[2025 Seoul Attraction] Travel Guide for Changdeokgung Secret Garden (Updated Mar)

#seoul The Secret Garden was first constructed during the reign of King Taejong, who ruled from 1400 to 1418. Its location allowed access from either Changdeokgung Palace or adjacent Changgyeonggung Palace.The royal family has used the garden as a place of rest since the reign of King Taejong. They would come here to contemplate life, write poems, and hold banquets. The garden was also used as an archery range and as the location of military drills.

#seoul Changdeokgung and its Secret Garden actually served as the primary royal residence from the early 1600s to1800s. It’s a UNESCO World Heritage Site, one of the most significant Korean landmarks, and the best preserved of all the palaces.The Secret Garden was used for everything from banquets to recreation and even some farming throughout the centuries. Visitors to Secret Garden are required to join a guided tour.

#seoul Huwon Garden, also known as the Secret Garden, is a highlight of the Changdeokgung Palace. The Secret Garden is a vast and beautiful garden located in the palace complex that was once a private retreat for the royal family. We totally enjoyed the tranquillity and beauty of the garden, featuring stunning landscapes, lotus ponds, and ancient trees. There are also several structures within the garden that are still in their original state, such as the Buyongjeong Pavilion and the Juhamnu Pavilion. The Huwon Tour is available in various languages, which provide interesting historical and cultural insights. #Southkorea

First time going to Secret Garden in Changdeok-gung, South Korea. The weather and view in Fall is so good. Really love this place 🍁🍂

#fallingforfall 📍 Changdeokgung Palace & Secret Garden 📍 창덕궁과 후원 Changdeokgung Palace is one of the Joseon Dynasty's royal palaces with the best preservation. It was added to the UNESCO World Heritage list in 1997 and is considered a masterpiece of Korean palace architecture with its buildings in excellent harmony with nature. It takes on a magnificent view in the autumn season. #secretgarden #autumn #colorfulscenery #palace #changdeokgungpalace #southkorea #seoul

#fallingforfall 🍂 It’s part of Changdeokgung, the secret garden was served as the resting area for royal families. During autumn, guests are allowed to visit here ti admire the fall foliage. I love the path to the garden as it feels so peaceful and you can get to see the majesty of autumn in all its glorious colour. ⏰ Best time to visit: The Secret Garden at Changdeokgung is gorgeous all through autumn, but there are peak times for the best foliage. Typically, in Seoul, the peak of autumn is near the end of October. To see the Secret Garden at its most colourful, I recommend visiting between mid-October to mid-November at the latest.

Located at the inner part of Changdeokgung, the secret garden is built during King Taejong's reign and served as the resting area for royal families. Usually only allow 100 tickets per day for visitatationq with a guide, but it allows free visitation during autumn period. A very splendid area to enjoy autumn foliage due to the less number of tourists and one can really catch some stunning pictures and enjoy the serenity of autumn.

Changdeokgung Secret Garden 💙🏞 I visited the rear garden of Changdeokgung Palace, the pride of our country, a world cultural heritage site👫🏻 I even rented a hanbok and enjoyed the atmosphere👘 Even in my vague memories of going there when I was young, it was so beautiful, and when I went again, it was just as good💚 The scale and aesthetic elements are all overwhelming, just like a palace! . 📍You have to get online tickets for Changdeokgung Secret Garden on a first-come, first-served basis! It usually sells out within 30 seconds. Due to COVID-19, there are currently no special tours with guides, and the rear garden is also free to visit until the next announcement! #SeoulTravel #HanokScenery #PalaceTour #Changdeokgung #ChangdeokgungBackyard #ChangdeokgungSecretWard #Jongno-guTravel #SeoulPalace

Seoul is a city where history and modernity coexist. If you are interested in exploring its historical side, you can spend a day visiting its royal palaces and museums while enjoying local cuisine at Lotte Department Store. This itinerary focuses on experiencing the heritage of Korea’s capital efficiently. 📍 Itinerary Overview This itinerary is designed for travelers who want to explore Seoul’s historical landmarks within a single day. The plan includes visits to the most significant palaces and museums, offering insight into Korea’s royal history and cultural heritage. Morning: Gyeongbokgung Palace & National Palace Museum of Korea Afternoon: Changdeokgung Palace & Bukchon Hanok Village Evening: Lotte Department Store for Dinner 🏖️ Must-Visit Attractions • Gyeongbokgung Palace: The most significant and well-preserved royal palace in Seoul. • Changdeokgung Palace & Secret Garden: Known for its harmonious integration with nature. • Bukchon Hanok Village: A traditional residential area showcasing historic Korean architecture. • National Palace Museum of Korea: Offers detailed insights into royal culture and artifacts. 💡 Tips • Wear comfortable shoes: There will be a lot of walking. • Check palace schedules: Some sites have specific tour times. • Rent a hanbok: Many shops near Gyeongbokgung offer traditional Korean clothing rentals, allowing free palace entry. • Arrive early: Tourist spots can become crowded by midday.

