Changdeokgung Palace & Secret Garden
Seoul, South Korea
Changdeokgung Palace, a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1997, is considered the most beautiful of Seoul's five grand palaces. Built in 1405 as a secondary palace to Gyeongbokgung, it served as the primary royal residence for over 250 years. What sets Changdeokgung apart is its harmonious integration with the natural landscape and the legendary Huwon (Secret Garden), a 78-acre royal garden that was the private retreat of the royal family. The palace exemplifies Korean architectural principles of simplicity, nature integration, and feng shui.
Highlights
- Huwon Secret Garden - 78-acre private royal garden with pavilions, ponds, and ancient trees
- Injeongjeon Hall - The ornate throne room with traditional Korean and Chinese influences
- Nakseonjae Complex - Elegant residence showcasing refined Joseon aesthetics
- Buyongjeong Pavilion - Scenic pavilion reflecting in a tranquil pond
- Natural landscape integration - Palace buildings designed to flow with the terrain
Visitor tips
- Secret Garden tours must be booked in advance online - they sell out quickly
- English tours available at 10:30 AM, 11:30 AM, 1:30 PM, and 2:30 PM
- Wear hanbok for 30% discount on palace admission
- Allow extra time - Secret Garden tour is 90 minutes and starts at scheduled times
- Photography allowed but respect areas marked as restricted
Walks that pass Changdeokgung Palace & Secret Garden
- Changdeokgung: The Palace of Nature's Harmony — 6 stops, ~120 min
Other walks in Seoul
- Hongdae & Yeonnam-dong: Youth Culture — 5 stops, ~90 min
- Myeongdong & Namdaemun: Shopping, Faith & City History — 8 stops, ~110 min
- Seochon: Literature, Hidden Hanoks, and Everyday Seoul — 8 stops, ~120 min
- Gyeongbokgung Palace — 8 stops, ~90 min
- Bukchon: Living Heritage in the Heart of Seoul — 8 stops, ~90 min
- Jongmyo: The Eternal Sanctuary of Joseon — 7 stops, ~75 min