Changdeokgung Palace, Seoul: Hours, Address, Changdeokgung Palace Reviews: 4.5/5
Changdeokgung Palace
Changdeokgung Palace
4.5
9:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Tuesday
9:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Wednesday
9:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Thursday
9:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Friday
9:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Saturday
9:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Sunday
9:00 AM - 5:00 PM
About
This 600-year-old UNESCO World Heritage Site is the city's jewel. It's as famous for its outstanding architectural details as for its verdant and expansive gardens.
Suggested duration
1-2 hours
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The area
Address
Neighbourhood: Waryong-dong
How to get there
- Anguk • 9 min walk
Best nearby
We rank these restaurants and attractions by balancing reviews from our members with how close they are to this location.
Restaurants
2,545 within 5 kms
Brew 3.14
195
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58
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Burgerbang
31
0.3 km$$ - $$$ • Bar • Pub • Vegetarian Friendly
Brew 3.15
66
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Beautiful Coffee Changdeokgung
26
0.4 km$$ - $$$ • Quick Bites • Cafe
Hu's Table
32
0.4 km$$ - $$$ • Italian • Pizza • European
Dining in SPACE
23
0.4 km$$$$
Mishmash
15
0.3 km$$ - $$$ • European • Asian • Korean
Biwon Son Kalguksu
18
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Contribute
Popular mentions
4.5
4,613 reviews
Excellent
2,337
Very good
1,761
Average
462
Poor
43
Terrible
10
Vicky Silve
Abbadia Lariana, Italy419 contributions
Apr. 2021
Again, this palace is not genuine, it has been rebuilt back in 1600, but it’s well-conserved and enjoyable, with its relaxing gardens!
Written 4 December 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
db7477
Carlsbad, CA2,286 contributions
Nov. 2021 • Business
This is an absolute Seoul MUST! The views back into downtown are surreal. The palace complex is simply fascinating. Somehow, even as a visitor, I found myself fantasizing that I was the emperor… it looks like good work if you can get it… otherwise, it’s not so good.
Written 22 November 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
Chris Ruggaluffagus
Yorktown, VA268 contributions
Mar. 2021 • Friends
I definitely enjoyed this palace the most of all the palaces in Seoul. What makes this one unique... the Secret Garden.
Although this was the secondary palace of Gyeongbokung it’s landscaping along with with its design make it stand out above the rest.
Small fee to get inside, additional fee for secret garden. No tours currently because of COVID-19. Definitely recommend you get the Royal Palace Pass for 10,000₩. The pass grants admission to 4 palaces and a shrine.
Although this was the secondary palace of Gyeongbokung it’s landscaping along with with its design make it stand out above the rest.
Small fee to get inside, additional fee for secret garden. No tours currently because of COVID-19. Definitely recommend you get the Royal Palace Pass for 10,000₩. The pass grants admission to 4 palaces and a shrine.
Written 24 April 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
Jeremy Y
Saint-Claude, Guadeloupe96 contributions
Feb. 2021
I really loved the feel of this palace, like a haven of peace in the heart of the busy city. It is really beautiful. Because of Covid there was no guided tour or audio guide available but it is still worth the trip.
The only negative thing is I had to get a second ticket to visit the secret garden. It is a a bit a shame that you can’t buy a combo ticket
The only negative thing is I had to get a second ticket to visit the secret garden. It is a a bit a shame that you can’t buy a combo ticket
Written 14 February 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
CanisHan
Seoul, South Korea20,240 contributions
Dec. 2020
C ( 20.12.09 )
This palace was one of beautiful palace in Seoul. This palace was very beautiful and could feel about Choseon royal family's atmosphere. There had many beautiful architecture of Choseon that was Korea's dynasty. I didn't understand why Chandeokgung and Changyeonggung's entrance fee paid separately, but it was certain that there was very beautiful.
This palace was one of beautiful palace in Seoul. This palace was very beautiful and could feel about Choseon royal family's atmosphere. There had many beautiful architecture of Choseon that was Korea's dynasty. I didn't understand why Chandeokgung and Changyeonggung's entrance fee paid separately, but it was certain that there was very beautiful.
