Changdeokgung, Seoul
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Changdeokgung - by Daderot (CC BY-SA 3.0)
Description
Changdeokgung is one of the 'Five Grand Palaces' built by the kings of the Joseon dynasty and is located a few hundred meters east of Gyeongbokgung, hence it was often referred to as the 'East Palace'. It was constructed at the very end of the 14th century but was heavily damaged during the Japanese occupation of Korea. The complex includes several highlights such as Donhwamun (main gate), the Injeongjeon Throne Hall, Huijeongdang Hall (King's office) and the 32 ha Biwon or 'Secret garden' which includes pavilions, a lotus pond, and landscaped tree and lawn areas.
Access & Transport
The palace is on the east side of the Jongno district in Seoul, about 500m from Anguk subway station (3) and a 10mins walk from 'Jongno 3-ga' (1, 3, 5). There are also some bus services stopping close to the entrance.
Instructions & Recommendations
Noe that there is free admission for palace building area for visitors wearing a Hanbok (traditional Korean clothes). There are several free guided tours daily in Korean and English, and in mandarin and Japanese on alternating days. Visit of the Secret Garden requires the purchase of the general admission ticket plus an extra fee (₩5,000/2,500 at the time of this review update) and is by guided tour only (~75 mins).
Environmental & Social
Low carbon footprint and part of the country's architectural and historical heritages
Conclusion
Changdeok Palace is in many ways a superior experience to Gyeongbuk Palace: less sprawling, less formal, and better integrated with natural elements. However, it is not as historically important so if possible you should visit both (on different days) but if you must choose then this one for the eyes and the other for the academic in you.
Key positive
Visually very pleasing
Gorgeous Secret Garden (additional fee applies)
Key negative
Secret Garden only available as part of a guided tour
Lacks a good audio-guide option
Suitability
Described as accessible on the website
About this Rating
TYPE
Desktop
RESEARCHED IN
August 2024
PROVIDER
Koreval
av. transport time:0h 25m
est. visit time:1h 20m
Start of Season 1:Feb, 01
MONDAY -
TUESDAY09:00 - 18:00
WEDNESDAY09:00 - 18:00
THURSDAY09:00 - 18:00
FRIDAY09:00 - 18:00
SATURDAY09:00 - 18:00
SUNDAY09:00 - 18:00
Start of Season 2:Nov, 01
MONDAY -
TUESDAY09:00 - 17:30
WEDNESDAY09:00 - 17:30
THURSDAY09:00 - 17:30
FRIDAY09:00 - 17:30
SATURDAY09:00 - 17:30
SUNDAY09:00 - 17:30