No. 02 · THE PALACE IN THE HILLS
Changdeokgung Palace
창덕궁
A UNESCO World Heritage palace built in 1405 to follow the shape of the land, with Huwon, the Secret Garden, behind it.
Closed on Mondays
Changdeokgung was built in 1405 as a secondary palace and became the kings' main residence after Gyeongbokgung burned in the war of 1592. Its halls follow the hills instead of a straight axis, and UNESCO listed the complex in 1997.
Huwon, the Secret Garden, fills most of the grounds behind the palace: ponds, pavilions and old trees, open only on guided tours with a separate ticket and a fixed number of places.
Don't miss
- Injeongjeon throne hall
- Nakseonjae, the unpainted royal residence
- Huwon and Buyongji pond
- Autumn colour in the Secret Garden
Opening hours
| Nov–Jan | 09:00–17:30 |
|---|---|
| Feb–May, Sep–Oct | 09:00–18:00 |
| Jun–Aug | 09:00–18:30 |
Tours
The Secret Garden is seen only on guided tours of up to 100 people a session: 50 places online through the Royal Palaces and Tombs reservation service, 50 at the gate. Buy the palace ticket as well.
Sources
- Visit Seoul — Changdeokgung Secret Garden (Huwon): sessions and feesChecked 2026-11-10
- Royal Palaces and Tombs Center — Changdeokgung PalaceChecked 2026-11-10
- Korea Tourism Organization — Experience Royal Palace Life: guard ceremonies and guided toursChecked 2026-11-10
When the weekly closing day falls on a public holiday, the palace opens that day and closes on the next working day instead.