Changdeokgung PalaceGyeongbokgung · Bukchon 3
Photo: KTOBuilt in 1405 as a secondary palace to Gyeongbokgung, Changdeokgung later served as the main royal residence for centuries. Its layout follows the natural landscape, and it is the only Seoul palace on the UNESCO World Heritage list.
Behind the palace lies Huwon, the Secret Garden, once reserved for the royal family. Ponds and pavilions change with the seasons, and the autumn colours are superb. Huwon is visited on guided, reservation-only tours with limited numbers.
Key information
| Hours | 9:00–17:30/18:00/18:30 depending on season |
|---|---|
| Admission | ₩3,000 adult (free in hanbok). Huwon is an extra ₩5,000 (guided, reservation required) |
| Closed | Mondays |
| Time needed | about 1.5 hours |
| Nearest station | Gyeongbokgung Stn / Anguk Stn (Line 3) |
| Area | Gyeongbokgung · Bukchon |
Hours and fees are estimates as of 2026-10 and may change. Please check official sources before you go.
Closed on Mondays (or the next weekday if Monday is a holiday). Online Huwon tickets sell out quickly — book early or try for same-day tickets.
Plan a trip with Changdeokgung Palace
Getting there
| From | Route | Time | Fare (approx.) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Incheon Airport | AREX all-stop train → change at Seoul Station → Line 4 → change at Chungmuro to Line 3 | ~82 min | 6,300 KRW |
| Gimpo Airport | AREX (all-stop) → Line 4 → change at Chungmuro to Line 3 | ~43 min | 1,750 KRW |
| Seoul Station | Line 4 → change at Chungmuro to Line 3 | ~15 min | 1,550 KRW |
Times are to the Gyeongbokgung · Bukchon area's nearest station; walk from there.
Nearby spots
Photo: KTO
Gyeongbokgung PalaceGyeongbokgung · Bukchon · ~1.2 kmMain palace of the Joseon dynasty. Closed Tuesdays. Adults ₩3,000 (free in hanbok). A fee increase is under review (date not yet set).Photo: KTO
Bukchon Hanok VillageGyeongbokgung · Bukchon · ~600 mA residential hanok neighbourhood. The restricted zone is open to visitors 10:00–17:00 only; violations can be fined.Photo: KTO
Photo: KTO
Gwanghwamun SquareGyeongbokgung · Bukchon · ~1.5 kmStatues of King Sejong and Admiral Yi Sun-sin, in front of the palace gate.Photo: KTO
Ikseon-dong Hanok StreetIkseon-dong · Insadong · ~600 mRetro alleys packed with renovated hanok cafés and restaurants.Photo: KTO
Jongmyo ShrineIkseon-dong · Insadong · ~600 mUNESCO-listed royal shrine. Closed Tuesdays; guided tours only on some days.Photo: KTO
Insadong-gil & SsamziegilIkseon-dong · Insadong · ~800 mTraditional crafts, hanji paper and tea houses — great for souvenirs.
FAQ
What are the opening hours of Changdeokgung Palace?
9:00–17:30/18:00/18:30 depending on season. Please check the official website for the latest information.
How much does Changdeokgung Palace cost?
₩3,000 adult (free in hanbok). Huwon is an extra ₩5,000 (guided, reservation required).
How do I get to Changdeokgung Palace?
The nearest station is Gyeongbokgung Stn / Anguk Stn (Line 3). From Incheon Airport it takes about 82 minutes and costs around ₩6,300.
When is Changdeokgung Palace closed?
Mondays.