Changdeokgung (couple trip)
How Couple-Friendly is Changdeokgung?
What makes it 94% Couple-Friendly: Romantic pavilions, hanbok photo perks, and evening Moonlight Tour create memorable shared moments; lack of on-site cafés means you should bring water or exit for food.
Positives:
- Romantic garden paths: Secret Garden’s secluded bridges and ponds create private moments.
- Cultural photo fun: Hanbok rentals make for colorful couple portraits and waive entry fees.
Challenges:
- Limited Secret Garden slots: Tickets sell out fast; plan ahead or arrive before the palace opens.
- Crowds at peak times: Midday and weekends get busy. Expect queues at the gates and rental shops.
What is Changdeokgung?
- A Joseon dynasty royal palace complex in Seoul that served as the principal seat of the Korean court and royal residence for over 270 years
- A UNESCO World Heritage site recognized for seamlessly blending traditional Korean palace architecture with a protected forested hillside
- A meticulously preserved ensemble of halls, pavilions, ponds, and century-old trees embodying the harmony between built structures and natural landscapes
What is so special about Changdeokgung for couple trip?
- Rent hanbok together to skip fees and capture unique photos.
- Join the free English tours for palace history in one hour.
- Stroll the Secret Garden for an intimate, nature-filled escape.
- Use the AR Haechi app for interactive storytelling on your own.
Recommended visit duration: 2-3 hours
Why 2-3 hours visit duration is ideal for couple trip: Allows time for main palace, Secret Garden stroll, hanbok photos, and a guided tour.
Couple-Friendly Activities in Changdeokgung
Rent hanbok:
Try traditional dress from shops near Anguk Station.
Tip: Reserve a set in advance to skip lines and get free palace entry.
Join free English tour:
Follow a guide through palace halls and pavilions.
Tip: Arrive 10 minutes before the 10:15 AM or 1:15 PM start to secure a spot.
Stroll the Secret Garden:
Walk among 300-year-old trees, ponds, and pavilions.
Tip: Book your Huwon ticket online before opening to avoid sell-outs.
Photo walk at Buyongji Pond:
Capture reflections of pavilions in water at sunrise or sunset.
Tip: Head there early for soft light and fewer visitors.
Use Haechi AR app:
See virtual guide scenes and 360° views.
Tip: Download the free SKT Haechi app before arrival for offline use.
When is the best time to visit Changdeokgung (Seoul, South Korea)?
Cherry blossoms peak in April; autumn leaves glow in late October. Moonlight Tours run Apr–Jun and Sep–Nov—reserve early.
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Reviews of Changdeokgung (Seoul)
Drew Esa
Changdeokgung is not the palace of Turkish sultans, which is full of gold, marble and other luxuries. It is first of all a national cultural and natural park, which represents the architecture of ancient Korea and the landscape features of the way of life of Koreans many centuries ago. There is a huge forest area with beautiful pine trees, ponds, pagodas and unusual monuments. For example, there i...
Pranay Gandhi
Visited Changdeokgung Palace earlier today and on getting to the ticket booth realized that, today being the last Wednesday of the month, that the entrance e was free. An amazing repository of Korean history, very well preserved (some restoration work was ongoing when we went there). Unfortunately, could not visit the highly recommended Secret Garden, tickets for which must be obtained separatel...
Long Nguyen
A lovely spot if you enjoy nature and historical settings—great for a calm walk. The Secret Garden tour is worth it, but make sure to book in advance (slots open about 4–5 days ahead), and the tour lasts around an hour. Some of the entrance staff weren’t very helpful and came off as a bit rude, which took away from the overall experience.
Earn S.
Such a beautiful and peaceful place. Changdeokgung is definitely one of the prettiest spots I visited in Seoul. The palace buildings and colors are stunning, and the whole place has a really calm vibe — not too crowded, which I appreciated. I wanted to visit the Secret Garden but it was already sold out when I arrived around 1 PM, so if you’re planning to go, try to get there earlier! Still, walk...
Hamad Naim
This place is amazing at first. When i got there, they were closed, and i saw i line of people waiting to get in to buy tickets. The ticket cost: General ticket: The whole palace ( minus the secret garden) 3000 Won This is what i bought as the guided tour was after 1 and a half hours, which i didn't want to wait. Secret garden tickets: 5000 won if you want to take both its total 8000 won, yo...
Typical Budget for a Couple (2 Adults)
| Item | Cost (Approx.) |
|---|---|
| General admission ticket (per person) | KRW 3,000 |
| Secret Garden ticket (per person) | KRW 5,000 |
| Hanbok rental (per person) | KRW 25,000 |
| Total Estimated | KRW 66,000 |
Note: All prices are indicative and may vary. Please check directly with the venue for the most accurate and up-to-date information.
Content Notice: This content combines editorial expertise with AI assistance to ensure comprehensive and up-to-date information. Our team regularly curates and reviews all content for accuracy and relevance. Help Us Improve
How to Maximize Your Visit to Changdeokgung
- Visit at opening: Arrive at 9 AM to beat crowds and secure guided tour spots.
- Pre-book Huwon ticket: Buy your Secret Garden ticket online the day before your visit.
- Download AR guide: Install the Haechi app on your phone to tour without extra fees.
Map of Changdeokgung
Address: 99 Yulgok-ro, Jongno District, Seoul, South Korea
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About Changdeokgung
Opening Hours
Hours may vary during holidays, special events, and peak seasons. Please check the official website for the most up-to-date information.
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