🏯 Exploring Changdeokgung & the Secret Garden: A Hidden Royal Escape in Seoul
Step into a serene world of royal elegance and hidden nature at Changdeokgung Palace (창덕궁) — a UNESCO World Heritage Site and home to Korea’s most enchanting royal garden, the Secret Garden (Huwon, 후원).
🕌 What is Changdeokgung Palace?
Changdeokgung is one of the Five Grand Palaces built during the Joseon Dynasty and is best known for its harmony with nature. Unlike Gyeongbokgung’s grandeur, Changdeokgung feels more peaceful and intimate — ideal for travelers who want a more relaxed, scenic cultural experience.
🌿 The highlight? The Secret Garden (Huwon) — a tranquil forest-like area once reserved for kings and queens, now open to the public through guided tours.
📍 Basic Information
- 📍 Address: 99 Yulgok-ro, Jongno-gu, Seoul, South Korea
- 🕘 Opening Hours:
- Palace: 09:00–18:00 (closed Mondays)
- Secret Garden Tour: By reservation only (approx. 90 min)
- 💰 Admission:
- Palace: Adults 3,000 KRW
- Secret Garden: +5,000 KRW (separate ticket)
- 🚇 Subway: Anguk Station (Line 3), Exit 3 → 5-minute walk
- 🔗 Reserve Secret Garden Tour
🌸 Top Things to Do
- 🌿 Stroll through palace halls and stone pathways
- 🔍 Join the Secret Garden tour to see royal pavilions and lotus ponds
- 🌳 Spot ancient trees and hidden rest spots
- 👘 Rent a hanbok and take majestic photos with fewer crowds
📸 Best Photo Spots
- Donhwamun Gate — majestic gate and bridge view
- Buyongji Pond — tranquil lotus reflections
- Aeryeonjeong Pavilion — poetic hidden corner
- Juhamnu Pavilion & Library — side-angle shot of the royal library
- Nakseonjae Complex — hanok structures perfect for portraits
🎭 Cultural Experience Tips
- 👘 Oneday Hanbok
- 👘 Hanboknam Changdeokgung Branch
- 🌄 Visit early for quiet photos
- 🧭 Wear comfy shoes for walking and slopes
🗺️ Nearby Attractions
🍽️ Local Food Recommendations
- 🥢 Bindaetteok at Gwangjang Market → Google Map
- 🍜 Imun Seolleongtang → Google Map
- ❄️ Woo Lae Oak Naengmyeon → Google Map
💡 Combine your palace visit with sujebi or gukbap nearby for the ultimate Korean comfort meal.
🎬 K‑Drama Filming Locations
- The Moon Embracing the Sun
- Kingdom
- Love in the Moonlight
- Goblin
✨ Final Thoughts
Changdeokgung isn’t just a palace — it’s a peaceful time capsule filled with natural beauty, ancient architecture, and secret hideaways. The Secret Garden tour is one of Seoul’s true hidden gems, perfect for travelers craving a quiet escape and unforgettable photos.
🔗 Useful Links
📍 Visit Korea Snap Guide
Discover Korea’s most Instagram-worthy spots, K-drama filming locations, festivals, and local food — curated for global travelers.
👉 koreasnapguide.com