Visiting Changdeokgung Palace in Seoul: What to Know and What to Expect

Seoul is home to many royal palaces, to be precise, five grand palaces, each with its own history and atmosphere. Changdeokgung Palace was the last one we managed to visit during our time in the city, and it became our absolute favorite. If we had known what to expect, we would have started with this palace without hesitation. We visited in late November, when the weather was already a bit colder, but with warm clothes, exploring the palace grounds was still very comfortable. Honestly, we can’t think of a single reason why you should skip Changdeokgung Palace; it’s one of those places that stays with you long after you leave. Continue reading to learn why you should not skip this palace, what to expect, and more.

How to Get to Changdeokgung Palace

📍 Address:  185 Changgyeonggung-ro, Jongno District, Seoul, South Korea

Changdeokgung Palace is located in central Seoul, making it easy to reach by public transport, taxi, or even on foot if you are already exploring the historic Jongno area. The palace sits close to Bukchon Hanok Village and Insadong, so it fits perfectly into a day of sightseeing around Seoul’s traditional heart.

We personally visited via subway, which is the most straightforward option. Take Subway Line 3 (Orange Line) to Anguk Station (안국역) and use Exit 3. From there, it’s a pleasant 5–7 minute waddle to the palace entrance, mostly flat and clearly signposted. Even in late November, the walk felt short and easy, and it’s a great way to soak in the atmosphere of the neighborhood before stepping into the palace grounds.

How to Get Around Seoul: Complete Public Transport Guide

Good to Know Before You Go

Before visiting Changdeokgung, it’s helpful to know that the site isn’t just one palace. Instead, it’s divided into three connected parts. First, there’s Changdeokgung Palace itself, which includes the main buildings and courtyards. Then comes the Secret Garden (Huwon), a separate area with limited access and its own ticket and time slots. Finally, there’s the nearby Changgyeonggung Palace, which sits right next to Changdeokgung and can be visited as part of the same waddle. While they are technically three separate sites with individual tickets, they feel very much like a three-in-one palace experience. We opted for a combo ticket, which made it easy to explore all three in one visit and is highly recommended.

Opening Hours & Tickets

Opening Hours

As mentioned, when planning our visit to Changdeokgung Palace, we learned that the site is divided into three different parts, each with its own opening hours.

First, there are the general opening hours of Changdeokgung Palace, which usually allow access from morning until early evening, with last entry typically one hour before closing.

Second, the Secret Garden (Huwon) operates on a separate schedule. Entry is more limited, often time-slotted, and in some seasons only accessible via guided tours.

Third, there is the adjacent palace complex, Changgyeonggung Palace, which has its own opening hours and can be visited independently or combined with Changdeokgung.

Changdeokgung Palace typically opens at 9:00 a.m., with closing times varying by season. In late autumn and winter, it usually closes around 5:30 p.m., with the last entry one hour before closing. The Secret Garden (Huwon) operates on a separate schedule, often with limited time slots and an earlier last entry. The nearby Changgyeonggung Palace has its own opening hours and is usually open from 9:00 a.m. to evening. 

Because opening hours can vary by season, day of the week, and special events, we highly recommend checking the official Changdeokgung Palace website for the most up-to-date information and any last-minute changes before your visit.

Tickets

Tickets for Changdeokgung Palace are easy to purchase. You can buy them online in advance or directly at the palace ticket office at the entrance. We bought our tickets on-site, and the queue wasn’t too long at all. There are also self-service ticket machines, which are especially convenient during busier seasons.

Right next to the ticket counters, you’ll find a small gift shop, and if you look closely, you’ll also spot the stamp station. Don’t forget to collect your stamp here, it’s a really beautiful one and a lovely souvenir for stamp collectors.

Tickets are divided into sections:

• Changdeokgung Palace ticket covers access to the main palace grounds.
• Secret Garden ticket, required separately, but you can also purchase a combo ticket, which we did and found very convenient.
• Changgyeonggung Palace ticket, sold separately, as it is technically a different palace complex.

