Changdeokgung Palace Place guide

Considered the best preserved of the city’s royal palaces, this UNESCO World Heritage Site boasts a 300-year old mammoth tree, a small pond and a pavilion, and is a must see in Seoul.

Immaculate paintwork and carpentry contribute to a palpable sense of history here – a royal residence until 1910. Changdeokgung completed construction in 1412, but suffered heavy damage during the Japanese invasions of the 1590s.

While Gyeongbokgung was left to rot, Changdeokgung was rebuilt in the 16th century, and later usurped the former as the royal family’s seat. This honor was held until 1872, when it became a symbol of Korea’s opening up to the rest of the world. 

Japanese annexation brought an end to Korea’s long line of kings in the 1900s, although King Sunjong was allowed to live in Changdeokgung until his death in 1926. Although his successors are said to live to this day, claims are contested and the “royals” no longer have legal rights or titles. 

Points of interest:

• The Secret Garden: Also known as Huwon, this site is the palace’s highlight. Approached via a mysterious path, it is concealed by an arch of leaves with a lotus pond at the center. The pond comes alive with colorful flowers in late June or early July, thus making it one of the city’s most photographed sights. A small building overlooks the pond, once a library and study room in imperial times. Tiny gates blocking the entrance path forced people to crouch to pass through, a reminder of his duty to be humble before the king. 
  
  
• Donhwamun: The huge gate dating from 1609 is the first structure you’ll encounter; Seoul’s oldest palace gate. 
  
  
• Throne room: The most regal-looking of any palace in the city. Light from outside filters through paper doors and windows, bathing the elaborate wooden beam structure in a dim glow, as well as the throne and its folding screen backdrop
  
  
• Vintage cars: Daimler and Cadillac models beloved by King Sunjong
  
  
• Nakseonjae: Qing-style building with latticed doors and an arched pavilion, markedly foreign in its design sans the paint and decoration of typical Korean palace buildings

How to get there

• Join a Namdaemun & Changdeokgung Palace Tour
  
  
• Take Subway Line 3 and exit 3 at the Anguk Station, then walk for 5 minutes before reaching your destination.

Yulgongno 99; Open Tues-Sun from Feb-Oct 9am-6pm, Nov-Jan 9am-5.30pm; Secret Garden by tour only, hourly from 10am-4pm; English-language palace tours at 10.30am & 2.30pm, additional fee for the Secret Garden www.eng.cdg.go.kr