2026 Changdeokgung Palace and Secret Garden Seoul Travel Guide
Among Seoul’s five royal palaces, Changdeokgung Palace is especially admired for the harmonious way its traditional buildings blend with the surrounding landscape. Rather than following a perfectly straight and symmetrical layout, the palace was designed around natural hills, valleys, forests, and streams. As a result, visitors encounter a different view each time they turn a corner or pass through a gate. The rear garden, commonly known as the Secret Garden or Huwon, is one of the palace’s greatest highlights. It contains peaceful landmarks such as Buyongji Pond, Juhamnu Pavilion, Aeryeonji Pond, and Yeongyeongdang Hall. Reservations are particularly competitive during spring, when the garden is covered in fresh greenery, and autumn, when the leaves change color. However, admission to the main palace area and the Secret Garden is handled separately. Visitors should check the opening hours, ticket rules, and reservation process before arriving. This guide covers admission fees, Secre...