If you only bought a ticket for Changdeokgung Palace and later decide you want to visit the Secret Garden or Changgyeonggung Palace, don’t worry. There is another ticket booth near the Secret Garden entrance where you can purchase additional tickets on the spot.

For the most accurate and current ticket prices, always check the official Changdeokgung Palace website before your visit.

Changdeokgung Palace (building area) has an adult admission fee of ₩3,000. At the same time, children and youth (18 and under), seniors (65+), visitors wearing hanbok, and Culture Day visitors (last Wednesday of each month) can enter for free.

The Secret Garden (Huwon) requires an additional ticket, which must be purchased separately or as part of a combo ticket, and starts at ￦5,000. The Changgyeonggung Palace is considered a separate site and also requires its own ticket for adults, priced at ￦1,000. As ticket rules and prices may change seasonally, always check the official Changdeokgung Palace website for the most accurate and up-to-date information.

How Much Does It Cost to Visit Changdeokgung Palace

• Just Changdeokgung Palace (Building Area): ₩3,000 for an adult
• Secret Garden (Huwon) Ticket: Additional (typically around ₩5,000–₩8,000 depending on season and tour type)
• Changgyeonggung Palace: Separate adult ticket (around ₩1,000)

Facilities and Amenities at Changdeokgung Palace

• Ticket counters and self-service ticket machines at the main entrance
• Restrooms near the entrance areas
• Gift shop selling souvenirs, postcards, and small mementos
• Official stamp station near the ticket office (easy to miss, but worth finding)
• Clearly marked paths and signage throughout the palace grounds
• Benches and resting areas are scattered around the site
• Wheelchair- and stroller-friendly routes in main areas (some paths are uneven due to historic terrain)
• Easy access to the nearby Changgyeonggung Palace through connecting paths

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Why Changdeokgung Palace Feels Different From Every Other Palace in Seoul

Changdeokgung Palace stands out because, instead of imposing strict symmetry, it was designed to follow the contours of the land, with buildings placed in harmony with the hills, trees, and water features around them. This thoughtful layout reflects traditional Korean philosophy, making the palace feel calm and organic rather than grand and imposing. Adding to its uniqueness is the Secret Garden (Huwon), a serene, landscaped retreat once reserved exclusively for the royal family.

Our Experience Exploring Changdeokgung Palace

Changdeokgung Palace was the first stop on this day’s exploration, and after buying our tickets on-site, we didn’t waste a second before heading inside. From the very moment we stepped through the gate, we knew this palace would feel different from the others we had visited in Seoul. The entrance alone opens into a huge, wide space, with so much room to breathe that it feels calmer and more expansive right away. The soft morning sun lit up the surrounding buildings in the most beautiful way, highlighting their colors and details, and it set the tone for the visit. We were genuinely excited to start exploring, and it quickly became clear that this wasn’t going to be just another palace stop.

The palace grounds are beautifully restored and incredibly spacious, with buildings spread out in a way that feels natural rather than overwhelming. Even outside of the Secret Garden, there is already a surprising amount of greenery, ponds, and tree-lined paths woven throughout the complex. The architecture is elegant and refined, and the overall layout encourages slow exploration rather than rushing from one highlight to the next. We found ourselves waddling a lot, turning corners, and constantly discovering new courtyards, halls, and scenic viewpoints. It’s the kind of place where you naturally take your time, simply enjoying how everything fits together.

Notable buildings and areas you’ll encounter inside the palace:

• Injeongjeon Hall. The main throne hall is used for important state ceremonies and official events.
• Seonjeongjeon Hall. A smaller, more intimate hall where the king handled daily affairs.
• Huijeongdang Hall. Originally a residence, later used as a workspace and meeting area.
• Daejojeon Hall. The queen’s living quarters are known for their elegant interior details.
• Nakseonjae Complex. A quieter residential area with refined architecture and a more private atmosphere.
• Ongnyucheon Stream. A picturesque stream area that blends architecture with nature beautifully.

