Changdeokgung Palace — UNESCO Royal Palace + Optional Secret Garden (Huwon) Timed Entry

Changdeokgung is one of Seoul's most loved Joseon-era palaces and a UNESCO World Heritage site, famous for feeling less “museum-like” and more “lived-in” thanks to its natural layout and the way it blends into the terrain. You can visit the main palace buildings (전각관람) freely, and optionally add the Secret Garden (후원, Huwon) — which is timed-entry / guided / capacity-limited, so it needs planning.

• Entry to Changdeokgung Palace building area (전각관람): gates, courtyards, halls, and core palace route.
• Access during official seasonal opening hours (last entry cutoff applies).
• Optional (paid) add-on: Secret Garden (후원 / Huwon) timed-entry guided route (requires separate ticket + palace ticket).
• NOT included: transport, food/drinks, rentals, and any special programs/events unless booked separately.

• Perfect if you want a “top palace” experience that feels calmer than the busiest spots.
• Families/couples/groups: easy to do at your own pace in the palace area.
• Secret Garden is best for people who don't mind following a set schedule (late arrival can mean you miss the slot).
• Great year-round, but timings and last-entry change by season.

• Enter and do the main palace loop (전각관람): halls/courtyards + classic photo angles.
• If you booked Huwon: arrive early, check your entry time, then follow the guided route inside the Secret Garden.
• If you want it chill: palace-only takes a solid 1—2 hours.
• If you want the “full” experience: palace + Huwon is usually 2.5—4 hours depending on your slot and pace.

• Closed day: Every Monday. If the Monday is a public holiday (or substitute holiday), it opens; the next first non-holiday becomes the closed day instead.
• Palace (전각관람) opening hours (seasonal):
• Feb—May, Sep—Oct: 09:00—18:00 (last entry 17:00)
• Jun—Aug: 09:00—18:30 (last entry 17:30)
• Nov—Jan: 09:00—17:30 (last entry 16:30)
• Tickets / price (starts from):
• Palace building area (전각관람) Adult: 3,000 KRW (group 10+ 2,400 KRW)
• Secret Garden (후원 / Huwon): Adult 5,000 KRW, Youth (7—18) 2,500 KRW, Senior (65+) 5,000 KRW
• Huwon requires the palace ticket as well.
• Huwon (Secret Garden) is capacity-limited + timed: 100 people per session (officially split 50 online + 50 on-site).
• Huwon reservation timing (official): booking opens 6 days before at 10:00 up to the day before (first-come).
• Culture Day: last Wednesday of each month is free entry, and reservation isn't available that day (per the palace reservation notice).

• Huwon guided time slots vary by season/language (official examples):
• Korean: Nov—Feb 10:00/11:00/12:00/13:00/14:00/15:00; Mar—Oct adds 16:00
• English: Dec—Feb 10:30/11:30/14:30; Mar—Nov adds 15:30
• Japanese: 13:30 (Wed/Fri/Sun)
• Chinese: 12:30 (Tue/Thu/Sat)
• There are rules around who can enter during foreign-language Huwon tours (locals restricted unless accompanying a foreign visitor; limited companions).

Do Changdeokgung Palace for 3,000 KRW (seasonal hours, closed Mondays). If you want the famous Secret Garden (Huwon), it's timed + limited-capacity, costs 5,000 KRW extra and requires the palace ticket, so book ahead for your slot.