Changdeokgung Palace: Tickets, Secret Garden & Discover Seoul Pass Inclusion
2 - 3.5 h (palace + Secret Garden tour)
UNESCO World Heritage Joseon Dynasty Royal Palace
Built 1405; UNESCO-listed 1997
99 Yulgok-ro, Jongno District, Seoul, South Korea
Planning to visit Changdeokgung Palace?
Compare ticket and city-pass options for this attraction.
Practical Visitor Info & Tips
₩3,000 (Adult, palace only)
Free palace admission for ages 18 and under and 65 and over
Open most days with seasonal variation; closed on Mondays.
No booking needed for the palace itself. The Huwon (Secret Garden) can only be visited on a timed, guide-led tour with capped daily capacity per session — roughly half the spots are released online in advance via the official Integrated Reservation Service (opening 6 days ahead) and roughly half sold same-day at the ticket office. Advance booking is strongly recommended, as sessions can sell out, especially in autumn foliage season.
| Option | Price | Booking | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Palace, adult | ₩3,000 | At the gate, no reservation needed | |
| Palace, ages 18 and under / 65 and over | Free | No ticket needed | |
| Huwon (Secret Garden) guided tour, adult | ₩5,000 | Online in advance (opens 6 days ahead) or same-day at the ticket office, subject to availability | |
| Huwon (Secret Garden) guided tour, ages 7-18 | ₩2,500 | Same as adult | |
| Palace with Discover Seoul Pass | Included | Confirmed free entry; Secret Garden is separate |
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Ticket Options
₩3,000 (Adult, palace only)
Check whether a city pass already covers this attraction before buying separately.
See pass compatibility below ↓Overview & History
Changdeokgung Palace, a UNESCO World Heritage Site inscribed in 1997, was built in 1405 as a secondary palace and later served as the primary royal residence for much of the Joseon dynasty. Unlike Gyeongbokgung's rigid, symmetrical layout, Changdeokgung's halls and pavilions were built to follow the natural contours of the hillside terrain behind it. Its rear garden, the Huwon ("Secret Garden"), is a sprawling landscaped garden of pavilions, ponds, and centuries-old trees, visitable only on a timed, guide-led tour separate from general palace admission.
What to See: Top Highlights
Injeongjeon Throne Hall
The palace's main throne hall, a National Treasure, used for major state ceremonies and enthronements.
Huwon (Secret Garden)
A rear royal garden of pavilions, a lotus pond, and old-growth trees, visited only by guided tour with capped daily capacity.
Naturally Contoured Layout
Unlike Gyeongbokgung's symmetrical plan, Changdeokgung's buildings follow the hillside's natural terrain — a design UNESCO specifically cited in its listing.
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Location & Google Maps
Is Changdeokgung Palace Included on the Discover Seoul Pass?
Compare Seoul PassesYes for the main palace — confirmed free admission with the Discover Seoul Pass. The Huwon (Secret Garden) guided tour is a separate, additional paid ticket not covered by the pass.
Discover Seoul Pass
Confirmed free palace entry; Secret Garden tour booked and paid separately.
Individual ticket
Buy palace admission at the gate; book the Secret Garden tour online in advance.
Book tours & tickets
SponsoredProvided by our commercial partner GetYourGuide — bookings made through this section may earn LocalExperiences a commission. See our Editorial Transparency page.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Changdeokgung Palace included with the Discover Seoul Pass?
How much does it cost to visit without a pass?
Do I need to book the Secret Garden in advance?
What makes Changdeokgung different from Gyeongbokgung?
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