Changgyeonggung Palace is Seoul’s best-kept royal secret – a tranquil escape from the city’s hustle where ancient Korean royalty once lived among beautiful gardens and elegant architecture.
While tourists flock to Gyeongbokgung and Changdeokgung Palace, savvy travelers discover that Changgyeonggung offers equally magnificent experiences with fewer crowds and unique attractions like seasonal light shows.
Changgyeonggung Palace Opening Hours
Regular Operating Hours:
- 09:00-17:30 (last entry 16:30)
Closed Days:
- Every Monday (except when Monday is a public holiday)
- January 1st (New Year’s Day)
Changgyeonggung Palace Entrance Fee & Tickets
- Adults (19-64): 1,000 KRW
- Teenagers (13-18): 500 KRW
- Children (7-12): 500 KRW
- Children under 6: FREE
- Seniors (65+): FREE
Ticket Purchase Options:
- On-site: At the palace entrance ticket booth (cash and cards accepted)
- Online: Korean Cultural Heritage Foundation website
- Mobile tickets: Available through tourism apps
- Group discounts: 20+ people get 10% off
Changgyeonggung Palace Entrance & Location
Address: 185 Changgyeonggung-ro, Jongno-gu, Seoul
Getting to Changgyeonggung Palace Entrance:
Subway (Most Convenient):
- Line 4: Hyehwa Station (Exit 4) – 10 minutes walk
- Line 3: Anguk Station (Exit 3) – 15 minutes walk
- Line 1: Jongno 3-ga Station (Exit 6) – 20 minutes walk
Bus Routes:
- Blue buses: 272, 710
- Village buses: Jongno 02, Jongno 03
- Stop: Changgyeonggung Palace front gate
Walking Distance from Other Attractions:
- Changdeokgung Palace: 5 minutes walk (perfect for visiting both in one day)
- Cheonggyecheon Stream: 15 minutes walk
- Insadong: 10 minutes walk
- Bukchon Hanok Village: 20 minutes walk
Changgyeonggung Palace Map & Layout
Main Palace Areas:
- Honghwamun Gate: Main entrance and ticket area
- Myeongjeongjeon Hall: Main throne hall (central courtyard)
- Tongmyeongjeon Hall: Royal living quarters
- Yanghuadang: Beautiful garden pavilion
- Daeonsil Greenhouse: Korea’s first Western-style greenhouse
Garden Sections:
- Front Gardens: Formal palace courtyards
- Rear Gardens: Natural landscapes with ponds and walking paths
- Greenhouse Area: Historic botanical displays
- Cherry Blossom Grove: Spectacular in spring
- Main path: Follow the central stone pathway for key buildings
- Garden loop: Take the rear garden walking trail (30-45 minutes)
- Photo spots: Marked throughout the grounds
- Rest areas: Benches available in garden areas
Changgyeonggung Palace History
Founded: 1418 during the early Joseon Dynasty
Original Purpose: Secondary palace for the royal family
Historical Significance: Home to queens, concubines, and elderly kings
Key Historical Periods
Golden Age (15th-16th centuries):
- Served as primary residence for several Joseon kings
- Center of royal ceremonies and court life
- Famous for innovative architecture and garden design
Japanese Colonial Period Transformation:
- Tragically converted into Changgyeongwon Zoo and botanical garden (1909-1983)
- Most original buildings destroyed or altered
- Symbol of cultural suppression
Modern Restoration (1983-present):
- Careful archaeological restoration based on historical records
- Return to original palace function and layout
- Now protected as UNESCO World Heritage consideration site
Notable Royal Residents:
- King Sejong the Great: Creator of the Korean alphabet (Hangul)
- Queen Inmok: Survived multiple palace intrigue attempts
- Various royal concubines: Who lived in the palace’s residential quarters
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What is the Difference Between Changgyeonggung Palace and Changdeokgung Palace?
Changgyeonggung Palace serves as the quieter, more natural royal experience with its separate entrance creating a peaceful, isolated atmosphere perfect for self-guided exploration.
This secondary palace focuses on royal living quarters and daily life spaces, featuring beautiful natural landscapes, Korea’s historic greenhouse, and stunning cherry blossoms that attract photography enthusiasts and nature lovers seeking quiet contemplation. With just a 1,000 KRW entrance fee, visitors can freely roam the grounds at their own pace.
Changdeokgung Palace, in contrast, operates as the more formal, touristy experience with its role as the primary palace and government seat during the Joseon Dynasty. Known for its UNESCO World Heritage status, it emphasizes ceremonial halls and administrative buildings, while its famous Secret Garden requires separate guided tours costing 8,000 KRW additional to the 3,000 KRW entrance fee.
This palace better suits architecture enthusiasts and those who prefer structured cultural tours with detailed historical explanations from professional guides.
Is Changgyeonggung Worth Visiting?
YES! Here’s why:
- Cheapest palace admission in Seoul
- Most peaceful atmosphere – perfect for photos
- Unique greenhouse not found elsewhere
- Beautiful cherry blossoms with light shows
- Easy combination with Changdeokgung Palace (same area)
Changgyeonggung Palace offers an authentic Korean royal experience that perfectly balances history, nature, and tranquility.
Whether you’re drawn by the spectacular Changgyeonggung Palace light show, the peaceful gardens, or the rich royal history, this hidden gem provides unforgettable memories and stunning photos that capture the essence of Korea’s royal heritage.