Gyeongbokgung or Changdeokgung: Which Palace Should You Visit?
Seoul, Korea
If you have time for one palace in Seoul: Gyeongbokgung for a visit focused on gates, courtyards and royal halls, or Changdeokgung if the relationship between architecture and landscape interests you most.
By Heritage Walking · Published 20 October 2026
Official online information checked: 19 October 2026. Palace recommendations are editorial judgments based on the features described above.
If you have time for one palace in Seoul, our recommendation is Gyeongbokgung for a visit focused on gates, courtyards and royal halls, or Changdeokgung if the relationship between architecture and landscape interests you most.
Both offer more than a photograph of a beautiful roof. The better choice depends on what you want to spend your time noticing—and whether the areas you want to see are available that day.
Choose Gyeongbokgung for a walk through royal spaces
Gyeongbokgung is a useful starting point if you want to explore several kinds of palace space in one walk.
Heritage Walking's route takes in the main entrance gates, Geunjeongjeon and Sajeongjeon, the royal residences and Hyangwonjeong Pavilion. That gives you a framework for moving from the palace's public face towards more private settings.
Our suggestion is to use those changes as the theme of your visit.
At each stop, ask: Who would have used this space? What would someone approaching it have seen? How does its scale compare with the previous stop?
You can enjoy the architecture without learning every name. A few questions can make the walk easier to follow.
Explore the Gyeongbokgung route and audio guide
Choose Changdeokgung if landscape is part of the attraction
Changdeokgung's distinctive quality is the way its buildings fit the surrounding terrain. UNESCO identifies that relationship between architecture and natural setting as a central part of the palace complex's significance.
That makes it a strong choice if your interest extends beyond individual halls to how paths, buildings and landscape work together.
The Secret Garden adds another reason to consider it. Its ponds and pavilions form part of the palace's carefully composed natural setting.
However, make the garden a confirmed part of your plan before choosing the palace mainly to see it.
Check Secret Garden access before deciding
The palace building area and Secret Garden have different visiting arrangements. The official guidance states that garden entry is allowed only at the time shown on the ticket, and that joining the guided tour is optional. Check the current reservation information and availability for your date.
If the garden is your main reason for visiting, check it first—before arranging lunch or another attraction around the palace.
An online map or audio guide does not provide admission or permission to enter restricted areas.
Let your travel date help you choose
The usual weekly closing days differ:
| Palace | Normal closing day |
|---|---|
| Gyeongbokgung | Tuesday |
| Changdeokgung | Monday |
Public holidays can change these arrangements. Confirm the current official notices before finalising your itinerary.
If you are still undecided
Ask yourself which sentence sounds more appealing:
"I want to walk through the gates and halls of a royal palace."
Start by considering Gyeongbokgung.
"I want to see how a palace fits into its landscape."
Start by considering Changdeokgung, then check Secret Garden availability if it matters to your visit.
You do not need to visit both to make your Seoul trip complete. Choose the one that interests you, allow time to look closely, and build the rest of your day around that choice.
Browse Heritage Walking's Seoul routes
Related walking routes
- View the Gyeongbokgung walking map and audio guide — Gyeongbokgung Palace · 8 stops · ~61 min
- View the Changdeokgung walking map and audio guide — Changdeokgung Palace & the Secret Garden (Huwon) · 6 stops · ~45 min
- Browse Seoul walking routes
The audio guide is free in your browser — no app, no sign-up. Palace admission and reservations are separate from using the guide.