Changdeokgung

Changdeokgung welcomes all types of travelers, whether seeking photo opportunities, peaceful gardens, or living history. Some preparation makes the experience even richer. Tickets are often available at the entrance, but do sell out during busy seasons. Mornings bring smaller groups and gentler weather, while spring bloom and autumn foliage offer exceptional beauty. With public transit stops nearby, access is easy—even for families with strollers or seniors who appreciate smooth walkways and shaded benches.

• Best time to visit: Spring (April-May) and fall (October-November) for mild weather and colorful scenery. Early mornings for fewer crowds.
• How to get there: Take Seoul Metro Line 3 to Anguk Station (Exit 3), then walk 5 minutes. City buses and taxis also reach the main gate easily.
• Accessibility: Paths are mostly flat and paved, stroller- and wheelchair-friendly in main areas. Some garden slopes may be challenging.
• Average visit duration: 2-3 hours, longer if exploring the Secret Garden.

Within the palace’s walls, layers of Korean history come to life. Ornate royal halls, peaceful pavilions, and the famous Secret Garden—each offers its own perspective on Joseon Dynasty culture. Time feels suspended under the painted wooden ceilings, while the harmony of nature and architecture shapes every view. Some locations, little known to international travelers, surprise with their quiet beauty or playful detail.

• Key sights: Donhwamun Gate’s imposing entrance, Injeongjeon Throne Hall with intricate green and gold beams, and the peaceful Nakseonjae Complex—a more modest royal residence.
• Unique experiences: Reserve a guided walk through the Secret Garden (Huwon) for ponds, old trees, and poetry carved in stone. Try a hanbok (traditional costume) rental for vibrant memory-making photos.
• Photo-worthy locations: Reflection ponds in the Secret Garden, the elegant Seonjeongjeon Hall courtyard, vibrantly painted rooftops framed by trees.
• Cultural facts: Changdeokgung was home to Korean kings for over 250 years and remains the best-preserved of Seoul’s original five palaces. The Secret Garden, once used for royal banquets and studying, is considered a masterpiece of East Asian garden design.