Changdeokgung Palace is one of the most beloved historical landmarks in Seoul, not just for its royal heritage, but for its tranquil and romantic Secret Garden (Huwon). Tucked behind the palace grounds, this hidden gem offers visitors a glimpse into the aesthetic ideals of Korean landscape design and the peaceful lifestyle of Joseon kings.
For travelers interested in Korea’s royal past, nature, or traditional architecture, a visit to Changdeokgung is not complete without exploring its Secret Garden. In this post, we’ll dive into what makes this garden special, how to get tickets, what to expect during your visit, and where to find the official resources you need to plan ahead.
What Is the Secret Garden (Huwon)?
The Secret Garden, known as Huwon (후원) in Korean, was originally created for the exclusive use of the royal family. More than just a decorative garden, Huwon served multiple purposes: a place of study, leisure, and quiet reflection. Unlike formal palace courtyards, the Secret Garden blends natural elements like ponds, trees, and hillsides with manmade structures in a way that feels effortlessly organic.
It covers nearly 78 acres (approximately 60% of the entire palace grounds) and contains over 26,000 trees, including some more than 300 years old.
Key highlights of the Secret Garden include:
Buyongji Pond and Juhamnu Pavilion – A peaceful library pavilion facing a lotus pond
Yeongyeongdang Residence – A traditional Joseon-style home used for ceremonies and receptions
Aeryeonjeong Pavilion – Known for its poetic name and curved roof lines, surrounded by autumn foliage
Ongnyucheon Stream – A shallow water stream etched with poems and a scenic waterfall
Seasonal beauty – Cherry blossoms in spring, lush greens in summer, fiery maple leaves in fall, and snow-draped serenity in winter
It’s one of the best places in Seoul to appreciate Korean traditional landscaping, where architecture is designed to follow nature rather than dominate it.
Can You Visit the Secret Garden Freely?
No, the Secret Garden is only accessible via guided tour, even for Korean citizens. The site is protected as part of the UNESCO World Heritage designation, so all visitors must follow a designated route and schedule.
This rule ensures that the garden is preserved, visitor traffic is managed, and every guest gets the full story behind the structures, symbolism, and history of the area.
How to Get Tickets to the Secret Garden
To access the Secret Garden, you need to purchase a separate ticket in addition to the general palace admission. Tickets can be bought on-site or online in advance.
Option 1: On-Site Ticketing (Limited Availability)
Tickets are sold at the Changdeokgung ticket office near Donhwamun Gate
You must choose a specific entry time slot for the garden
Slots are limited (usually 100 per tour) and can sell out, especially on weekends and in autumn
Tours are available in Korean, English, Chinese, and Japanese, depending on the day
Option 2: Online Reservation (Recommended)
You can pre-book your Secret Garden ticket via the Korea Cultural Heritage Administration ticketing site:
Choose “Changdeokgung Palace” → “Secret Garden”
Select language and time
Pay online with international card
Present QR code or reservation number on arrival
Tickets must be reserved at least 24 hours in advance
English tours usually run twice daily during weekdays and three times daily on weekends.
Admission Fees for the Secret Garden
As of 2025, the entrance fees are as follows:
General Admission to Changdeokgung Palace:
Adults (age 19–64): 3,000 KRW
Youth (age 7–18): 1,500 KRW
Children under 6 and seniors over 65: FreeSecret Garden Tour Ticket (includes palace admission):
Adults: 8,000 KRW
Youth (7–18): 2,500 KRW
Children under 7: Free with an adult
Tip: If you’re wearing a traditional Korean hanbok, admission to the palace grounds is free — but you’ll still need to purchase the Secret Garden ticket separately.
What to Expect During the Secret Garden Tour
The guided tour lasts around 90 minutes and follows a specific path that showcases major highlights while protecting delicate areas of the garden.
Here’s what you can expect:
A licensed guide fluent in the selected language
Historical and cultural context behind each structure and pond
Time for photos, but limited off-path wandering
Walking through uneven terrain, stone steps, and forest paths
A calm, respectful atmosphere — group sizes are limited to maintain this
Visitors should be prepared for moderate walking, especially uphill paths and stairs.
What to bring:
Comfortable walking shoes
Weather-appropriate clothing (umbrella, hat, coat depending on season)
A bottle of water — no food is allowed in the garden
Camera or phone — photography is allowed but drones are not
Changdeokgung Palace Official Website and Info Page
For accurate, up-to-date information about opening hours, ticket availability, tour language schedules, and special events, visit the official palace pages here:
Official info (in English):
🌐 https://english.cha.go.kr → Cultural Heritage → Palaces → ChangdeokgungOnline ticket booking:
🌐 https://ticket.cha.go.kr
These websites are run by Korea’s Cultural Heritage Administration, so you can trust their accuracy for schedules and pricing.
Best Time to Visit the Secret Garden
The garden is beautiful year-round, but some seasons are particularly magical:
Spring (April–May) – Cherry blossoms and fresh greenery
Autumn (October–early November) – Peak foliage and golden light
Winter (December–February) – Quiet atmosphere and snow scenes
Summer (June–August) – Lush green forest, but prepare for humidity
Tours often sell out during spring cherry blossom and fall foliage seasons, so book online in advance if you’re visiting during those times.
How to Get to Changdeokgung Palace
Subway:
Take Line 3 to Anguk Station, Exit 3
Walk 5–10 minutes toward Donhwamun Gate
Palace is well-marked with English signage
Nearby attractions:
Bukchon Hanok Village – traditional residential area with photo spots
Insadong – a short walk south for food, tea, and traditional crafts
Changgyeonggung Palace – connected to Changdeokgung via internal gate
The Secret Garden Is Seoul’s Hidden Treasure – But Book It Wisely
The Secret Garden at Changdeokgung Palace is one of the most peaceful and meaningful places you can visit in Seoul. It’s not just a photo op or tourist attraction — it’s a thoughtfully preserved glimpse into how nature and architecture worked together in Korean royal life.
For travelers who enjoy gardens, history, or cultural depth, this is the type of place that stays in your memory. Just remember: plan ahead, reserve your ticket, and give yourself time to wander slowly. If Seoul is the beating heart of Korea, then the Secret Garden is its quiet soul.