Visiting Changgyeonggung Palace, Seoul: What to See, When to Go, and Why It’s So Special

After visiting the palace next door and, of course, the Secret Garden, skipping Changgyeonggung Palace would have been a mistake. Once you’re already in the area, this palace is absolutely worth adding to your route. The entrance ticket costs just around 1,000 won, making it one of the best-value royal sites in Seoul. What surprised us was that Changgyeonggung Palace isn’t included in the combo ticket with the Secret Garden, so we didn’t even realize at first that another palace was right there. You can enter it independently, even from the opposite side, which makes it easy to miss if you’re not paying attention. After leaving the Secret Garden, we decided to buy separate tickets and wander in without any expectations. And glad we did. If you’re already here, do yourself a favor and step inside, just like we did. Read on to learn what to expect and why it’s worth the waddle.

Changgyeonggung Palace vs. Changdeokgung Palace: What’s the Difference?

The similar names often confuse many, but Changgyeonggung Palace and Changdeokgung Palace are two separate royal palaces, each with its own story and character. The name Changdeokgung roughly means “Palace of Prospering Virtue” and was built as the primary residence of Joseon kings, and is famous today for its UNESCO-listed Secret Garden. Changgyeonggung, on the other hand, means “Palace of Flourishing Joy” and was constructed for queens and royal family members, giving it a quieter, more intimate feel. While the two palaces sit right next to each other and are historically connected, they operate independently, have separate entrances and tickets, and offer very different atmospheres. Changdeokgung feels grand and ceremonial, while Changgyeonggung is calmer, less crowded, and perfect for a slow, peaceful wander. If you’re already visiting one, it makes perfect sense to see both.

How to Get to Changgyeonggung Palace

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

Changgyeonggung Palace is easy to reach and very flexible to visit. You can combine it with Changdeokgung Palace after exiting the Secret Garden area, as we did, or you can enter it independently through its own main gate. The main entrance is Honghwamun Gate, located on Changgyeonggung-ro, and this is the most straightforward access point if you’re coming just for this palace.

The closest subway station is Hyehwa Station (Line 4). From Exit 4, it’s about a 10-minute waddle to Honghwamun Gate. Alternatively, Anguk Station (Line 3) is also convenient if you’re already exploring Changdeokgung or Bukchon, making it easy to visit both palaces back-to-back.

Opening Hours & Tickets at Changgyeonggung Palace

Opening Hours

Changgyeonggung Palace is open most days from around 09:00 until about 21:00, with the last entry allowed about 1 hour before closing. The palace is closed on Mondays, so if your Seoul itinerary lands on a Monday, plan accordingly. These hours can vary slightly by season and special events, so it’s a good idea to double-check the official website before you go.

Tickets & Admission

• Adults (ages 19-64): ₩1,000
• Youth (ages 7-18): ₩500
• Children under age 7 and seniors over age 64: Free
• Free entry for visitors wearing a hanbok (traditional Korean clothing)
• Plushies: free entry

Tickets are usually bought on-site at the ticket counter right by the main entrance. If you’re planning to visit multiple palaces in Seoul, consider the Royal Palace Pass, which gives access to Gyeongbokgung, Changdeokgung (Secret Garden included), Changgyeonggung, Deoksugung, and Jongmyo Shrine for a set price with longer validity, a good way to save if you’re palace-hopping. 

When we visited, Changgyeonggung Palace was our last stop after exploring the Secret Garden at Changdeokgung Palace next door. Since the combined ticket wasn’t offered at the Secret Garden counter, we bought separate Changgyeonggung entry tickets and spent a relaxed hour wandering its peaceful courtyards before heading on. 

Things to Know Before Visiting Seoul

Facilities and Amenities at Changgyeonggung Palace

• Information Desk. For visitor assistance, basic guidance, and maps
• Ticket Office. Located near the main entrance (Honghwamun Gate)
• Convenience Store. Small shop for drinks and light snacks
• Toilets. Clean restrooms are available within the palace grounds
• Wheelchair Rental. Available for visitors who need mobility support
• Parking Lot. On-site parking is available, though public transport is recommended.

