Changdeokgung Palace

창덕궁

A beautifully preserved royal palace from 1405 famous for its serene Secret Garden and harmonious architectural design blending naturally with the landscape. It offers a more intimate palace experience than Gyeongbokgung with remarkable traditional gardens.

Things to do

• Explore the Secret Garden (Biwon) — Wander through this tranquil 78-acre enclosed garden featuring lotus ponds, traditional pavilions, and seasonal landscaping that showcases the harmony between architecture and nature.
• Visit Injeongjeon Hall — Tour the main throne hall where Korean kings held state ceremonies and official functions, showcasing intricate wooden architecture and royal court traditions.
• Walk the palace grounds at sunrise — Experience the serene atmosphere of the palace complex before crowds arrive, when morning light illuminates the traditional buildings and garden pathways.
• Photograph Donhwamun Gate — Capture images of this iconic eastern gate, the main entrance to Changdeokgung and one of Seoul's best-preserved historical wooden structures.
• View the royal residence quarters — Examine the intimate living spaces of the royal family, including Nakseonjae and Daejojeon buildings, which reveal how kings and queens actually lived.
• Attend a traditional ceremony reenactment — Watch costumed performers demonstrate royal court rituals and guard-changing ceremonies that bring the palace's living history to life.

Food to try

• Sujebi near Donhwamun Gate — A comforting hand-torn wheat noodle soup served in nearby restaurants, a traditional Korean comfort food that locals enjoy before or after touring the palace.
• Tteokbokki from street vendors — Chewy rice cakes in spicy red sauce available from vendors outside the palace entrance, a quintessential Korean street snack popular with palace visitors.
• Hotteok (sweet filled pancake) — A warm crispy pancake filled with brown sugar, cinnamon, and nuts, sold by street vendors near the palace gates as a traditional Korean winter treat.
• Gyeran-mari (rolled omelet) at nearby cafes — A delicate, sweet rolled egg dish commonly served in traditional Korean restaurants in the Bukchon area near Changdeokgung.
• Yukhoe (Korean beef tartare) at traditional restaurants — Finely sliced raw beef seasoned with soy sauce and sesame, served at upscale Korean restaurants in the nearby Jongno district as a royal court-inspired dish.

Local customs & good to know

• Book Secret Garden tours in advance — The Biwon requires timed guided tours and spaces fill quickly, so reservations should be made days ahead, especially during peak tourist seasons.
• Wear comfortable walking shoes — The palace grounds cover large areas with gravel paths and gentle hills, making sturdy footwear essential for exploring all areas thoroughly.
• Respect rope barriers and signage — Many areas are roped off for preservation purposes; stepping into restricted zones can damage historical structures and shows disrespect to this UNESCO World Heritage site.
• Visit during weekdays for fewer crowds — Changdeokgung is less crowded than Gyeongbokgung, but weekday mornings offer the most serene, authentic experience for appreciating the palace's architectural harmony.