EasyTicket Changdeokgung Palace (Rear Garden requires advance reservation)
📍 와룡동, Seoul
Built in 1405 as a secondary palace to Gyeongbokgung Palace, it was the first palace restored after the Imjin War and effectively served as the main royal palace for about 270 years. Its defining feature is the way the buildings were placed along the hills and valleys without cutting down the natural terrain.
This natural layout was highly regarded, leading to its inscription as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1997. The palace-building area from Donhwamun Gate through Injeongjeon Hall to Daejojeon Hall can be explored freely with a regular admission ticket.
Huwon Rear Garden behind the palace is a separate area where Buyongji Pond, Aeryeonji Pond, Gwallamji Pond, and Ongnyucheon Stream unfold through the valleys. Visitor numbers are limited by session, and the tour follows a guide for about 70 minutes, so you need to book tickets in advance.
Visitor information
| Address | 서울특별시 종로구 율곡로 99 (와룡동) |
|---|---|
| Opening hours | February~May and September~October 09:00~18:00 / June~August 09:00~18:30 / November~January 09:00~17:30 (last admission one hour before the palace closes) |
| Closed days | Every Monday |
| Admission | Palace buildings: adults 3,000 won; Huwon is an extra 5,000 won (a palace ticket is required even to visit Huwon) |
| Reservations | Online reservations for Huwon open at 10:00 a.m. six days before the visit; separate on-site tickets are sold for each session |
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Directions on KakaoMap ↗Opening hours and prices can change.
Useful tips
- Huwon Rear Garden tickets open at 10 a.m. six days before the visit date and tend to sell out quickly.
- You also need a palace-building admission ticket for the Huwon Rear Garden tour, so make sure you have both tickets.
- The Huwon Rear Garden guided course takes about 70 minutes, so bring water and comfortable shoes.
- It is closed on Mondays, so on that day it's better to switch your plans to Gyeongbokgung Palace or Jongmyo Shrine.
- From Exit 3 of Anguk Station on Line 3, it is a 5-minute walk to Donhwamun Gate.
Frequently asked questions
Is there nothing I can do if I fail to reserve Huwon Rear Garden?
About half of each session's capacity is sold on-site the same day. If you go to the ticket office around opening time, you may be able to get a remaining session, and simply touring the palace buildings is also an option.
