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South Korea/Things to Do in Seoul, solo trip

Changdeokgung (solo trip)

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How Solo-Friendly is Changdeokgung?

89%Solo-Friendly
View Map

What makes it 89% Solo-Friendly: English tours, AR app, and cheap entry let a solo guest explore deeply and meet others, while clear signage and safe paths reduce stress; only limited shade at noon lowers comfort.

Google
Reviews4.6/ 5
(from 13,118 reviews)
MICHELIN STAR ⭐ Traditional Korean Desserts at Changdeok Palace in Seoul 🇰🇷
13 min
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MICHELIN STAR ⭐ Traditional Korean Desserts at Changdeok Palace in Seoul 🇰🇷
25.3K views • 2 years ago
Changdeokgung Palace Secret Garden Autumn Walking Tour Seoul | Korea Travel Guide 4K HDR
36 min
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Changdeokgung Palace Secret Garden Autumn Walking Tour Seoul | Korea Travel Guide 4K HDR
19.1K views • 1 year ago

Positives:

  • Engage with guides: Guide-led tours foster interaction and offer deeper historical context.
  • Cultural immersion: Wearing hanbok connects you to Joseon-era traditions.

Challenges:

  • Uneven terrain: Secret Garden paths include stairs and narrow bridges.
  • Ticket availability: Secret Garden slots sell out quickly in high season.
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Found this helpful? Please support us by visiting 🏖️ our GetYourGuide partner link - The 10 BEST Activities around Changdeokgung, and we may get a small commission at no extra cost to you. It helps us pay the bills and help more travelers!

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 solo trip?

  1. Free guided tours in English build connections with history and other travelers
  2. Secret Garden stroll offers peaceful reflection amid historic pavilions
  3. Haechi AR app reveals hidden palace spots with a virtual guide
  4. Hanbok rental grants free entry and enhances photo opportunities
  5. Advance planning secures tickets and maximizes exploration time

Recommended visit duration: 2-3 hours

Why 2-3 hours visit duration is ideal for solo trip: Solo travelers can visit key halls, join guided tours, and stroll the Secret Garden at a relaxed pace.

(View Changdeokgung on Map)

Solo-Friendly Activities in Changdeokgung

Join free guided palace tours:

Attend the English tours at 10:15 or 13:15 to learn palace stories.

Tip: Arrive 10 minutes early at the information board to secure your spot.

Explore the Secret Garden:

Walk winding paths past ancient trees, ponds, and pavilions.

Tip: Book your Huwon ticket online in advance to get your preferred time slot.

Use the Haechi AR app:

Follow a virtual guardian to hidden palace spots.

Tip: Download the app and borrow a 5G phone at the info desk if needed.

Rent a hanbok for free entry:

Wear traditional dress to waive the 3,000₩ admission fee.

Tip: Pick up your hanbok near Anguk Station and plan for 20–30 minutes to change.

Self-guided photo walk:

Capture Donhwamun Gate at sunrise and Buyongji Pond at sunset.

Tip: Follow the VisitSeoul walking route map for a 2–2.5 hour loop.

When is the best time to visit Changdeokgung (Seoul, South Korea)?

Spring and autumn offer moonlight tours with lanterns and court music. Avoid monsoon season (late June–July) when outdoor areas can be slippery.

✈️ Ready to go? Check the latest flight deals to Seoul on Trip.com

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Reviews of Changdeokgung (Seoul)

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Drew Esa

Drew Esa

May 2025

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

Pranay Gandhi

May 2025

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

Long Nguyen

May 2025

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.

Earn S.

May 2025

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

Hamad Naim

Apr 2025

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 Solo Traveler (1 Adult)

ItemCost (Approx.)
General admissionKRW 3,000
Secret Garden ticketKRW 5,000
Hanbok rentalKRW 25,000
Total EstimatedKRW 33,000

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

  1. Early start: Arrive at opening time to avoid crowds and secure tour spots.
  2. Online booking: Reserve the Secret Garden ticket online to lock in your time.
  3. Light packing: Carry only essentials to move easily through palace grounds.
🚗 Planning to explore multiple Seoul attractions? A rental car often costs less than daily taxi trips. Check Trip.com for deals. New users save up to 8% OFF.

Map of Changdeokgung

Address: 99 Yulgok-ro, Jongno District, Seoul, South Korea

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About Changdeokgung

Opening Hours

Monday:Closed
Tuesday:9:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Wednesday:9:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Thursday:9:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Friday:9:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Saturday:9:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Sunday:9:00 AM – 5:00 PM

Hours may vary during holidays, special events, and peak seasons. Please check the official website for the most up-to-date information.

Website

Official Website

Phone Number

+82 2-762-8261

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