One of the best things to know before you go is that wearing a hanbok gives you free entry, and yes, it absolutely works here too. While palaces like Gyeongbokgung are more popular for hanbok visits, we honestly think Changdeokgung Palace is the better choice if you’re aiming for great photos. The grounds are more spacious, there are far fewer people, and you’ll find countless beautiful corners, courtyards, and backdrops that feel calm and elegant rather than crowded. We loved how relaxed the whole experience felt, and the photos turned out amazing without waiting or working around crowds. If we were to rent a hanbok again in Seoul, we would 100% come back here without hesitation.

How to Rent a Hanbok in Seoul

Check out the official website to get more details on what you can expect here.

How Long to Spend at Changdeokgung Palace

You can easily spend 2–3 hours at Changdeokgung Palace without even noticing the time, especially if you explore the main palace grounds at a relaxed pace. The spacious layout, curved paths, and beautifully restored buildings naturally encourage slow wandering rather than rushing from one spot to another. If you plan to include the Secret Garden or continue to the adjacent Changgyeonggung Palace, it’s worth allowing half a day in total. This gives you enough time to enjoy the scenery, take photos, and fully appreciate the calm, immersive atmosphere that makes this palace so special.

Best Time to Visit Changdeokgung Palace

Season-wise, Changdeokgung Palace is beautiful year-round, but spring and autumn are especially rewarding. Spring brings fresh greenery and blossoms that soften the palace architecture, while autumn turns the grounds into a mix of warm colors that feel almost cinematic. Summer is lush but can be hot and humid, and winter is quieter and atmospheric, though noticeably colder. Because the palace grounds already include a lot of greenery beyond the Secret Garden, seasonal changes are obvious no matter when you visit. We visited during the autumn season and can only recommend it.

Time of day matters as much. We came right at opening time, as soon as the gates opened, and it was perfect. The morning light made the buildings glow, photography was a dream, and there were far fewer people around. Even though the palace grounds are spacious and never feel cramped, arriving early lets you enjoy that calm, open feeling to the fullest before tour groups and midday crowds arrive. If you want the most peaceful experience and the best lighting, early morning is absolutely the way to go.

One fascinating detail about Changdeokgung Palace is that within its walls lies the Nakseonjae Complex, a residential area. Unlike most royal buildings, Nakseonjae was designed to look simple and almost modest, with fewer decorations and a layout closer to a scholar’s home than a royal residence. This wasn’t an accident; it reflected a preference for restraint and comfort over display, especially later in the palace’s use. Many waddle past it without realizing how unusual this is for a royal palace, but once you notice the simplicity, it completely changes how you read the space.

Is Changdeokgung Palace Worth Visiting? Our Honest Take

You bet it is! What we loved most was the sense of space and calm; it felt quieter, with fewer people and a much more relaxed atmosphere. The open lawns, gentle waddling paths, and elegant buildings make it a lovely contrast to Seoul’s more formal palaces. Even without rushing, it’s easy to explore and enjoy at your own pace. And this is before we even get to the Secret Garden, which is a chapter of its own.

Which Is Better: Changdeokgung or Gyeongbokgung?

This is one of those questions where the answer really depends on what kind of experience you’re looking for. We really loved our hanbok waddle at Gyeongbokgung, it’s iconic, grand, and absolutely delivers that classic royal palace feeling. That said, if we had to choose just one, we would pick Changdeokgung Palace. It feels calmer, more spacious, and far more immersive, with buildings and gardens blending naturally into the landscape. There are fewer crowds, more greenery throughout the grounds, and the whole place invites slow exploration rather than photo-stop hopping. While Gyeongbokgung impresses at first glance, Changdeokgung stays with you, and that’s why it became our favorite.

