Changdeokgung Palace is one of the five palaces built by the kings of the Joseon Dynasty. Construction of Changdeokgung Palace started in 1405, and was completed in 1412.
At Changdeokgung Palace there are things to see such as Donhwamun Gate, Geumcheongyo Bridge (which is the oldest bridge still in existence in Seoul, built 1411) and Injeongjeon Hall.
However the main attraction, in my opinion, is the Secret Garden. You have to buy an extra ticket for it and can only access it together with a guide in a group, but it is absolutely worth it.
The 78-acre garden was originally constructed for the use of the royal family and palace women.
The garden incorporates a lotus pond, pavilions, and landscaped lawns, trees and flowers. The surroundings and the palace itself are well matched. There are over 26,000 specimens of a hundred different species of trees in the garden and some of the trees behind the palace are now over 300 years old.
The garden that was extremely private space for the king had been called ‘Geumwon’ (Forbidden garden) because even high officials could not dare to come in without king’s permission.
Opening hours:
April – October 09:00 – 18:30
March & November 09:00 – 17:30
December – February 09:00 – 17:00
How to get to Changdeokgung Palace:
There are many subway stations located nearby:
– From Exit #3 of Anguk Subway Station (Seoul Subway Line No. 3), walk 5 minutes.
– From Exit #6 of Jongno 3-ga Subway Station (Seoul Subway Line No. 1, 3 and 5), walk 10 minutes.
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