Changdeokgung Secret Garden

It was fun to discover another palace-type sightseeing spot 🤩. I used Google Maps this time — it directed me to take a bus even though I was already nearby, but I chose to walk instead to see and feel the area. The surrounding wall is long, and there are some nice cafés and bars nearby (about a 10–20 minute walk from the ticketing office) if you’d like to rest or people-watch. I visited on a Sunday after having fun exploring Ikseon-dong Hanok Village. I’d suggest buying the ticket for the Secret Garden in advance — it was sold out when I got there! 🥺. Note that the general admission timing is also allocated, so do plan ahead. Make sure you wear comfortable shoes for walking and supporting your weight. Bring water and an umbrella too if you don’t want to be dehydrated 😉. 2 stars because I didn’t get to go in, but I did enjoy exploring the neighborhood.

Peaceful gardens next to Changdeokgung Palace. The gardens offer something different to the other palaces. I recommend you book in advance online. We visited on a Sunday in early September and there were plenty of tickets available online two days before (Friday). When I checked the day before (Saturday), most of the slots were booked up with only 1 ticket remaining. You enter with a guided tour but have the option to separate. We spent just over an hour in the gardens exploring at a leisurely pace.

This attraction was less a garden and more of a historical insight to the former kings and the architecture of the ancient buildings on site. While beautiful on it's own, I would recommend a tour, which require a reservation. This is deep inside the palace structures so get their early and wear comfortable shoea.

Need to reserve a place for a guided tour in advance to access the secret garden. Visitors are required to follow the tour guide in the garden and free exploration is not allowed on the tour. However, after the tour ends, visitors can stay and freely explore the area. The tour guide was very professional, knowledgeable and eloquent. She introduced the political history of the Joseon dynasty, which included the life of its emperors and its relations with neighboring countries (primarily China and Japan). I highly recommend booking the guided tour.

The Secret Garden is a historical haven, offers a captivating glimpse into royal life and serene landscapes. It is a separate admission section of the palace, with timed-entry tickets and re-entry is not allowed. We bought our tickets here for the English guided tour. The guide speaks good English. There were 2 guides helping with crowd control, which was necessary. Highlights: * Buyongji Pond (芙蓉池 부용지): A small, historically lotus-filled pond symbolizing "square earth, round sky," once enjoyed by royalty for fishing and boating. * Yeonghwadang Pavilion (영화당 暎花堂) : Beautiful hip-roofed pavilion by the pond, a former site for royal banquets and exams, once surrounded by vibrant flowers. * Eosumun Gate (어수문 魚水門): Exquisite gate to the Royal Library, symbolizing the King's bond with his people ("like fish and water"), sadly inaccessible to the public. * Juhamnu Pavilion (주합루 宙合樓): The Royal Library on top of the hill. * Aeryeonji Pond (애련지 愛蓮池): True to its name ("love lotus"), this pond is filled with lotus, reflecting purity and integrity, with a small, secluded pavilion. * Jondeokjeong Pavilion (존덕정 or 尊德亭): The garden's grandest pavilion with unique double hexagonal roofs and dragon carvings, signifying "respect virtue" and royal authority. * Pyeomusa Pavilion (평우사 or 砭愚榭): Once a study spot for the Crown Prince ("enlighten the foolish"), its pillars feature a poem beautifully describing the Secret Garden's charm. The Secret Garden isn't just a stroll, it's a carefully curated experience. Embrace the history, appreciate the symbolism, worth spending the hour for an unforgettable journey through royal tranquility.

Not traditional gardens in the western sense. More like a park with old trees and buildings. Very calm and relaxing in the middle of the big city hustle and bustle. The tickets are very reasonable.

When the tour guide tells you Korea loves their trees she wasn't kidding. Trees are superior! Worth the ticket to enjoy a palace garden. It's not like a western garden, it's hilly!

This is the palace to visit if you have limited time. Great architecture and the secret garden is well worth the additional fee 10,000 Won. You will need to queue for garden tickets just before the tours start.