Address

99, Yulgok-ro, Jongno-gu, Seoul
서울특별시 종로구 율곡로 99 (와룡동)

Type

Palaces/ Fortresses/ Gates

Inquiries

• 1330 Travel Hotline: +82-2-1330
(Korean, English, Japanese, Chinese)
• For more info: +82-2-3668-2300

Homepage

www.cdg.go.kr
(Korean, English, Japanese, Chinese)

• Information
  Introduction
  

  Changdeokgung Palace was the second royal villa built following the construction of Gyeongbukgung Palace in 1405. It was the principal palace for many kings of the Joseon Dynasty, and is the most well-preserved of the five remaining royal Joseon palaces. The palace grounds are comprised of a public palace area, a royal family residence building, and the rear garden. Known as a place of rest for the kings, the rear garden boasts a gigantic tree that is over 300 years old, a small pond and a pavilion.
  
  The palace gained importance starting from the time of Seongjong, the 9th king of Joseon, when a number of kings began using it as a place of residence. Unfortunately, the palace was burned down by angry citizens in 1592 when the royal family fled their abode during the Japanese invasion of Korea. Thanks to Gwanghaegun, the palace was restored in 1611. Even today, it houses a number of cultural treasures, such as Injeongjeon Hall, Daejojeon Hall, Seonjeongjeon Hall, and Nakseonjae.
  
  Changdeokgung Palace’s rear garden was constructed during the reign of King Taejong and served as a resting place for the royal family members. The garden had formerly been called Bukwon and Geumwon, but was renamed Biwon after King Kojong came into power. The garden was kept as natural as possible and was touched by human hands only when absolutely necessary. Buyongjeong, Buyongji, Juhabru, Eosumun, Yeonghwadang, Bullomun, Aeryeonjeong, and Yeongyeongdang are some of the many pavilions and fountains that occupy the garden. The most beautiful time to see the garden is during the fall when the autumn foliage is at its peak and the leaves have just started to fall.
  
  Though it has been treasured by Koreans for centuries, Changdeokgung Palace was recognized as a World Cultural Heritage site by the UNESCO World Cultural Heritage Committee in December of 1997 during the committee meeting in Naples, Italy.
  
  Changdeokgung Palace was one of the places visited by the first ladies of the Seoul G20 summit during the G20 conference in Seoul in November 2010. It is one of the most historically significant attractions that represent the beauty of Korea.
  
  **Click here for more information on Changdeokgung Palace, a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
  
  Closed
  Mondays
  
  Operating Hours
  [Palace Tour]
  Feb-May, Sep-Oct 09:00-18:00
  Jun-Aug 09:00-18:30
  Nov-Jan 09:00-17:30
  * Last admission: 1 hour before closing
  
  [Huwon Tour (Guided Tour only)]
  Mar-May, Sept-Oct 10:00-17:30
  June-Aug 10:00-18:00
  Feb, Nov 10:00-17:00
  Dec-Jan 10:00-16:30
  * Last tour: 1hr 30min before closing
  
  Parking Facilities
  Use paid parking lot available nearby
  
  Admission Fees
  [Changdeokgung Palace]
  Adults (ages 25-64): 3,000 won / Group (over 10 people): 2,400 won
  Students (ages 24 and under): Free (* Except for foreign visitors)
  * Free admission to Changdeokgung Palace: Refer to the homepage for free admission information.
  * Discount admission ticket: Jongno residents (50% discount) (* Must present an ID card.)
  
  [Special Ticket]
  Long-term admission: 30,000 won (For regular entrance only)
  - Expires one month after date of purchase / One portrait photo must be submitted. / Admission available only for purchased palace
  
  Lunch hour admission: 5,000 won (For regular entrance only)
  - Admission hours: 12:00 - 14:00 / Limited to 10 times for use anytime during 3 months after date of purchase. (Applicants are limited to office workers near the palace or residents in the area. / Admission available only for purchased palace)
  
  [Combination Ticket]
  - Admission to the Four Palaces (Changdeokgung Palaces (including Huwon, Secret Garden), Changgyeonggung Palace, Deoksugung Palace, Gyeongbokgung Palace) and Jongmyo Shrine.
  - Ticket price: 10,000 won per person (Valid for 3 months after date of purchase)
  - Ticketing is available at the ticketing booth of the four palaces and Jongmyo Shirine.
  * To visit Huwon (special tour) of Changceokgung Palace, visitors must make online reservation or get the on-site ticket on first-come, first-served basis as admission is limited.
  
