation needed

How To Get There

The nearest station is Hyehwa Station on Line 4. Exit through Exit 4 and walk about 15 minutes towards Daehak-ro to reach the main gate, Honghwamun. You can also walk from Anguk Station on Line 3, but it takes nearly 20 minutes, so if you're short on time, I recommend the Hyehwa Station route. If you're not familiar with transferring on the Seoul subway, reading the Seoul Subway Transfer Guide beforehand will be helpful.

Changgyeonggung is right next to Changdeokgung, separated by just a wall. There used to be a connecting gate allowing easy passage between the two palaces, but now you need separate entry for each. However, since it's less than a 5-minute walk, it's great to visit both on the same day.

If you're taking the bus, the Jongno 02 village bus or several main bus lines stop right in front of Changgyeonggung's main gate. If you're driving, you can use the public parking lot next to Changgyeonggung, but since the roads around the palace are mostly narrow, public transport is much more convenient.

PRO TIP: Take advantage of the free guided tours. English tours are available Tuesday to Sunday at 11 AM and 4 PM, and Chinese tours are available Tuesday to Friday at 9:30 AM and 3 PM. Just go to the ticket office at the start time, no reservation needed.※ Check the official website for times before visiting

History

Changgyeonggung wasn't originally built as a palace. It started as Suganggung, a residence built by King Sejong for his father, the retired King Taejong. Later, during King Seongjong's reign, it was rebuilt to house the queen dowagers and renamed "Changgyeonggung." Thus, it was not a main palace for state affairs but rather a living space for royal elders, queens, and concubines.

During the Japanese occupation, Changgyeonggung suffered greatly. The Japanese built a zoo and botanical garden here, demoting its name to "Changgyeongwon," turning the royal palace into a public amusement park. They planted cherry trees throughout, making it a springtime attraction, and many cherry blossoms remain in the rear garden today as a remnant of that era.

It wasn't until the 1980s that the zoo was removed and restoration efforts began to return its original name and dignity. The name was changed back from "Changgyeongwon" to "Changgyeonggung" during this time. The remaining Grand Greenhouse is a relic from the botanical garden, ironically becoming Korea's oldest Western-style greenhouse and a cultural asset. It's a place where painful history and efforts to restore it coexist.

The most widely known event in Changgyeonggung's history is probably the death of Crown Prince Sado. In 1762, King Yeongjo ordered his son, Crown Prince Sado, to be confined in a rice chest in front of Myeongjeongjeon, where he died after eight days. It was an extreme measure since execution was not an option for a royal family member, and this story is passed down through the memoirs of Sado's wife, Lady Hyegyeong. Many visitors still think of this tragic history when passing in front of Myeongjeongjeon.

What To See

Changgyeonggung isn't large, so you can easily see the highlights without feeling overwhelmed. Just visiting the following four spots in order will give you a good sense of the palace's history and charm.

Myeongjeongjeon

This is the main hall of Changgyeonggung and the oldest remaining main hall among the Joseon palaces. It's smaller than Gyeongbokgung's Geunjeongjeon or Changdeokgung's Injeongjeon, but this allows you to appreciate its details up close. The courtyard's rank stones and royal path are well-preserved, making it easy to imagine royal assemblies of the Joseon era.

While most main halls face south, Myeongjeongjeon faces east. This is because Changgyeonggung was originally built as a living space for queen dowagers, and the orientation was chosen to suit the terrain. This small difference is a distinctive feature of Changgyeonggung. Visit in the morning to see how the eastern orientation captures the sunlight.

Tongmyeongjeon

This building was used as the queen's quarters, and the square pond in front is particularly beautiful. It's a popular filming location for dramas, and you'll understand why once you visit. Many people try to capture the reflection of the pavilion in the pond, so if you want a tranquil photo, aim for the nighttime opening hours.

Tongmyeongjeon is also famous as the backdrop for palace intrigues in the late Joseon period. It was here that Jang Hui-bin was caught burying cursed items, leading to her execution by poison. Walking through the actual space where these historical dramas unfolded adds depth to your palace visit.

Munjeongjeon

This was the king's council hall for discussing state affairs with his ministers, and the courtyard is the site of the Crown Prince Sado rice chest incident mentioned earlier. The building itself is modest, but knowing this history changes how you feel standing in the courtyard. It's right next to Myeongjeongjeon, so you'll naturally see them together.

Grand Greenhouse

Built in 1909, this is Korea's first Western-style greenhouse. Although it's a building with a painful history from the Japanese occupation, it's now managed as a garden with a variety of plants. The glass and steel structure feels exotic, as if you've stepped into another era within the palace.

What's interesting is the style of the garden in front of the greenhouse. Unlike traditional Korean gardens, which are arranged naturally, this one is a symmetrical Western-style flowerbed. It's like having a European garden within a Joseon palace, and this incongruous combination succinctly illustrates Changgyeonggung's modern history. The plants on display inside the greenhouse change with the seasons, so you'll see something new even if you visit twice.

