If you’re visiting Seoul and interested in Korea’s royal history, Changdeokgung Palace is a must-see destination. Known for its elegant design and integration with nature, this UNESCO World Heritage Site is not just another old palace — it’s a living piece of Korea’s dynastic heritage. And unlike some historical sites that feel too formal or reconstructed, Changdeokgung still maintains an atmosphere of quiet dignity and lived-in beauty.
In this guide, you’ll find everything you need to know about visiting Changdeokgung Palace as a foreign traveler: when it opens, how to get tickets, how much it costs, and practical tips to make your trip smooth and meaningful.
Why Visit Changdeokgung Palace?
Built in 1405 during the Joseon Dynasty, Changdeokgung served as the main royal residence for many kings. It’s considered one of Korea’s most beautiful palaces due to its naturalistic layout, where buildings and gardens follow the slope of the land rather than conforming to rigid geometric design.
Highlights include:
The iconic Donhwamun Gate, with its stunning two-story structure
The serene Secret Garden (Huwon), filled with ponds, pavilions, and centuries-old trees
A more intimate, less crowded atmosphere compared to Gyeongbokgung
Seasonal beauty – cherry blossoms in spring, blazing foliage in autumn, snow-draped rooftops in winter
It’s also a favorite filming location for historical dramas and K-content — so don’t be surprised if it feels familiar.
Changdeokgung Palace Opening Hours (2025)
Changdeokgung is open year-round, except on Mondays.
General Palace Hours:
February to May: 09:00 – 18:00
June to August: 09:00 – 18:30
September to October: 09:00 – 18:00
November to January: 09:00 – 17:30
Last admission: 1 hour before closing
Closed on Mondays
Keep in mind that Secret Garden (Huwon) tours have separate time slots and a limited number of visitors per session.
Ticket Information: How to Buy Tickets
There are two types of tickets for Changdeokgung:
General Palace Admission – Access to the palace grounds only
Secret Garden Admission – Requires a guided tour, includes palace access
Option 1: On-site Purchase
You can buy tickets at the entrance ticket booth, located near Donhwamun Gate.
Language support: Staff may speak basic English, and signs are translated
Payment: Cash and major credit cards accepted
Option 2: Online Booking
Highly recommended if you want to visit the Secret Garden, especially during peak seasons (spring, fall weekends).
Book via here or here (official Cultural Heritage Administration site)
Select your date/time, print or show mobile confirmation
Choose English-language guided tour if needed
Note: Secret Garden visits are only available via guided tour, and each group is limited in size (up to 100 visitors per time slot).
Entrance Fees (as of 2025)
Changdeokgung Palace Only:
Adults (age 19–64): 3,000 KRW
Children/Youth (age 7–18): 1,500 KRW
Under 6 / Seniors 65+: Free
Hanbok wearers: Free entry (traditional Korean costume)
Secret Garden (Huwon) Admission (includes palace):
Adults: 8,000 KRW
Children (7–18): 2,500 KRW
Under 7: Free (with adult)
Limited entry per time slot — book early
Guided Tour Options for Foreign Visitors
For a richer experience, join one of the English-language guided tours:
English Tours (Secret Garden)
Usually offered 3–4 times daily, depending on season
Tour duration: approx. 90 minutes
Led by licensed guides familiar with Korean history and architecture
Tickets sell out quickly in spring/fall — pre-booking online is advised
Korean Tours + Self-Guided with Audio App
If English tours are full, you can take the Korean tour and follow along using translation apps or downloadable guides
What to Wear and Bring
Comfortable shoes – There’s a fair bit of walking, including forested paths in the Secret Garden
Water bottle – Especially in summer
Camera or phone – Photography is allowed (except during restricted events)
Weather gear – Palace grounds are mostly outdoors
Hanbok (optional) – Wearing hanbok grants free admission and great photo opportunities
You can rent hanbok from shops near Anguk Station or Bukchon Hanok Village before entering the palace.
How to Get There
Subway Directions:
Take Seoul Subway Line 3 to Anguk Station
Exit 3 → Walk 5–10 minutes
Follow signs for “Changdeokgung Palace” — it’s clearly marked in English
Nearby attractions:
Bukchon Hanok Village
Insadong cultural street
Changgyeonggung Palace (connected via internal gate)
You can make a full day out of visiting multiple cultural landmarks in the same area.
Changdeokgung Palace Is a Calm, Cultural Must-See in Seoul
Among Korea’s Five Grand Palaces, Changdeokgung stands out for its natural beauty and quiet grace. It doesn’t feel staged or overly crowded — instead, it offers space to slow down, reflect, and imagine the footsteps of kings and scholars who once walked the same paths.
If you’re planning a trip to Seoul and want to connect more deeply with Korean history, make sure Changdeokgung is on your itinerary. Book your Secret Garden tour in advance, come early to avoid crowds, and take your time — this is a place that rewards a slower pace.