Our Experience Exploring Changgyeonggung Palace & What to Expect

We bought our ticket at the small ticket booth next to the Secret Garden exit, where you’ll notice two separate entrances side by side, one leading back to the Secret Garden and the other into Changgyeonggung Palace. This time, we chose the palace gate and set out on our waddle. At first, the complex feels a bit smaller, so you might think it’s just a quick stroll, but don’t be fooled. Once inside, it opens up more than expected, and we ended up wandering much longer than planned. Even though we were already a little tired after exploring Changdeokgung and the Secret Garden, skipping Changgyeonggung never crossed our minds. And looking back, we’re happy we didn’t. It turned out to be a calm, rewarding finale to our palace day.

Chundangji Pond & the Octagonal Seven-Story Stone Pagoda

Our first stop was Chundangji Pond, a place that blends royal life, ritual, and later history. The pond has two parts.

• The lower pond was used as naenongpo, a royal farm where court eunuchs grew vegetables offered as tribute to the king, and it was also the site of ceremonial farming rituals performed by the king himself. During the Japanese colonial period in 1909, this area was reshaped into a pond, before being restored in a traditional Korean style in 1986.
• The upper, smaller pond marks the original location of Chundangji, preserving its earlier layout.

As you continue your waddle around the pond, you’ll spot the Octagonal Seven-Story Stone Pagoda. This striking Tibetan-style pagoda was brought here during the Japanese colonial period, when the Yi Royal Family Museum was established. It is believed to have been purchased from a merchant who transported it from Manchuria. Founded on a square platform with double octagonal stone bases, the pagoda bears an inscription stating it was built in 1470 during the Chinese Ming Dynasty.

Grand Greenhouse

The Grand Greenhouse was our second stop as we continued exploring Changgyeonggung Palace, and it turned out to be one of the most surprising parts of the visit. Established in 1909, this is Korea’s first Western-style greenhouse. It was built during the Japanese colonial period, together with a zoo inside the palace grounds, officially under the pretext of consoling Emperor Sunjong, who was residing nearby at Changdeokgung Palace at the time. The building itself is a fascinating mix of histories and styles, designed by a Japanese architect, constructed by a French company, and built with a combination of steel frames and wood, all wrapped in glass.

When it first opened, the greenhouse displayed rare and exotic plants from tropical regions. After the palace restoration in 1986, the focus shifted to Korean native plants, which you can still see today. The greenhouse houses hundreds of plant species. There are benches inside where you can sit, rest your legs, and enjoy the greenery, which is what we did. After hours of waddling, stepping into the greenhouse felt like being transported somewhere else with a welcome break.

After leaving the greenhouse, we continued our waddle toward the main area of Changgyeonggung Palace, where the palace starts to feel more formal and ceremonial. This part of the complex brings together several halls that once shaped daily court life. Waddling through this area gives you a better sense of how the palace functioned, from official state affairs to quieter residential spaces. The buildings are spread out, so you never feel rushed, but they’re close enough that you waddle from one hall to the next without really noticing how much ground you’re actually covering.

Along the way, we passed several interesting halls and buildings, including:

• Myeongjeongjeon Hall. The main throne hall, the oldest surviving in Seoul, was once used for official ceremonies and state affairs.
• Munjeongjeon Hall. A council hall where government matters were discussed.
• Sungmundang Hall. A quieter space associated with learning and daily court activities.
• Haminjeong Pavilion. A scenic pavilion offering a more relaxed atmosphere within the palace grounds.
• Hwangyeongjeon Hall. One of the former residential halls used by the royal family.
• Tongmyeongjeon Hall. Historically significant as a living space connected to the queens.
• Yanghwadang Hall. Another residential-style hall that reinforces the palace’s more intimate, lived-in character.

