I visited Changdeokgung Palace during a trip to Seoul, and it ended up being one of my favorite places in the city. Compared to the other palaces, it feels much more peaceful and less crowded, which made the experience a lot more enjoyable. What really stood out to me was how well it blends with nature instead of overpowering it. The buildings are beautiful but not overly flashy, and the surrounding trees, hills, and gardens make everything feel calm and balanced. The highlight was definitely the Secret Garden (Huwon). You do have to join a guided tour to enter, but it’s completely worth it. Walking through the garden felt like stepping back in time, with quiet ponds, old pavilions, and carefully designed landscapes. It’s especially nice if you go in the fall or spring. Overall, I’d recommend visiting this palace if you want something a bit more relaxed and authentic compared to the more tourist-heavy spots. It’s a great place to slow down, take photos, and just enjoy the atmosphere. I’d definitely come back again if I’m in Seoul.

+3

Changdeokgung palace is one of the five grand palaces in Seoul, and it is one of the most famous and popular of the five, so it can be crowded at times. This palace is very walkable and large, and it is fulled of beautiful buildings with Chinese characters and designs etched on them. The secret garden - which we didn’t go - seems like it is worth a visit.

+3

Donkey and I headed to Changdeokgung Palace after breakfast – it was conveniently close by so we made it our next stop on our itinerary. The admission process was very efficient even though we arrived after visiting other spots earlier in the day. For both of us the total cost was sixteen thousand won which is excellent value for a UNESCO World Heritage site of this standard. The palace is a protected heritage location and the way the architecture has been preserved is truly impressive. You can explore most of the main palace grounds on your own at whatever pace suits you. However the famous Secret Garden requires joining a guided tour with set entry times. We booked our spot and the tour lasted around one hour – it was both educational and wonderfully peaceful to walk through the garden. The scheduled entry times for the garden are actually a great thing as they keep the area from getting too crowded. This ensures everyone can enjoy the space in a calm, serene environment. We learned so much about the palace’s history and the traditional landscape design during our visit. If you appreciate historical sites and beautiful gardens this is definitely a must see when in Seoul. RATINGS Historical Significance: 5/5 Value for Money: 5/5 Visitor Experience: 5/5 Overall Rating: 5/5

+3

This was such a beautiful and historic place. The palace grounds are very well maintained, the area is huge and lovely to walk around, the secret garden is connected to easily accessible as well. It is definitely a recommended visit during your trip to Seoul. The architecture is beautiful and it will truly give you a view into how the last monarchy of Korea really lived.

+3

One of the best palaces in Seoul, and definitely underrated compared to Gyeongbokgung Palace. It’s much less touristy, and usually only gets busier when Gyeongbokgung is closed. It’s a far more enjoyable place for taking pictures because you can actually appreciate the atmosphere without dealing with huge crowds. The scenery is also beautiful. One section is very open and spacious, while another is filled with trees, flowers, a small pond, and a lovely garden that makes the palace feel peaceful and relaxing. You can even catch views of N Seoul Tower while strolling around the grounds.

+3