Changdeokgung Palace was the second royal villa built following the construction of Gyeongbokgung Palace in 1405. It was the principal palace for many kings of the Joseon dynasty, and is the most well-preserved of the five remaining royal Joseon palaces. The palace grounds are comprised of a public palace area, a royal family residence building, and the rear garden. Known as a place of rest for the kings, the rear garden boasts a gigantic tree that is over 300 years old, a small pond and a pavilion.

The palace gained importance starting from the time of Seongjong, the 9th king of Joseon, when a number of kings began using it as a place of residence. Unfortunately, the palace was burned down by angry citizens in 1592 when the royal family fled their abode during the Japanese invasion of Korea. Thanks to Gwanghaegun, the palace was restored in 1611. Even today, it houses a number of cultural treasures, such as Injeongjeon Hall, Daejojeon Hall, Seonjeongjeon Hall, and Nakseonjae Hall.

Changdeokgung Palace’s garden behind the inner hall, called the Secret Garden, was constructed during the reign of King Taejong and served as a resting place for the royal family members. The garden had formerly been called Bugwon and Geumwon, but was renamed Biwon Garden after King Gojong came into power. The garden was kept as natural as possible and was touched by human hands only when absolutely necessary. Buyongjeong Pavilion, Buyongji Pond, Juhamnu Pavilion, Eosumun Gate, Yeonghwadang Hall, Bullomun Gate, Aeryeonjeong Pavilion, and Yeongyeongdang Hall are some of the many attractions that occupy the garden. The most beautiful time to see the garden is during the fall when the autumn foliage is at its peak and the leaves have just started to fall.

Though it has been treasured by Koreans for centuries, Changdeokgung Palace was recognized as a World Cultural Heritage site by the UNESCO World Cultural Heritage Committee in December of 1997 during the committee meeting in Naples, Italy.

Tour Course Information : [General Tour]

Donhwanmun Gate → Palace Chambers → Geumcheongyo Bridge → Injeongjeon Hall → Seonjeongjeon Hall → Huijeongdang House → Daejojeon Hall → Nakseonjae Hall

[Secret Garden Tour]

Secret Garden Entrance → → Buyongji Pond → Bullomun Gate & Aeryeonji Pond → Jondeokjeong Pavilion & Pyeomusa House → Ongnyucheon Stream → Yeonggyeongdang House

Admission Fees : [Changdeokgung Palace]

Adults (ages 25-64): 3,000 won / Group (over 10 people): 2,400 won

Students (ages 24 and under): Free (* Except for foreign visitors)

* Free admission to Changdeokgung Palace: Refer to the website for free admission information.

[Special Ticket]

Long-term admission: 30,000 won (General admission only)

- Expires one month after date of purchase / One portrait photo must be submitted / Admission available only for purchased palace

[Combination Ticket]

- Admission to the four palaces (Changdeokgung, Changgyeonggung, Deoksugung, & Gyeongbokgung Palaces) and Jongmyo Shrine.

- Ticket price: 10,000 won per person (Valid for 3 months after date of purchase)

- Ticketing is available at the ticketing booth of the four palaces and Jongmyo Shirine.

* To visit Secret Garden (special tour), visitors must make online reservation or get the on-site ticket on first-come, first-served basis as admission is limited.

[Secret Garden Tour]

Adults (ages 25-64) 8,000 won

Young adults (ages 19-24) 5,000 won

Children and Teenagers (ages 7-18): 2,500 won

Groups of 10 people or more: 7,400 won

* Free admission: Children (ages 6 or under)

Restrooms : Available

Interpretation Services Offered : [Changdeokgung Palace Guided Tour]

English - 10:15, 13:15

Japanese - 11:00

Chinese - 10:00, 16:00

Tour Route: Donhwanmun Gate → Palace Chambers → Geumcheongyo Bridge → Injeongjeon Hall → Seonjeongjeon Hall → Huijeongdang House → Daejojeon Hall → Nakseonjae Hall

Length of tour: Approx. 60 min

Start point: Inside Donhwamun Gate, in front of information map

* Schedule and route are subject to change due to weather conditions.

[Secret Garden Guided Tour]

English: 10:30, 11:30, 14:30 / Feb-Nov 15:30

Japanese: 13:30

Chinese: 12:30

Tour route: Secret Garden Entrance → Buyongji Pond → Bullomun Gate & Aeryeonji Pond → Jondeokjeong Pavilion & Pyeomusa House → Ongnyucheon Stream → Yeonggyeongdang House

* Schedule and route are subject to change due to weather conditions.

Length of tour: Approx. 90 min.

Starting point: Hamyangmun Gate (approx. 10 min walk from Changdeokgung Palace)

* Koreans can participate in the interpreted guided tour only when accompanying a foreigner.

Add : 99, Yulgok-ro, Jongno-gu, Seoul 

 1330 Travel Hotline: +82-2-1330

(Korean, English, Japanese, Chinese)

• For more info: +82-2-3668-2300

Holiday :Mondays

Secret Garden Special Admission Tour

Time :[Palace Tour]

Feb-May, Sep-Oct 09:00-18:00

Jun-Aug 09:00-18:30

Nov-Jan 09:00-17:30

* Last admission: 1 hour before closing

[Secret Garden Tour (Guided tour only)]

Mar-May, Sep-Oct 10:00-17:30

Jun-Aug 10:00-18:00

Feb, Nov 10:00-17:00

Dec-Jan 10:00-16:30

* Last tour: 1 hr 30 min before closing

* Secret Garden Tour has limited space and must travel with a guide