To be honest, it’s a bit of a shame that this ended up being our last stop in the complex. By the time we reached this part of Changgyeonggung Palace, we were already tired, it was getting really cold, and hunger was starting to kick in. Because of that, we definitely didn’t do this palace full justice. Instead of slowly exploring every corner, we kind of waddled through it a bit too fast. Looking back, there’s clearly so much more to see here, and we really wish we had more energy to take it all in properly. So if you’re planning a visit, our biggest tip is simple: give yourself enough time and enjoy it at a relaxed pace.

One thing that really stood out, though, was how perfect this palace is for hanbok photos. We saw plenty of locals walking around dressed in hanboks, taking pictures, and enjoying the scenery, which added such a lovely atmosphere to the place. Compared to some of the busier palaces, Changgyeonggung feels especially popular with locals for photo sessions, and it’s easy to see why. If you’re planning to wear a hanbok in Seoul, this is a fantastic spot to do it, and a great excuse to slow down and fully enjoy the palace.

Waddling Around Gyeongbokgung Palace in Seoul

How Long to Spend at Changgyeonggung Palace

Realistically, you should plan to spend at least 1.5 to 2 hours at Changgyeonggung Palace, especially if you want to explore it properly and not rush through. As mentioned, we didn’t quite do it justice ourselves. By the time we arrived, we were already tired from visiting another palace and the Secret Garden, and that definitely affected how much time and energy we had left. Looking back, this is a place that deserves a slower pace, with time to wander, sit down, and take in the details. If you visit it earlier in the day or as a main stop rather than a last add-on, it’s easy to see how you could spend a couple of relaxed hours here without even noticing the time pass.

Best Time to Visit Changgyeonggung Palace

Changgyeonggung Palace is beautiful year-round, but autumn is hands down one of the best times to visit. We came in autumn, and it absolutely did not disappoint. The palace grounds fill with warm colors, red and golden leaves frame the halls, and the whole place feels extra atmospheric. Spring is also lovely with fresh greenery and blossoms, while summer can be lush but hot and humid. Winter brings a quieter, more minimal look, especially if there’s snow, but it can be cold. If you have the choice, we’d definitely recommend autumn for the best overall experience.

Earlier in the day is ideal if you want to explore at a relaxed pace. Mornings tend to be quieter and give you better light for photos, especially if you’re planning hanbok pictures. Late afternoon can also be nice for softer light, but keep an eye on closing times, especially in cooler months when it gets dark earlier. Since this palace rewards slow wandering, coming when you’re not rushed or exhausted makes a big difference.

What to See Near Changgyeonggung Palace

• Changdeokgung Palace. Located right next door and easy to combine, especially if you’re also visiting the Secret Garden
• Secret Garden (Huwon). Part of Changdeokgung and a must if you enjoy landscaped gardens and slow walks
• Bukchon Hanok Village. Traditional hanok houses and scenic streets, ideal for a relaxed stroll
• Hyehwa / Daehangno Area. Known for small theaters, cafés, and a lively local atmosphere
• Jongmyo Shrine. A UNESCO World Heritage Site and a crucial Confucian shrine, within walking distance
• Cafés & local restaurants around Jongno and Hyehwa. Perfect for warming up, resting your legs, or grabbing food after your palace visit. Our favorite and personal tip is the DOTORI café.

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Changgyeonggung Palace is 100% worth visiting, especially if you’re already in the area. It’s calmer, less crowded, and feels more personal than some of Seoul’s other royal sites, which makes it a charming place to slow down. If you can, we highly recommend combining all three in one route: Changdeokgung Palace, the Secret Garden (Huwon), and Changgyeonggung Palace. Together, they tell a fuller story of royal life in Seoul. Just make sure to pace yourself and leave enough time for Changgyeonggung. It deserves more than a rushed visit, and we’re sure you’ll be glad you didn’t skip it.  

Pack your bags and waddle on!

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