Changdeokgung Palace

📍 Seoul

Where Gyeongbokgung feels grand and symmetrical, Changdeokgung feels like a garden that happens to have a palace in it — its halls wind naturally around the hillside instead of lining up in a strict grid, which is why many call it the most 'Korean' of Seoul's royal palaces. It's been a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1997, and for nearly 300 years it was actually Korea's main working palace, not just a backup.

The main courtyards are open to walk through freely, but the real reason to visit — the 'Secret Garden' (Huwon), a sprawling forested retreat of ponds and pavilions — needs a separate ticket and a guided, timed tour.

Honest tip: garden tours run roughly hourly (10am-4pm, hours shift by season), cost an extra ₩5,000, and slots are limited — they sell out fast in peak season. Bookings open 6 days ahead at 10am on royal.khs.go.kr, so plan that far in advance if you want in.

ℹ️ Travel infoClosed Mondays. It's roughly a 15-minute walk from the palace entrance to the garden entrance, so arrive at least 20 minutes before your tour time. A 5-minute walk from Anguk Station Exit 3 (Line 3).

📸 Best photo spotThe straight-line view of Geumcheon Bridge and Jinseonmun right after entering Donhwamun is the signature shot. Huwon requires a booked tour, so you won't feel rushed there.

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