  * Huwon Tour (Secret Garden)
  Adults (ages 25-64) 8,000 won
  Young adults (ages 19-24) 5,000 won
  Children and Teenagers (ages 7-18): 2,500 won
  Groups of 10 people or more: 7,400 won
  * Free admission: Children (ages 6 or under) / People with disabilities / Men of national merits
  * Discount ticket is available for Jongno residents (50% discount / ID card required)
  
  Available Facilities
  Benches, water fountain, shaded rest areas, snack bar
  
  Restrooms
  Available
  
  Interpretation Services Offered
  [Changdeokgung Palace Guided Tour]
  English: 10:15, 13:15 (twice a day)
  Japanese: 11:00 (once a day)
  Chinese: 10:00, 16:00 (twice a day)
  Tour Route: Donhwanmun Gate → Palace Chambers → Geumcheongyo Bridge → Injeongjeon Hall → Seonjeongjeon Hall → Huijeongdang House → Daejojeon Hall → Nakseonjae
  Length of tour: Approx. 60 min.
  Start point: Inside Donhwamun Gate, in front of information map
  * Schedule and route are subject to change due to weather conditions.
  
  [Huwon Garden Guided Tour]
  English: 10:30, 11:30, 14:30 / Feb-Nov 15:30
  Japanese: 13:30
  Chinese: 12:30
  Tour route: Huwon Entrance → Buyongji Pond → Bullomun Gate & Aeryeonji Pond → Jondeokjeong Pavilion & Pyeomusa House → Ongnyucheon Stream → Yeonggyeongdang House
  * Schedule and route are subject to change due to weather conditions.
  Length of tour: Approx. 90 min.
  Start point: Hamyangmun Gate (approx. 10 min walk from Changdeokgung Palace)
  * Koreans can participate in the interpreted guided tour only when accompanying a foreigner.
  
  Reservation Info. for Foreigners
  Online or on-site reservations (on a first-come, first served basis) are required for the Huwon Tour (Secret Garden area).
  
  * There are only 100 tickets available for each tour. 50 for internet booking in advance and
    the remaining 50 are sold at a ticket office on the day.
  * Please make an online reservation (max. 50 people). (Korean, English, Japanese, and Chinese)
  * On-site reservations start at 09:00.
  
  
  Baby Stroller Rentals
  8 strollers available at Donhwamun Gate
  
  Pets
  Not permitted
  
  

• Tourist Sites

  • 

    Jongno Cheonggye Special Tourist Zone (종로 청계 관광특구)

    Region : Jongno-gu Seoul
    Type : Amusement Parks/ Tourist Resorts
    Jongno Cheonggye Special Tourist Zone stretches 3.4km from Seorin-dong between Cheonggyecheon Stream and Jongro and Changsin-dong. It includes Youth Street, Gwa...

  • 

    Changdeokgung Injeongmun Gate (창덕궁 인정문)

    Region : Jongno-gu Seoul
    Type : Palaces/ Fortresses/ Gates
    Serving as the main gate of Injeongjeon Hall, Injeongmun Gate was established in 1405 (5th year of King Taejo’s reign during the Joseon Dynasty). Later on, the ...

  • 

    Insa Art Space (인사미술공간)

    Region : Jongno-gu Seoul
    Type : Art Museums/ Art Galleries
    Insa Art Space was established by the government to support artists who are experiencing financial difficulties. Opened on May 26th, 2000, the total exhibi...

  • 

    Nakseonjae Hall (낙선재)

    Region : Jongno-gu Seoul
    Type : Palaces/ Fortresses/ Gates
    Located inside Changdeokgung Palace, Nakseonjae Hall is a one-storey structure built in ikgong style (bird wing-shaped eaves placed on top of the pillars) with ...

  • 

    Hyangnamu Tree in Changdeokgung Palace (창덕궁 향나무)

    Region : Jongno-gu Seoul
    Type : Rare Animals/ Plants/Spectacular Cliffs & Rock Formations
    Hyangnamu or 'Aromatic Tree' in Changdeokgung Palace is estimated to be about 700 years old, meaning it had likely been planted before the palace was built. It ...

• Accommodation

  • 

    Dajayon Guest House (다자연한옥스테이)

    Region : Jongno-gu Seoul
    Type : Hanok
    Dajayon Guest House is very conveniently located at the center of downtown Seoul. It’s within 2 minutes away from Jongno 3-ga Station on Subway Lines 1, 3, and...

