Among Seoul’s five royal palaces, Changdeokgung Palace is especially admired for the harmonious way its traditional buildings blend with the surrounding landscape. Rather than following a perfectly straight and symmetrical layout, the palace was designed around natural hills, valleys, forests, and streams. As a result, visitors encounter a different view each time they turn a corner or pass through a gate.
The rear garden, commonly known as the Secret Garden or Huwon, is one of the palace’s greatest highlights. It contains peaceful landmarks such as Buyongji Pond, Juhamnu Pavilion, Aeryeonji Pond, and Yeongyeongdang Hall. Reservations are particularly competitive during spring, when the garden is covered in fresh greenery, and autumn, when the leaves change color.
However, admission to the main palace area and the Secret Garden is handled separately. Visitors should check the opening hours, ticket rules, and reservation process before arriving. This guide covers admission fees, Secret Garden reservations, recommended walking routes, transportation, parking information, and practical tips for first-time visitors.

1. Changdeokgung Palace Opening Hours and Admission Fees

Changdeokgung Palace has different closing times depending on the season. Entering shortly before the final admission time may not leave enough time to explore the main buildings, so arriving at least two hours before closing is recommended.

Main Palace Area Opening Hours

February to May and September to October: 9:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m., with final admission at 5:00 p.m.
June to August: 9:00 a.m. to 6:30 p.m., with final admission at 5:30 p.m.
November to January: 9:00 a.m. to 5:30 p.m., with final admission at 4:30 p.m.

The palace is normally closed every Monday. When Monday falls on a public holiday or substitute holiday, the palace may remain open and close on the next non-holiday instead. Operating schedules may also change during major holiday periods, so checking the official notice before visiting is strongly recommended.

Main Palace Admission Fees

Regular adult admission: KRW 3,000
Adult group admission: KRW 2,400 per person
Paid admission age for Korean visitors: Ages 25 to 64
Paid admission age for international visitors: Ages 19 to 64

Free or discounted admission may be available depending on age, disability status, national merit status, or hanbok attire. Visitors eligible for free admission should bring an identification card or relevant supporting documents. Free admission for hanbok wearers applies only when the clothing meets the official traditional or modern hanbok guidelines.

Secret Garden Admission Fees

Ages 19 to 64: KRW 5,000
Ages 65 and older: KRW 5,000
Ages 7 to 18: KRW 2,500

Visitors must pass through the main palace grounds to reach the Secret Garden entrance. Therefore, both a main palace admission ticket and a Secret Garden ticket are required. A regular adult visitor paying for both areas will usually pay a total of KRW 8,000.

Even visitors who qualify for free entry to the main palace or hold a Royal Palace Pass must reserve or purchase a separate Secret Garden ticket. General palace admission may be free on the last Wednesday of each month, but Secret Garden admission fees still apply.

🔗 Book Changdeokgung Palace and Secret Garden Tickets

2. How to Reserve the Secret Garden and Important Rules

The Secret Garden is not an open-access park that visitors can enter freely at any time. Admission is limited to designated time slots, and the number of visitors allowed in each session is restricted. Tickets for the main palace area are usually easy to purchase on-site, but Secret Garden tickets can sell out quickly during weekends and peak travel seasons.

Online Reservation Process

Visit the official Changdeokgung Palace reservation website.
Select the Secret Garden reservation menu.
Choose your preferred date and tour session.
Enter the number of visitors and reservation details.
Complete payment and check your mobile ticket or reservation confirmation.

Online reservations generally open at 10:00 a.m. six days before the visit date, excluding the actual visit date, and remain available until the day before the tour. Visitors may reserve for up to 10 people in one booking. Same-day online reservations are not normally available.

Each tour session may accommodate up to 100 visitors, with places divided between online reservations and same-day ticket sales. Even when online tickets are sold out, a limited number of tickets may still be available at the palace ticket office from 9:00 a.m. However, these tickets can sell out early during autumn foliage season, weekends, and public holidays.

Korean-Language Secret Garden Tour Times

March to October: Every hour from 10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.
November to February: Every hour from 10:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m.
Estimated duration: Approximately 70 minutes

English, Chinese, and Japanese tours may also be offered, but available days and times vary by language. Korean visitors are generally not permitted to join a foreign-language session unless they are accompanying an international visitor. Additional restrictions on the number of accompanying guests may apply.

