Changdeokgung is 85% Kids-Friendly
What are the highlights at Changdeokgung (with kids)?
- Guided family-friendly tours bring palace stories to life.
- Secret Garden’s ponds and pavilions engage curious kids.
- Hanbok rental offers free entry and memorable photos.
- Open lawns let children run and explore safely.
- Spring and autumn visits pair gentle weather with stunning scenery.
How Kids-Friendly is Changdeokgung?
Discount tickets, open lawns, fish ponds, and story-rich English tours keep children engaged; Secret Garden stairs and few hands-on displays may tire or bore under-12s after two hours.
Considerations for visiting Changdeokgung (with kids)
Positives:
- Engaging free tours: Daily English tours spark children’s curiosity with lively palace stories.
- Spacious lawns: Open courtyards provide safe areas for kids to play and explore.
Challenges:
- Uneven paths in Secret Garden: Some trails have narrow stones and stairs; hold young children’s hands.
- Summer heat: Exposed courtyards lack shade; bring hats and refillable water bottles.
Recommended visit duration: 2-3 hours
Why 2-3 hours visit duration is ideal for with kids: Allows time for guided tour, Secret Garden, and hanbok photos without rushing young children.
Kids-Friendly Activities in Changdeokgung
Join the free palace tour:
Follow an English guide through Donhwamun Gate, Injeongjeon Hall, and the main courtyards.
Tip: Meet at the main information board 10 minutes before the 10:15 AM start.
Stroll the Secret Garden:
Walk past centuries-old trees, ponds, and pavilions on a guided Huwon tour.
Tip: Book your Secret Garden ticket online in advance to secure your preferred time slot.
Wear hanbok for family portraits:
Rent traditional Korean dress to enter free and capture colorful photos.
Tip: Choose bright colors kids love and take shots at Buyongji Pond for mirror reflections.
Play on the palace lawns:
Let children run safely on grassy areas and spot roof animal figures (gigog).
Tip: Bring small snacks and water; the open lawns have few vendors nearby.
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Typical Budget for a Family of 4 (2 Adults + 2 Kids)
| Item | Cost (Approx.) |
|---|---|
| 2 adult palace tickets | KRW 6,000 |
| 1 child (7–12) palace ticket | KRW 1,500 |
| 2 adult Secret Garden tickets | KRW 10,000 |
| 1 child Secret Garden ticket | KRW 2,500 |
| Total Estimated | KRW 20,000 |
Note: All prices are indicative and may vary. Please check directly with the venue for the most accurate and up-to-date information.
When is the best time to visit Changdeokgung?
Visit in spring or autumn for mild weather and vibrant foliage. Join the Moonlight Tour (Apr–Jun & Sep–Nov) by booking early.
How to Maximize Your Visit to Changdeokgung
- Arrive early: Enter at 9:30 AM to enjoy quieter grounds and better photo light.
- Waive entry fee with hanbok: Rent hanbok near Anguk Station to skip the palace admission fee.
- Download the palace map app: Use the VisitSeoul app to navigate routes and find rest spots quickly.
Map of Changdeokgung
Address: 99 Yulgok-ro, Jongno District, Seoul, South Korea
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Reviews of Changdeokgung
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...
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.
Website
Official WebsitePhone Number
+82 2-762-8261See available options
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