Explore the Beauty of Changdeokgung Palace & The Secret Garden

Changdeokgung Palace was constructed in 1405 as a secondary palace of the Joseon Dynasty. If you’ve been following my posts, I’ve previously wrote about Gyeongbokgung Palace which was the first palace built by the Joseon Dynasty. Coming back to topic, Changdeokgung was destroyed during the Japanese invasion (1592-1598) and rebuilt in 1610. Since then, it has served as the main palace for about 270 years.

Today, Changdeokgung is the best preserved of the five royal palaces in Seoul, and was inscribed on the UNESCO World Cultural Heritage List in 1997 for its outstanding architecture. The architecture of this palace harmonizes with the natural beauty of its surrounding mountains, while its gardens aspire to achieve perfect harmony with the natural world surrounding them. This palace was loved more than any other palaces by the Kings of Joseon Dynasty because of the spacious and gorgeous secret garden.

Preserving the original topography, garden areas were planted in each valley and a series of lotus ponds were built. Small pavilions were also built along the stream that flows through the rear garden. Although YeonGyeongDang Hall was built in the royal palace, its architectural structure and non-colouring style are close to those of gentry’s level. These unadorned buildings add to the special atmosphere of the rear garden.

The Secret Garden is the largest palace garden in Korea, containing over a hundred varieties of flowers and plants that aesthetically harmonize together with the buildings. It was intended as a place for Kings and the royal family members to relax, but it was also a venue for various outdoor activities. The early Joseon Kings would join in military exercises here and archery contests were held, along with banquets for the Queen Dowager, prominent relatives of the King and high-ranking ministers. The King sometimes tried his own hand at planting and raising grains here, and Queens would engage in sericulture. The Secret Garden takes up almost 60% of the entire area of Changdeokgung Palace, and in the old days, even tigers would occasionally appear.

The secret garden is only accessible if you join their tour, so my boyfriend and I took the earliest 11.30am slot and began our tour of the palace from The Secret Garden. The picturesque sights are hidden in a series of valleys, so the entire layout cannot be seen at once. You need to walk down into each of these valleys to the pond and its pavilions in order to truly appreciate the beauty of the palace. We visited during winter season, so there wasn’t any flower blooming, but the tour guide suggested spring and autumn months, when the garden is the most beautiful.

Moving on, there are a number of halls you will see at Changdeokgung Palace. Injeongjeon Hall is the throne hall, which was used for holding the most formal of state events such as audiences with ministers, coronation ceremonies, and receptions of foreign envoys.

Seonjeongjeon Hall is the ruler’s council hall and the only structure remaining at Changdeokgung Palace with blue-glazed roof tiles. The King’s residence is Huijeongdang Hall, while that for the Queen is Daejojeon Hall. Nakseonjae Hall is the place King Heonjong, 24th King of Joseon, built for the concubines that he really loved.

Although the size of Changdeokgung Palace isn’t as vast as Gyeongbokgung Palace, do allocate approximately 3 hours to complete touring it.

Changdeokgung Palace Details
Address: 99 Yulgok-ro, Jongno-gu, Seoul
Nearest Train Station: Anguk Station (Line 3) Exit 3
Opening Hours:
Feb-May & Sep-Oct 9am to 6pm
Jun-Aug 9am to 6.30pm
Nov-Jan 9am to 5.30pm
Last admission an hour before closing and the Palace is closed on Mondays.
Contact: 02-762-8261
Website: http://eng.cdg.go.kr/main/main.htm
Entrance Fees:
Palace Admission 3,000krw (adult), 1,500krw (youth), 2,400krw per pax for group of 10 persons or more
The Secret Garden (required to purchase palace admission ticket) 5,000krw (adult), 2,500krw (youth), there is no group discounts available.
Do note that complimentary guided tours are available in Korean, English, Japanese and Chinese. Each tour lasts for an hour to an hour and thirty minutes. Do note that only guided tours are available in the Secret Garden. You can check their website for updated tour timings and availability.