Important Information for Reserved Visitors

It takes at least 15 minutes to walk from Donhwamun Gate to the Secret Garden entrance.
Enter the main palace grounds at least 20 minutes before your Secret Garden session.
Late arrivals may be refused entry and may not be eligible for a refund.
During busy periods, arrive 40 minutes to one hour early to allow time for ticket collection and inspection.
Wear comfortable walking shoes because the garden includes slopes, stairs, and unpaved paths.

Some areas, including the Ongnyucheon Valley section, may occasionally be excluded from the tour due to restoration work, maintenance, or weather conditions. The walking route may change without advance notice, so visitors should review both the reservation page and on-site announcements.

🔗 Check Secret Garden Tour Times and Languages

3. Highlights and Recommended Walking Routes

Changdeokgung Palace was originally constructed during the reign of King Taejong as a secondary palace to Gyeongbokgung. It later served as the principal residence and administrative palace for many Joseon kings. Its buildings were carefully arranged around the original terrain rather than forcing the landscape into a rigid plan. This distinctive design contributed to its recognition as a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Donhwamun Gate and Geumcheongyo Bridge

Donhwamun is the main entrance to Changdeokgung Palace. Its broad stone platform, double-tiered roof, and balanced proportions create an impressive first view of the palace. After passing through the gate, visitors encounter Geumcheongyo Bridge, which crosses the palace stream.

In traditional Korean royal architecture, the stream represented a symbolic boundary between the ordinary outside world and the sacred royal space.

Injeongjeon Hall and Injeongmun Gate

Injeongjeon Hall is the palace’s main throne hall. Important state ceremonies, royal coronations, meetings with foreign envoys, and major official events were held here.

The stone markers arranged across the courtyard indicate where government officials stood according to rank. The central stone path was reserved for the king, making this area one of the best places to understand the formal structure of the Joseon royal court.

Seonjeongjeon, Huijeongdang, and Daejojeon

Seonjeongjeon Hall served as the king’s official working area, where he discussed government affairs with ministers. Huijeongdang Hall was used for both royal work and everyday activities, while Daejojeon Hall served as the queen’s residence.

Each building has different rooflines, windows, doors, and interior arrangements. Comparing these details helps visitors understand how palace spaces were divided according to purpose and royal status.

Nakseonjae Complex

The Nakseonjae area is known for its restrained wooden architecture and minimal use of colorful decorative painting. Its simple appearance contrasts with the grand ceremonial halls elsewhere in the palace.

Members of the Korean imperial family continued to live in this area during modern history, giving it a strong connection to the final years of the royal household. The surrounding walls, gardens, and traditional buildings are especially photogenic during spring blossom season and autumn foliage.

Buyongji Pond and Juhamnu Pavilion

Buyongji Pond is one of the most recognizable landscapes in the Secret Garden. A square pond, a small circular island, Buyongjeong Pavilion, and Juhamnu Pavilion create a carefully balanced scene.

The Juhamnu area once included a royal library and educational facilities. It reflects the idea that nature, scholarship, and relaxation could exist together within the royal garden.

Aeryeonji Pond and Yeongyeongdang Hall

Aeryeonji is a peaceful pond surrounded by trees and traditional structures. The area becomes particularly beautiful when lotus flowers bloom and the water reflects the nearby pavilion.

Yeongyeongdang Hall was designed in the style of a traditional aristocratic residence rather than a monumental palace building. Its calm and understated atmosphere offers a different impression from the palace’s formal ceremonial areas.

Recommended Routes by Available Time

Approximately 1 hour: Donhwamun Gate → Geumcheongyo Bridge → Injeongjeon Hall → Seonjeongjeon Hall → Huijeongdang Hall → Daejojeon Hall
Approximately 1 hour 30 minutes: Main route → Seongjeonggak Hall → Nakseonjae Complex → Donhwamun Gate
Approximately 2 hours 30 minutes to 3 hours: Main palace highlights → Secret Garden entrance → Buyongji Pond → Aeryeonji Pond → Yeongyeongdang Hall

When visiting the Secret Garden, plan the rest of your palace tour around the reserved entry time. For a morning session, visit the garden first and explore the main palace buildings afterward. For an afternoon session, tour Donhwamun Gate, Injeongjeon Hall, and Nakseonjae before walking to the Secret Garden entrance.