Written 13 December 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
Yeonju Lee
Seoul, South Korea7 contributions
Jan. 2020
I took my friend here when they came to visit Korea. And as a local, I would say this is a must-see place for all travelers who come to Seoul, where you can have the experience of wearing traditional attire and walk around the palace like a prince or prince in the old times.
Written 3 December 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
Andy. T
Birmingham, UK102 contributions
Nov. 2020 • Couples
They certainly knew how to live in the olden days. Well if you were a nobleman that is. Love the architecture.
Written 21 November 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
Thomas M
Des Moines, IA209 contributions
Dec. 2019
This palace was visually stunning. The Huwon tour (Secret Garden) was awesome. I visited in December, and there was an otherworldly quality walking through the garden with ice on the ponds and a chill in the air. I can't wait do take this tour again in the spring or summer.
Written 6 July 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
chuljanggirl
Gumi, South Korea2 contributions
Dec. 2019
I think this palace is so gorgeous and beautiful palace.
Of course, the significance is somewhat worse than Gyeongbokgung (in my opinion) but the gorgeousness was better.
The experiences were so great!
Of course, the significance is somewhat worse than Gyeongbokgung (in my opinion) but the gorgeousness was better.
The experiences were so great!
Written 2 June 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
TravelerTrecker
Houston654 contributions
Sep. 2019
My sister had previously traveled to Seoul and she told me that to her, the Changdeokgung palace was the most impressive one of all palaces in Seoul. Yes, I agree. It is second in size after its neighbor the Gyenongbokgung palace, the main palace. It is a secondary palace that was used as the main palace at times of disaster or war. As mentioned before, the main palace was Gyenongbokgung.
Changdeokgung is also a fully restored palace. The palace was destroyed by the Japanese at the beginning of the XX century during the occupation of Korea. Japan wanted to get rid of any vestige of Korean culture. The palace is very well restored. The main hall is monumental. The palace buildings are lovely and have a more disorganized distribution when compared with the order of the Gyenongbokgung palace. The lack of order makes it charming; in some areas you will feel that you are walking through a labyrinth that surprises you at every corner. The colors of the walls and roof are phenomenal! One of the buildings preserves its original blue color roof; it is a very dark, shiny blue that is unique of Korea! There are many places where you can take pictures and relax under the shade.
You need approximately 2 hours to visit the palace. Once you finish, go to the secret gardens. The secret gardens belong to this palace; however, the entrance is separate and you need a different ticket. I recommend to buy the ticket that covers the 4 palaces of the Joseon dinasty, the garden, and the Jongmyo santuary. It is very cheap!
The place is very well labeled. I do not recommend tours to visit this place. You need to have time to enjoy it. You need freedom to enjoy it.
Visit the palace in a sunny day. Colors are spectacular; most of the visit is outdoors.
Changdeokgung is also a fully restored palace. The palace was destroyed by the Japanese at the beginning of the XX century during the occupation of Korea. Japan wanted to get rid of any vestige of Korean culture. The palace is very well restored. The main hall is monumental. The palace buildings are lovely and have a more disorganized distribution when compared with the order of the Gyenongbokgung palace. The lack of order makes it charming; in some areas you will feel that you are walking through a labyrinth that surprises you at every corner. The colors of the walls and roof are phenomenal! One of the buildings preserves its original blue color roof; it is a very dark, shiny blue that is unique of Korea! There are many places where you can take pictures and relax under the shade.
You need approximately 2 hours to visit the palace. Once you finish, go to the secret gardens. The secret gardens belong to this palace; however, the entrance is separate and you need a different ticket. I recommend to buy the ticket that covers the 4 palaces of the Joseon dinasty, the garden, and the Jongmyo santuary. It is very cheap!
The place is very well labeled. I do not recommend tours to visit this place. You need to have time to enjoy it. You need freedom to enjoy it.
Visit the palace in a sunny day. Colors are spectacular; most of the visit is outdoors.
Written 19 April 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
I understand that the Huwon Secret Garden only allows entry if on a guided tour. However, the Changdeokgung Palace Management Office website has a notice stating that all official guided tours are canceled due to the coronavirus.
