Changdeokgung Secret Garden

History · Culture Jongno (종로)

₩3,000 palace + ₩5,000 garden tour

Getting there

See it on the DealSeoul map Nearby spots and live subway trains

Google Maps

Naver Map

Visit basics

Admission ₩3,000 palace + ₩5,000 garden tour

Hours 9 AM to 6 PM (garden tours timed)

Closed Mondays

Best time Late October for autumn colour

The best-preserved Joseon palace, its royal rear garden open by guided tour only.

Changdeokgung is laid out to follow the hills instead of flattening them, which is why it kept its UNESCO listing.
The real draw is Huwon, the 'Secret Garden' behind it, a royal retreat of lotus ponds and pavilions you can only enter on a timed guided tour.
Book the English garden tour ahead; numbers are capped and peak season sells out.
The palace grounds themselves are free in hanbok.