Changdeokgung is considered the most beautiful royal tomb of the Joseon Dynasty. It offers a different charm in each season and is conveniently located in the heart of Seoul. Here are 5 travel tips for your visit to Changdeokgung.
Changdeokgung Basic Information for Visitors
Opening Hours:
- February – May / September – October: 09:00 AM – 06:00 PM
- June – August: 09:00 AM – 06:30 PM
- November – January: 09:00 AM – 05:30 PM
Closed on Mondays
Ticket Purchase: You can purchase tickets at the ticket office located next to Changdeokgung.
Palace Admission:
- Adults: 3,000 KRW
- Youth (Ages 7-18): 1,500 KRW
The Secret Garden (Requires separate admission, includes entry to Changdeokgung):
- Adults: 5,000 KRW
- Youth (Ages 7-18): 2,500 KRW
Note: The daily capacity for entering Changdeokgung’s Secret Garden is limited. During the peak seasons of spring and autumn, especially on weekends, it often sells out before lunchtime. It is advisable to arrive early during these times. On weekdays, there is usually more availability around lunchtime.
Tip 1: Consider Checking the Weather Before Renting a Hanbok
There are many Hanbok rental shops near Changdeokgung, and you can also rent Hanboks in the nearby Bukchon Hanok Village. Renting a Hanbok and taking photos at Changdeokgung is one of the most popular tourist activities. However, it’s important to note that Hanboks are traditional Korean dresses with a long, flowing design. This can make them quite inconvenient to wear on windy or rainy days.
Additionally, if your Hanbok gets wet or dirty from rain or while exploring, you may incur additional cleaning fees at the rental shop. Therefore, I recommend renting a Hanbok on sunny days when the weather is favorable for comfortable and enjoyable exploration.
Tip 2: Don’t Miss the Secret Garden
As a foreign tourist, you may not have the opportunity to visit Changdeokgung frequently. The Secret Garden of Changdeokgung was a beloved walking area for the kings of the Joseon Dynasty. It’s an incredibly vast and beautiful garden, almost as large as the main palace of Changdeokgung. Many of the stunning palace garden scenes from Korean dramas were filmed here, and you can capture memorable and beautiful photographs from any direction.
If you’re visiting Changdeokgung, I highly recommend exploring the Secret Garden as well. On weekends, ticket availability often runs out in the morning, so it’s a good idea to adjust your travel schedule and visit Changdeokgung, especially the Secret Garden, during less crowded weekdays when it’s less frequented by locals.
Tip 3: If You’re Interested in Korean Culture and History, Join a Guided Tour
Changdeokgung offers guided tours in English, Chinese, and Japanese to enhance your understanding of Korean culture and historical significance. These tours are available at no additional cost, so if you’re eager to learn more about Korean culture and the heritage of the Joseon Dynasty, make sure to participate. Here are the tour times:
Changdeokgung Guided Tours:
- English: 10:15 AM, 1:15 PM (Daily except Mondays)
- Chinese: 10:00 AM (Tuesdays, Thursdays, Saturdays)
- Japanese: 11:00 AM (Wednesdays, Fridays, Sundays)
The Secret Garden Tours:
- English: 10:30 AM, 11:30 AM, 2:30 PM, 3:30 PM (March to November)
- Chinese: 12:30 PM (Tuesdays, Thursdays, Saturdays)
- Japanese: 1:30 PM (Wednesdays, Fridays, Sundays)
Take advantage of these informative guided tours to enrich your experience at Changdeokgung.
Tip 4: Take the Subway, Specifically Visit Anguk Station
On the official Changdeokgung website, you’ll find information about various transportation options, including buses and subway stations. However, Seoul’s city center can experience serious traffic congestion, especially during lunch hours. To ensure a smooth travel schedule, I recommend visiting Changdeokgung by subway. Moreover, it’s much closer to reach Changdeokgung from Anguk Station on Seoul Subway Line 3 than from Jongno 3-ga Station, making Anguk Station the better choice.
When you arrive at Anguk Station, simply take Exit 3. Follow the path outside of Exit 3, and you’ll walk straight to the magnificent Changdeokgung Palace. It’s quite straightforward, isn’t it?
Tip 5: Take a Leisurely Stroll Through 500 Years of Royal History
Changdeokgung, having served as the primary royal palace for the longest duration after the loss of Gyeongbokgung during wars, offers a magnificent glimpse into the grandeur and authority of the beautiful Joseon era. Many foreign visitors can’t resist taking photos right from the entrance with its stately zelkova trees and stone bridges.
However, I encourage you to pause your photo-taking spree and, as you enter the main palace and the Secret Garden, embrace the even more stunning scenery. Take a break from the hustle and bustle and walk through the royal paths, letting the 500 years of royal history whisper fresh thoughts and perspectives you might not have explored in your everyday life.