It notes that "self-guided tours available within the designated trail" but does this also include an exception to the prior rule against self-touring Huwon?
hellp842
United States240 contributions
I do not know, but if I go on the wording it sounds like it is worth a try. I am sorry they are not doing the tours as they actually gave us interesting information.The garden was the best part of the Palace for me.
piccolaghianda
Rome, Italy29 contributions
Hi, I was trying to buy a ticket for the secret garden but what I really don't get is if I need to buy a ticket for the Palace Tour as well at the same time on line.....
I found this instruction on the website:
Secret Garden:Visitors to the Secret Garden are required to join a guided tour.(refer to the tour hours)
Karen Q
Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia71 contributions
Hi there, i would like to know if the Royal Palace tickets which cost Won10,000, does this include the Guided Tour to the Secret Garden? Or do i still need to purchase the ticket separate via Online or Onsite? Am getting a little confused here. thanks in advance.
Camfiend
Seoul, South Korea20 contributions
Hi! The guided tour is inclusive in the ticket that is with several different languages: in English, Chinese or Japanese.
There are time schedules that depart in a group: you can find it when you buy an admission ticket at the booth.
Hope you enjoy the tour!
Hi, how did you reserve online? I tried signing up but the information being asked were for "Koreans only", especially the contact number. Would appreciate your response as we are already leaving in 2 days. thanks!
Sarah
Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia16 contributions
Hi, the guided tour in Changdeokgung Palace is free and does not need any reservations unless you are in a big group. Just turn up at either 10.15 am or 1.15pm everyday at the meeting point (on the right side just after the entrance gate), and join the tour.
Jolly T
Singapore, Singapore
I would like to book the secret garden tour online. May I know where is the website to do so? Can’t seem to find it. Thanks v much
Also I am planning to do the 10am general tour and 1139 secret garden tour. I wonder if it is possible?
Tamer K
Bursa, Turkey58 contributions
Take a taxi and go to main entrance, buy ticket and get in. All you need is max. 3 hours to see everything. Regarding to secret garden, it was a great disappointment for me. Do not expect a lot. It is a very simple one whilst the name is so great.
Jolly T
Singapore, Singapore
Hi may I know if there is changing of Guards at changdeukgung palace and what is the timing please? Thanks.
alzahrani_tg
Al Mubarraz, Saudi Arabia35 contributions
I didn't notice any changing or if there is any change
Frequently Asked Questions about Changdeokgung Palace
- Changdeokgung Palace is open:
- Tue - Sun 9:00 am - 5:00 pm
- We recommend booking Changdeokgung Palace tours ahead of time to secure your spot. If you book with Tripadvisor, you can cancel up to 24 hours before your tour starts for a full refund. See all 30 Changdeokgung Palace tours on Tripadvisor
- According to Tripadvisor travellers, these are the best ways to experience Changdeokgung Palace:
- Seoul Morning Heritage Tour Including Changdeokgung Palace (From AU$77.97)
- Seoul Afternoon Tour Including Changdeokgung Palace and Namdaemun Market (From AU$70.88)
- Best of Seoul Tour in the Afternoon (From AU$51.13)
- Seoul UNESCO & HERITAGES Walking Tour (From AU$87.88)
- Full Day Small-Group Royal Palace and Seoul Tour (From AU$134.66)
- Hotels near Changdeokgung Palace:
- (0.25 km) AMASS Hotel
- (0.54 km) Hostel Tommy
- (0.24 km) Yoo's Family Guesthouses Byeolhadang
- (0.55 km) Rakkojae Seoul Bukchon Hanok Village
- (0.30 km) Haemil Hanok Guesthouse
- Restaurants near Changdeokgung Palace:
- (0.21 km) Kwonnongdong
- (0.27 km) Burgerbang
- (0.26 km) Yongsusan
- (0.28 km) Mishmash
- (0.30 km) Biwon Son Kalguksu
- Attractions near Changdeokgung Palace:
- (0.23 km) Changgyeonggung Palace
- (0.69 km) O'ngo Food Communications
- (0.29 km) Hagajae Museum
- (0.37 km) Arario Museum in Space
- (1.06 km) The Painters