  • 

    Ultari Hostel (울타리호스텔(울타리컴퍼니))

    Region : Jongno-gu Seoul
    Type : Inn/Motel
    Ultari Hostel is located between Jongno 3-ga Station and Anguk Station of Seoul Subway, giving easy access to famous tourist attractions in and near Jongno. Th...

  • 

    The Place Seoul (traditional Korean-style guesthouse) (멀티스페이스 곳)

    Region : Jongno-gu Seoul
    Type : Hanok
    “The Place Seoul” is located in a small alley in Gyedong-gil, Jongno-gu, Seoul. It is a guesthouse made by remodeling an 80-year-old traditional Korean house. ...

  • 

    Cheong Yeon Jae Hanok Hotel (청연재)

    Region : Jongno-gu Seoul
    Type : Hanok
    Located around the tourist information center in Bukchon Hanok Village in Jongno-gu, which is famous as the noblemen”s residential area during the Joseon Dynast...

  • 

    Rakkojae (락고재 서울)

    Region : Jongno-gu Seoul
    Type : Hanok
    Located in Bukchon, surrounded by Bugaksan Mountain between Gyeongbokgung Palace and Changdeokgung Palace, Rakkojae Seoul is one of the first hanok accommodati...

• Restaurants

  • 

    Baengnyeon Samgyetang (백년토종삼계탕)

    Region : Jongno-gu Seoul
    Type : Korean Food
    Baengnyeon Samgyetang is a traditional restaurant that specializes in samgye-tang (ginseng chicken soup), and is located at the entrance to Bukchon Hanok Villa...

  • 

    Luden Loquen SPACE (Cafe LN) (카페LN)

    Region : Jongno-gu Seoul
    Type : Bars/ Cafes/ Clubs
    Luden Loquen SPACE (Cafe LN) is a unique hanok cafe, located at the end of the alley where Bukchon Hanok Village starts. The cafe is not just an average café wh...

  • 

    Dining in Space (다이닝 인 스페이스)

    Region : Jongno-gu Seoul
    Type : Western Food
    Dining in Space is a resturant overlooking Changdeokgung Palace and serving course meals of French cuisine.

  • 

    Chanyangjip (찬양집)

    Region : Jongno-gu Seoul
    Type : Korean Food
    A popular attraction since the early 1970’s, this rather shabby and hard-to-spot restaurant has attracted many customers with its representative menu item, haem...

  • 

    Keungiwajip (큰기와집)

    Region : Jongno-gu Seoul
    Type : Korean Food
    Keungiwajip is a Korean restaurant specializing in seafood and set menus. The most popular dish is ganjang gejang (soy sauce marinated crab). Located within clo...

• Shopping

  • 

    Jilsiru (Rice Cake Café) (떡카페 질시루)

    Region : Jongno-gu Seoul
    Type : Shops/Malls
    Jilsiru is a modern cafe serving a panoply of traditional snacks. Customers may enjoy the wide variety of tteok (rice cake), hangwa (Korean traditional sweets &...

  • 

    Gogungmasil (고궁마실)

    Region : Jongno-gu Seoul
    Type : Shops/Malls
    Gogungmasil is a hanbok rental shop located near Changgyeonggung Palace. Visitors can rent hanbok from Gogungmasil before going on a palace tour to Changgyeongg...

  • 

    Saint James Boutique Samcheong (세인트제임스 삼청점)

    Region : Jongno-gu Seoul
    Type : Shops/Malls
    Located in Samcheong-ro, Jongno-gu, Seoul, Saint James Samcheong opened in July 2016. With its large, transparent glass façade, the store is very much a part of...

  • 

    Eunnamu (은나무)

    Region : Jongno-gu Seoul
    Type : Craft Workshops
    Eunnamu specializes in accessories, focusing on the beauty of simple nature and natural lines. It applies Korean traditional patterns to its accessories. The ma...

  • 

    Jilkyungyee Uriot, Inc. (질경이 삼청점)

    Region : Jongno-gu Seoul
    Type : Shops/Malls
    Located at the entrance of Samcheong-dong Street in Jongno-gu, Seoul, Jilkyungyee Uriot Samcheong Branch specializes in daily hanbok. Housed in a free-standing ...

• Transportation
  Directions
  [Subway]
  Anguk Station (Seoul Subway Line 3), Exit 3. 
  Walk straight from the exit (towards east) for about 5-min to arrive at the palace entrance. 
  
  [Bus]
  Take any of the following buses and get off at Changgyeonggung Palace Bus Stop.
  - Blue Bus No. 100, 102, 104, 106, 107, 108, 140, 143, 150, 151, 160, 162, 301, 710
  - Airport Bus No. 6011
  
  

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