#Seoul Itinerary Changdeokgung Palace 📍Address: 99 Yulgok-ro, Jongno District, Seoul, South Korea 🕰️Business hours: 9am-5pm (Mon off) 💰Average consumption: 3000 won (free entry if wearing hanbok) 1) If you plan to visit more than one palace, you may consider purchasing the Royal Palace Pass 2) There is also a back garden in Changdeokgung Palace, which requires separate tickets 3) Filming location of the Korean drama "Red Sleeves" starring Lee Junho and Lee Seyoung

#koreatrip Took the tour, which started in 15 mins and ran/speed walked over to the starting point. It was a lovely tour, informative with lots of fun tidbits about k-dramas filmed there too! We got plenty of time to take photos and it was otherwise a pretty quiet little tour.The garden is well cared within the palace area. You can not enter without booking for the tour from the palace website which can be made 1 week beforehand. There are only around 3 time slots per day for English tour. However, once getting inside, you can roam freely on your own, following the tour guide is not compulsory unless you want to hear stories regarding each structures and buildings.

📍Address: 99 Yulgok-ro, Jongno District, Seoul, South Korea Changdeokgung's Secret Garden (Huwon) I always seem to visit at the wrong time. The first time I went was about ten years ago in April, hoping to see beautiful cherry blossoms, but was greeted by a lush green forest instead. The Chinese tour guide at the time mentioned that each season offers a different kind of beauty. When I visited in October 2024, I expected to see stunning autumn foliage, but the weather was too warm, so the leaves hadn't changed color yet, and the garden was still green. It also happened to be the only rainy day of the week, but fortunately, the rain stopped eventually, allowing us to capture the beauty of the Secret Garden. Since we couldn't book a Chinese tour, we had to join an English tour. Due to the rain, the guide didn't pay much attention to whether we were following along, though normally, the group should stay together. 💰Average cost: ₩5000 per person for a guided tour of the Secret Garden 🕰️Visiting hours: 10:00-17:30, subject to seasonal adjustments

#koreatrip #seoul Visiting Changdeokgung's Secret Garden in autumn is like stepping into a living masterpiece of color and tranquility. The garden, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, transforms into a vibrant tapestry of golden ginkgo leaves, fiery red maples, and rich amber hues. As you wander through its serene pathways, the reflection of autumn foliage on the calm ponds creates a mesmerizing mirror-like effect. Hidden pavilions and ancient trees add to the garden’s timeless charm, offering a perfect blend of natural beauty and architectural elegance. The crisp autumn air and the quiet ambiance make it a peaceful retreat, a moment where history and nature come together in breathtaking harmony.

#Seoul Attractions I have been reading online that the Secret Garden of Chandeok Palace is a must-visit attraction to enjoy the maple leaves in autumn. This time I bought tickets online early and finally got in ❤️ Very moved Buy tickets online are difficult, usually six days in advance can buy, Korean time nine o'clock on sale, two days were grabbed, the third day the server down, fortunately constantly refreshed, Server opened back finally grabbed 3:30 English field ✌️ online to 5000won To get there on time, Chandeok Palace itself tickets 3000 Won, will have a guide, the guide is quite nice, if you are not willing to listen can walk yourself, see many like to take their own pictures to leave the group to take beautiful pictures, the view is quite good, yellow and red intertwined, very romantic

After exploring Changdeokgung Palace to your heart's content, don't leave just yet. This palace has a hidden gem called the Secret Garden, located behind the main palace. The Secret Garden is open for guided tours, with each group requiring a guide. The tour costs 5000 won, and each session is available in different languages, including Korean, Chinese, English, and Japanese. However, you can also explore the garden on your own, which takes about an hour. This enchanting garden has been featured in many TV series and movies. As you enter, you'll be greeted by green-shaded walls, followed by a large lotus pond with a pavilion in front. After passing through, you'll encounter the Bullomun Gate, also known as the Gate of Eternal Youth. Beyond this gate lies an outdoor stage area, which may be open during significant festivals, along with many other picturesque spots perfect for photography.