Rear Garden Walk

Changgyeonggung's rear garden isn't as famous as Changdeokgung's, but you can stroll freely without a reservation. The path along Chundangji Pond is especially beautiful during the spring cherry blossom and autumn foliage seasons.

Originally, Chundangji was a rice paddy where the king experienced rice farming firsthand, but it was turned into a pond during the Japanese occupation. Now, the reflections of the pavilion and surrounding trees on the water are famous photo spots. Unlike Changdeokgung's rear garden, where you must follow a guided tour at set times, you can stay as long as you like and relax on a bench here.

Before You Go

The real charm of Changgyeonggung is actually at night. After 5 PM, the number of tourists drops sharply, but the palace remains open, offering a truly peaceful experience. The illuminated Myeongjeongjeon and Tongmyeongjeon pond create a completely different atmosphere from the daytime.

Weekend mornings are the busiest times. Especially during the spring cherry blossom and autumn foliage seasons, from 10 AM to 2 PM on weekends, it gets crowded, so I recommend visiting on weekdays or in the late afternoon.

The recommended route is to enter through Honghwamun, see Myeongjeongjeon first, then move to Tongmyeongjeon and the Grand Greenhouse, and finish with a walk along the Chundangji path. You can do it in reverse, but this order naturally aligns with sunset at the rear garden. In summer, visit in the late afternoon to avoid the heat, and in winter, enter before 4 PM as it gets dark early.

TIP: If you buy the 4 Palaces + Jongmyo Shrine Integrated Ticket (₩6,000), you can visit Gyeongbokgung, Changdeokgung, Changgyeonggung, Deoksugung, and Jongmyo Shrine once each within six months of purchase. Buying them separately costs ₩9,000, so if you're planning to see more than just Changgyeonggung, the integrated ticket is a better deal. However, you'll need to buy a separate ticket for Changdeokgung's Secret Garden. If you're also visiting Deoksugung, the integrated ticket is even more advantageous.

Where To Stay Nearby

The most natural itinerary is to pair it with Changdeokgung. They're right next to each other, separated by just a wall, so you can book a morning tour of Changdeokgung's Secret Garden and then head to Changgyeonggung in the afternoon to enjoy the nighttime opening.

Towards Hyehwa Station, there's Daehak-ro, where you can enjoy theater or cafes after visiting the palace. If you have more time, I recommend walking to Jongmyo Shrine to see the royal ancestral tablets of the Joseon dynasty.

Some travelers try to visit Gyeongbokgung on the same day, but personally, I don't recommend it. Seeing three palaces in one day can make them all blur together, and you might miss the unique character of each. A half-day course focusing on just Changgyeonggung and Changdeokgung is actually more rewarding.

If you're looking for accommodation around Hyehwa or Jongno, compare locations and price ranges on the map below.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Are Changgyeonggung and Changdeokgung the same place?

No, they are separate palaces connected by a wall. You need separate tickets for each, and the connecting gate is currently closed.

Do I need a reservation for the nighttime opening?

No, you don't. Unlike the seasonal nighttime openings at Gyeongbokgung and Changdeokgung, Changgyeonggung is open every night until 9 PM (last entry at 8 PM) without any reservation.

How long does it take to see Changgyeonggung?

If you only visit the main halls, it takes about 1 to 1.5 hours. Including the Grand Greenhouse and rear garden walk, plan for about 2 hours. Add an extra hour if you join the free guided tour.

Is admission free if I wear a hanbok?

Yes, wearing a hanbok grants you free admission. There are hanbok rental shops around Hyehwa Station and Daehak-ro.

Is it accessible for wheelchairs or strollers?

The main routes are well-maintained flat paths, so they are accessible. However, some interiors may have thresholds.※ Check the official website before visiting

Is it free on Wednesdays?

Starting April 2026, "Culture Day" will be expanded from the last Wednesday of each month to every Wednesday, making Changgyeonggung and the other four palaces free to visit on Wednesdays. However, expect crowds.

Where are the best photo spots?

The pond in front of Tongmyeongjeon and the front of Myeongjeongjeon are the most popular spots. Early in the morning, you can capture the sunlight hitting Myeongjeongjeon directly, and during the nighttime opening, you can capture the illuminated reflection in Tongmyeongjeon's pond.

Can I visit just the Grand Greenhouse?

The Grand Greenhouse is inside the palace, so you can see it with just the Changgyeonggung admission ticket. It's about a 10-minute walk from the main gate, inside the rear garden.

Is it worth visiting on a rainy day?

Yes, I recommend it. The number of tourists drops significantly, allowing for a more relaxed visit, and the atmosphere created by the rain on the tiled roofs and ponds is special. Just bring an umbrella and focus your route on indoor spaces like the Grand Greenhouse.

Changgyeonggung isn't about grandeur. Instead, it offers a rare chance to stroll quietly during off-peak hours in the heart of Seoul. The dramatic history, like Crown Prince Sado's tragedy and Jang Hui-bin's curse incident, adds to its unique charm.