🏯 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.
📍 Changdeokgung 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 guided tour for exclusive access to royal pavilions and ponds
- 🌳 Spot centuries-old trees, lotus ponds, and hidden rest areas
- 👘 Rent a hanbok and take majestic photos with fewer crowds than Gyeongbokgung
📸 Best Photo Spots in Changdeokgung & Huwon
- Donhwamun Gate
The majestic main gate of Changdeokgung.
📸 Photo tip: Frame the gate with the stone bridge and surrounding trees for a balanced, historical look. - Buyongji Pond (Secret Garden)
A peaceful lotus pond with a charming pavilion — a favorite among photographers.
📸 Photo tip: Go during spring or autumn for colorful foliage reflections in the water. - Aeryeonjeong Pavilion
A hidden pavilion deep in the garden, surrounded by towering trees.
📸 Why go: This spot looks like a scene from a historical drama — quiet, poetic, and very Korean. - Juhamnu Pavilion & Library (Secret Garden)
An old royal library with a view — kings once read and reflected here.
📸 Photo tip: Take a side-angle shot of the two-story pavilion rising above the garden. - Nakseonjae Complex
An elegant, less-crowded part of the palace with lovely hanok structures.
📸 Why go: Great lighting and textures for hanbok photos or calm portraits.
🎭 Cultural Experience Tips
- Hanbok rentals available near Anguk Station. Popular shops:
👘Oneday Hanbok
👘Hanboknam Changdeokgung Branch - Visit early (10AM) for peaceful garden tours and better photo ops
- Secret Garden tours are in small groups — book online in advance
- Bring comfortable shoes — there’s lots of walking, including hilly paths
🗺️ Nearby Attractions Worth Exploring
- 🏛️Jongmyo Shrine
UNESCO-listed and just a 5–10‑minute walk away. Explore ancient royal rituals and traditional music. English guided tours during weekends.🔗 More info - 🏙️ Ikseon-dong Hanok Village
This hip + cozy neighborhood near Changdeokgung combines hanok cafes, indie shops, and artsy cafés—perfect for foodies and Urbancore photos.🔗 More info - 🏞️ Cheonggyecheon Stream
A restored city stream just 5–10 minutes from the palace, ideal for a relaxing stroll or quick bike ride along the water. 🔗More info - 🍱 Tongin Market Dosirak Café
Just a short walk from the palace, this retro market lets you use old-style coin tokens to assemble personalized lunch boxes full of authentic Korean dishes.🔗 More info - 🌿 Suggested Itinerary: Half-Day Perfect
Changdeokgung (incl. Secret Garden) → Tongin Market lunch → Jongmyo Shrine walk → Coffee break in Ikseon-dong
🍁 Bonus: End your day with a peaceful sunset by Cheonggyecheon.
🍽️ Must-Eat Local Dishes Near Changdeokgung (Jongno Delicacies)
After exploring the palace and Secret Garden, treat yourself to a taste of Korean tradition — literally! Here are a few local favorites just a short walk from Changdeokgung Palace, perfect for a royal-level meal:
- 🥢Gwangjang Market’s Bindaetteok(빈대떡)
• What to try: Crispy mung bean pancakes served with dipping soy sauce and makgeolli (rice wine)
• Why go: A quick 10-min taxi or 20-min walk from Insadong, this buzzing market is the best place to taste local street food like bindaetteok, mayak gimbap, and japchae
• Location: 88 Changgyeonggung-ro, Jongno-gu, Seoul
📍 Tip: Head to Soonheene Bindaetteok (순희네 빈대떡) — one of the most famous stalls there!
🔗 Soonheene at Gwangjang Market on Google Map - 🍜 Imun Seolleongtang (이문설농탕)
• What to try: Milky beef bone soup with rice and chopped green onions
• Why go: The oldest restaurant in Seoul (since 1907!), serving authentic seolleongtang for over 100 years
• Location: 38-13 Ujeongguk-ro, Jongno-gu, Seoul (about 5 mins walk from Insadong)
📍 Tip: Locals season their soup at the table — just salt, pepper, and green onions!
🔗 Imun Seolleongtang onGoogle Map - ❄️ Woo Lae Oak(우래옥) – Pyongyang Naengmyeon (Optional Add-on)
• What to try: Chilled buckwheat noodles in a savory cold broth
• Why go: A legendary restaurant that serves one of the most famous Pyongyang-style naengmyeon dishes in Seoul
• Location: 62-29 Changgyeonggung-ro, Jung-gu (taxi ride away)
📍 Tip: Order a side of grilled bulgogi to pair with the noodles for a perfect balance 🔗 Woo Lae Oak on Google Map
💡 Foodie Tip
For an authentic local experience, combine your palace visit with a simple but soul-soothing bowl of sujebi or gukbap nearby.
These dishes are especially great after a peaceful walk through the Secret Garden!
Wanna know the must-try foods in Seoul’s different neighborhoods? Hit the link below!
🎬 K‑Drama Filming Locations
Changdeokgung and the Secret Garden have appeared in many K-dramas and films, including:
- The Moon Embracing the Sun (해를 품은 달)
- Kingdom (킹덤)
- Love in the Moonlight (구르미 그린 달빛)
- Goblin (도깨비)
Its tranquil beauty makes it a go-to for scenes filled with royal drama and emotional reflection.
✨ 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