Waddling Around Gyeongbokgung Palace in Seoul

The Secret Garden: Why You Shouldn’t Skip It

The Secret Garden (Huwon) is one of the most special parts of Changdeokgung Palace and an experience that truly stands on its own. Tucked away from the main palace grounds, it feels quieter, greener, and far more intimate, with winding paths, tranquil ponds, and beautifully placed pavilions surrounded by nature. The atmosphere is calm and unhurried, making it easy to slow down and really take everything in. We were so impressed by it that we dedicated an entire blog post to the Secret Garden alone, where we share more details, tips, and why it became one of our favorite spots in Seoul. If you’re debating whether to include it in your visit, this is one part of the palace you really shouldn’t skip.

Visiting the Secret Garden in Seoul: What to Know Before You Go

K-Dramas Filmed at Changdeokgung Palace

• Kingdom (2019–2020): This Netflix zombie thriller used several locations here, notably the Buyongjeong Pavilion and the Secret Garden, to establish the royal residence of the Crown Prince.
• Love in the Moonlight (2016): Starring Park Bo-gum and Kim Yoo-jung, many of the palace’s scenic stone walkways and the Secret Garden provided the romantic backdrop for the Crown Prince’s story.
• Moon Lovers: Scarlet Heart Ryeo (2016): While filmed in various locations, the aesthetic of Changdeokgung was used to capture the regal and often tense atmosphere of the Goryeo imperial palace.
• The Crowned Clown (2019): Yeo Jin-goo’s dual role as a king and a clown was brought to life among the ornate halls and garden paths of this palace.
• Jewel in the Palace (Dae Jang Geum) (2003): One of the most famous dramas of all time, it utilized Changdeokgung to showcase the traditional royal kitchen and court life.
• The Moon Embracing the Sun (2012): This iconic fantasy historical drama featured the palace’s architecture to highlight the grandeur of the Joseon king’s court.
• Rooftop Prince (2012): Since the story involves a Joseon prince time-traveling to modern Seoul, the palace serves as the vital link between the two eras.
• Undercover Miss Hong (2026): One of the more recent productions to utilize the timeless beauty of the palace grounds for its end-of-century Seoul aesthetic.

Pro Penguin Tip: If you visit, make sure to book the Secret Garden (Huwon) tour separately. It’s the specific spot where most of those “secret” royal conversations in dramas take place!

Tips for Visiting Changdeokgung Palace

• Arrive early, ideally right at opening time, to enjoy fewer crowds and the best light for photography.
• Wear comfortable shoes; the palace grounds are extensive, and you’ll do a lot of waddling.
• Check Secret Garden availability in advance, as tickets are limited and time-slotted.
• Consider renting a hanbok for free entry and beautiful photo opportunities, especially since this palace is calmer than others.
• Allow 2–3 hours for the palace alone; longer if you include the Secret Garden or Changgyeonggung.
• Look out for stamp stations near the ticket office if you’re collecting Seoul heritage stamps.
• Visit on weekdays if possible, as weekends and holidays can be noticeably busier.
• Check opening hours seasonally, since closing times change throughout the year.

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Don’t Skip Changgyeonggung Palace While You’re Here

While exploring Changdeokgung Palace, don’t forget to waddle next door to Changgyeonggung Palace as well. The two palaces are directly connected, and moving between them feels natural and seamless. Changgyeonggung offers a slightly different atmosphere, more open lawns, fewer people, and a relaxed, almost park-like feel that perfectly complements Changdeokgung’s calm elegance. It’s an easy add to your visit and rounds out the experience beautifully, making your palace waddle feel complete rather than rushed or one-sided. Read more about our waddle at Changgyeonggung Palace in our blog post.

What started as just another palace visit quickly became our favorite royal site in Seoul, thanks to its calm atmosphere, thoughtful layout, and beautiful blend of architecture and nature. From the wide-open courtyards and elegant halls to the peaceful paths and greenery, everything invites you to slow down and really take it all in. Whether you visit in a hanbok, explore the Secret Garden, or waddle at your own pace, Changdeokgung offers an experience that feels both grounding and memorable. If you’re planning a trip to Seoul and have to choose just one palace to explore, this is the one we wouldn’t hesitate to recommend.

Pack your bags and waddle on!

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