4. Transportation, Parking, and Seasonal Travel Tips

Address and Public Transportation

Address: 99 Yulgok-ro, Jongno-gu, Seoul
Anguk Station, Subway Line 3: Approximately a five-minute walk from Exit 3
Jongno 3-ga Station: Approximately a ten-minute walk from Exit 7
Bus: Get off at the Seoul Donhwamun Traditional Theater bus stop

For first-time visitors, Anguk Station Exit 3 provides the simplest route. Walk straight from the exit until Donhwamun Gate becomes visible. After touring the palace, visitors can easily continue to nearby neighborhoods such as Insadong, Ikseon-dong, or Bukchon Hanok Village.

Parking Information

Changdeokgung Palace does not operate a dedicated public parking lot for general visitors. Nearby roads can become heavily congested during weekends, public holidays, and autumn foliage season, so public transportation is usually the most convenient option.

Visitors arriving by car should search for nearby public or private parking facilities in advance and check their fees and opening hours. When a Secret Garden reservation is involved, allow at least 40 additional minutes for parking and walking to the palace entrance.

🔗 View the Official Location and Transportation Guide

What to Expect in Each Season

Spring: Blossoms around Nakseonjae and fresh green leaves throughout the Secret Garden create beautiful scenery.
Summer: The garden offers plenty of shade, but the weather can be hot and humid. Bring water, a hat, and sun protection.
Autumn: This is the most popular season for the Secret Garden. Weekend reservations often sell out quickly.
Winter: Visitor numbers are usually lower, making it easier to appreciate the palace’s architecture and rooflines in a peaceful setting.

Recommended Items to Bring

Comfortable walking shoes with good grip
Drinking water, a hat, and a portable fan during summer
A folding umbrella or raincoat when rain is expected
Gloves and warm clothing during winter
Identification and supporting documents for free or discounted admission

The Secret Garden is not completely flat. The route includes gentle hills, stone steps, narrow paths, and unpaved sections. Some areas may be difficult for visitors using wheelchairs or strollers. Contacting the palace management office before visiting is recommended when accessibility assistance is required.

5. Changdeokgung Palace and Secret Garden FAQ

Q1. Can I visit the Secret Garden without an online reservation?

A. Yes. A limited number of same-day tickets are usually sold at the palace from 9:00 a.m. However, they may sell out early during weekends, spring travel periods, and autumn foliage season. Arriving before the ticket office opens gives you a better chance of purchasing one.

Q2. Can I enter Changdeokgung Palace with only a Secret Garden ticket?

A. No. The Secret Garden entrance is located inside the main palace grounds, so visitors need both a main palace admission ticket and a Secret Garden ticket. Visitors eligible for free palace admission must still present supporting documents and purchase or reserve a separate garden ticket.

Q3. How long does it take to visit both the palace and the Secret Garden?

A. Touring only the main palace buildings usually takes about one to one and a half hours. Visiting both the palace and the Secret Garden generally requires two and a half to three hours. Allowing approximately three and a half hours is more comfortable when taking photographs and resting along the way.

Conclusion

Changdeokgung Palace offers more than impressive royal architecture. It is one of the best places in Seoul to experience the traditional Korean approach of designing buildings in harmony with hills, forests, ponds, and natural terrain.

The main palace area, including Injeongjeon Hall and Nakseonjae, is well worth visiting on its own. However, reserving a Secret Garden tour provides a deeper understanding of the palace and reveals some of its most peaceful and beautiful landscapes.

Because the number of Secret Garden visitors is limited, make a reservation as soon as booking becomes available. Arrive well before your scheduled entry time and wear comfortable shoes suitable for slopes and unpaved paths. With a little advance preparation, Changdeokgung Palace can become one of the most memorable cultural experiences of a trip to Seoul.

행:Hang

2026 Changdeokgung Palace and Secret Garden Seoul Travel Guide