#parksandgardens I recently had the pleasure of visiting some of the beautiful parks and gardens in South Korea with my partner, thanks to a seamless booking experience on trip.com. The lush greenery and vibrant flowers created a peaceful and romantic atmosphere, making it the perfect destination for a lovely couple's getaway.From the serene pathways of Seonyudo Park to the colorful displays at Changdeokgung Palace Secret Garden, each stop on our itinerary was a feast for the senses. We particularly enjoyed strolling hand in hand through the whimsical sculptures at Haneul Park and admiring the traditional architecture at Namsan Hanok Village.Overall, our trip to South Korea's parks and gardens was a delightful experience that left us feeling rejuvenated and connected. Thanks to trip.com, we were able to discover hidden gems and create lasting memories together. We highly recommend this destination for couples looking to escape the hustle and bustle of everyday life.#busan #jeju

#CherryBlossom2024#2024WishEvent #TravelSupportEvent #RedPlumBlossom #Cornus #Changdeokgung #ChangdeokgungHouwon #ChangdeokgungRedPlumBlossom 📷 This photo was taken on 24.3.27. (I personally think Changdeokgung Donhwamun and Changdeokgung Seongjeonggak are the prettiest) 📍Changdeokgung (99 Yulgok-ro, Jongno-gu, Seoul) ⏰ Everyday 09:00 - 18:00 (February~May, September~October) Admission until 1 hour before closing Closed on Mondays (If the closing day falls on a public holiday, it will be closed the next day) 📞 02-3668-2300 🚻 Restroom available 🅿️ Parking lot available ✔️ Adult admission fee 3,000 won. Free for those 24 and under. Foreigners 3,000 won ✔️ Free admission for those wearing Hanbok ✔️ Changdeokgung rear garden can be entered after making a reservation in advance/on-site . . 🌈More travel information and tips @jji_yeon20

📝Korean Travelogue part6: The Secret Garden of Changdeokgung Palace📝 🖼️🖼️🖼️🖼️ The Secret Garden, also known as the Rear Garden, is the backyard of Changdeokgung Palace, one of the five grand palaces in Seoul. It reminds me a bit of a mini version of the Old Summer Palace. Due to strict admission control, the vegetation is very well-maintained, and there's a sense of tranquility when touring around. When taking photos, you can capture pure landscapes without many people in them. The downside is that you can't freely roam around; you must follow the official guided tour of the park, and there's not much time for you to compose and focus to take beautiful pictures😂 🍃🍃🍃🍃 The scenery is truly beautiful, worthy of being called the most beautiful garden in Korea. At this time, the leaves are all green, which makes one look forward to its appearance in autumn and winter. I want to visit again to see the different seasonal looks of the garden in the fall🍁, winter❄️, and spring🌸. Visited on September 14, 2019

Changdeokgung Palace Rear Garden

#seoul I have joined the guided to the Secret Garden of Changdeokgung Palace . The design of the garden flows naturally with the surrounding nature. The exquisite design is adapted to the topography, geography, and ridges of Mt.Bugaksan. Artificial landscaping is minimal and left untouched to human hands as much as possible. Many of the trees seen here today are over 300 years old. The landscaping and trees are a great example of Joseon Dynasty gardening design.

#seoul Huwon Secret Garden is a rear garden at Changdeokgung Palace that flows naturally with nature and was used as a place of leisure by members of the royal family. At 78 acres, the garden takes up about sixty percent of the palace grounds.The design of the garden flows naturally with the surrounding nature. To see this beautiful garden, visitors need to join a guided tour.

For the second visit to Changdeokgung Palace, I had a slight regret about the secret garden. I only took the time to look at the flowers, thinking that Houyuan is the lotus pond in the door. Who knows when I go back to see the information and discovers that there is still a hole in it. When modern tourists think that it is the back garden, it is actually a natural forest. The royal buildings are distributed in the mountains, have libraries, experience civilian life, and enjoy the summer and other functions. The midday sun brought plenty of sunshine, and in the mountains, the top light turned into light and shadow. Light and shadow take us to walk a period of time. I lifted the skirt and smashed it on the staggered stone road.