Changdeokgung Palace is one of South Korea’s Five Grand Palaces built during the Joseon Dynasty. If you don’t have time to visit all the palaces in Seoul, I suggest you add Changdeokgung Palace to your priority. Why? Because aside from being one of the best preserved royal palaces, it is a UNESCO World Heritage Site under the Cultural category.
About Changdeokgung Palace
Located east of Gyeongbokgung Palace, Changdeokgung is also referred to as the East Palace. It was the second royal villa constructed after Gyeongbokgung.
Changdeokgong is said to be the longest-serving royal residential palace that had maintained many of its original features to date. It is mainly comprised of a public palace area, a royal family residence building, and the rear garden. The rear garden was used as resting place for the kings.
Seeing some similar structure as the Changdeokgung Palace before, what astonishes me more is its rear garden or what they call the Secret Garden.
The Secret Garden
During the Joseon dynasty period, the rear garden was called “Huwon”. It has also been called “Geumwon” or the Forbidden Garden because even high officials could not visit it without the king’s permission. Today, Koreans call it “Biwon” or the Secret Garden.
The Secret Garden was kept as natural as possible and guests would really delight with its numerous pavilions and fountains. The garden actually comprised sixty percent of Changdeokgung Palace.
Note that the Secret Garden tour is a guided tour only, you cannot roam around it on your own. We were fortunate to visit it during a fabulous autumn foliage and all I can say is just wow! The Secret Garden was beyond gorgeous. It was magical.
Secret Garden Photo Gallery
Enjoy more photos from our Secret Garden tour.
Changdeokgung Chinese Juniper Tree
After our Secret Garden tour, we came across the Chinese Juniper tree. It is estimated to be about 750 years old. This means the tree was likely planted even before the palace was built. It is protected as a National Natural Monument.
Traveler’s Tip
Changdeokgung Palace offers free admission (Secret Garden tour not included) every last Wednesday of the month (monthly culture day).
Changdeokgung Palace
Operating Hours
Palace Tour
Feb-May, Sep-Oct – 9AM-6PM | Jun-Aug – 9AM-6:30PM | Nov-Jan – 9AM-5:30PM
Note: Last admission – 1 hour before closing
Secret Garden Tour (Guided Tour only)
Feb-May, Sept-Oct – 10AM-5:30PM | June-Aug – 10AM-6PM | Feb, Nov – 10AM-5PM | Dec-Jan 10AM-4:30PM
Closed: Mondays
Admission Fees
Palace + Secret Garden Tour
Adults (ages 19 and above): 8,000 won | Children (ages 7-18): 4,000 won
Palace Tour
Adults (ages 19 and above): 3,000 won | Children (ages 7-18): 1,500 won
Address: 99 Yulgok-ro, Waryong-dong, Jongno-gu, Seoul, South Korea
Contact Nos.: +82 2-762-8261
Website: royalpalace.go.kr
Hi,anung date kayu mupunta sa changdeokgung palace?para makatiming sa autumn foliage
thank you