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Changdeokgung Palace

South Korea · Seoul · Landmarks

昌德宮
문화재청 / KOGL Type 1 — via Wikimedia Commons

Image source: Wikimedia Commons; license credits as shown.

Overview

Changdeokgung Palace is a Joseon Dynasty palace located in the Jongno District of Seoul, situated to the east of Gyeongbokgung Palace, and is therefore also known as 'East Palace'. It is famous for being one of the best-preserved palaces in Korea and was designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1997, with the rear garden being the most popular highlight among visitors.

Getting There

Take Seoul Subway Line 3 to Anguk Station, and walk about 5 to 10 minutes from Exit 3 to reach the main gate, Donhwamun.

Highlights

Changdeokgung Palace served as an important secondary palace and actual administrative space for the Joseon Dynasty, long used as the residence and office of the king. The palace architecture emphasizes harmony with the terrain and nature, blending with the surrounding mountains and forests, making it one of the most nature-oriented traditional palaces in Korea. The rear garden is vast and famous for its pavilions, ponds, ancient trees, and stone landscapes, representing the most iconic attraction of Changdeokgung Palace. Important cultural properties and must-see buildings within the palace include Injeongjeon, Seonjeongjeon, Huijeongdang, Daejojeon, and Donhwamun.

What to See

Donhwamun: The main gate of Changdeokgung Palace and the primary entrance for visitors. Injeongjeon: The formal space for royal affairs, belonging to important main hall architecture. Seonjeongjeon: An important hall for handling state affairs, embodying the administrative functions of the court. Huijeongdang: One of the core spaces related to the king's daily life and state affairs. Daejojeon: The queen's residence, with surrounding auxiliary buildings of historical value. The rear garden: Also known as the Secret Garden, famous for its natural landscapes, pavilions, ponds, and ancient trees, requires a separate reservation for guided tours.

Hours & Admission

General admission to Changdeokgung Palace is approximately 3,000 Korean won for adults and 1,500 won for children. The rear garden requires a separate ticket and guided tour, costing about 5,000 won for adults; if purchasing a combined ticket for both Changdeokgung Palace and the rear garden, it is approximately 8,000 won for adults. Opening hours are typically from 9:00 AM to 6:00 PM from February to May and September to October, 9:00 AM to 6:30 PM from June to August, and 9:00 AM to 5:30 PM from November to January, with the last entry usually one hour before closing; closed every Monday. Certain groups may enjoy free or discounted admission, including those wearing hanbok, specific age groups, and the last Wednesday of each month, with actual regulations subject to on-site and official announcements.

Address

99 Yulgok-ro, Jongno-gu, Seoul. 서울 종로구 율곡로 99.

Travel Tips

It is recommended to allocate at least 1.5 to 2 hours for the visit; if you plan to see the rear garden, more time should be reserved, and guided tour times should be confirmed in advance. Spring and autumn are the best seasons to visit, as the rear garden's scenery is the richest and more suitable for walking and photography. During peak seasons and popular times, it is advisable to arrive early, as the guided tour slots for the rear garden are limited and often require prior reservation or queuing. There are many dining and café options around Anguk Station, and after visiting, you can easily explore Bukchon Hanok Village and the Insadong area.

Nearby Dining

There are many Korean traditional meals, tea houses, and coffee shops around Anguk Station and Samcheong-dong, suitable for dining before or after your visit. The area around Insadong also has traditional tea houses and Korean dessert shops, conveniently connected by walking. If you want to extend your itinerary, you can find restaurants to rest between Changdeokgung Palace and Bukchon Hanok Village.

FAQ

Where is Changdeokgung Palace? Changdeokgung Palace is located at 99 Yulgok-ro, Jongno-gu, Seoul, near Anguk Station. How to get to Changdeokgung Palace? Take Seoul Subway Line 3 to Anguk Station, and walk about 5 to 10 minutes from Exit 3. Do I need to buy separate tickets for Changdeokgung Palace and the rear garden? Yes, the rear garden usually requires a separate ticket and guided tour; you cannot enter just with the general admission ticket for Changdeokgung Palace. Is Changdeokgung Palace open on Mondays? No, Changdeokgung Palace is closed every Monday. Is Changdeokgung Palace worth visiting? Yes, because it is one of the well-preserved royal palaces, and the rear garden is considered the most unique highlight of Changdeokgung Palace.

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