Changdeokgung Palace Complex

Changdeokgung Palace Complex

Located in the central part of Seoul, Changdeokgung was built as a detached palace in the fourth year of King Taejong’s reign during the Joseon Dynasty (1404 AD) and covers an area of 78 hectares. The buildings within the palace feature Chinese-style architecture, and 13 halls and pavilions are still preserved today. It is the most intact of the palaces from the Joseon Dynasty and is known as the “Forbidden City of Korea.” The halls and pavilions of Changdeokgung were designed entirely in harmony with the natural topography, featuring an asymmetrical overall layout. Among Korea’s five grand palaces, it possesses the most naturalistic charm and is also hailed as a masterpiece of landscape art from the Joseon Dynasty era.

Based on traditional palace architecture, Changdeokgung made ingenious modifications. Its layout is rigorous yet blends seamlessly with the surrounding mountainous terrain covered in lush greenery. Pavilions and halls appear to be scattered casually, but are in fact thoughtfully arranged. More than one king used this site as a temporary royal residence, possibly because its closeness to nature offers a particularly relaxing atmosphere.

The Changdeokgung Palace Complex has become one of the five well-preserved royal architectural sites in Seoul, South Korea. As a royal palace, it has witnessed many historic events and has also endured the various upheavals experienced by the nation.

Admission & Opening Hours

Admission: 3,000 KRW (5,000 KRW for the Huwon (Secret Garden) Yeongyeongmun Route)

Opening Hours: 9:15 AM – 5:15 PM (Nov–Mar: 9:15 AM – 3:45 PM). Guided tours in Chinese are available at 11:00 AM and 3:00 PM. Closed on Mondays.

Tip: Visitors must join a guided tour; self-guided visits are not allowed (tour duration is about 1 hour and 20 minutes).

Korean, Japanese, and English guided tours are available between 9:00 AM and 4:00 PM, so please check the schedule for your preferred language in advance.

Transportation

Address: 1 Wolgeodong, Jongno-gu, Seoul

Transportation: Exit at Exit 3 of Anguk Station on Subway Line 3, then walk for 2 minutes toward the Huwon (Secret Garden); or exit at Exit 6 of Jongno 3(sam)-ga Station on Line 5, then walk through the Lyulak Arcade to reach Changdeokgung, approximately a 10-minute walk.

Changdeokgung Palace Complex

Must-visit reason: Korea’s most naturally integrated palace

Continent: Asia

Country/Region: Korea

Province/State: Seoul Special City

City: Jongno-gu