Changdeokgung is 89% Solo-Friendly
What are the highlights at Changdeokgung (solo trip)?
- Free guided tours in English build connections with history and other travelers
- Secret Garden stroll offers peaceful reflection amid historic pavilions
- Haechi AR app reveals hidden palace spots with a virtual guide
- Hanbok rental grants free entry and enhances photo opportunities
- Advance planning secures tickets and maximizes exploration time
How Solo-Friendly is Changdeokgung?
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.
Considerations for visiting Changdeokgung (solo trip)
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.
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.
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.
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Typical Budget for Solo Traveler (1 Adult)
| Item | Cost (Approx.) |
|---|---|
| General admission | KRW 3,000 |
| Secret Garden ticket | KRW 5,000 |
| Hanbok rental | KRW 25,000 |
| Total Estimated | KRW 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.
When is the best time to visit Changdeokgung?
Spring and autumn offer moonlight tours with lanterns and court music. Avoid monsoon season (late June–July) when outdoor areas can be slippery.
How to Maximize Your Visit to Changdeokgung
- Early start: Arrive at opening time to avoid crowds and secure tour spots.
- Online booking: Reserve the Secret Garden ticket online to lock in your time.
- Light packing: Carry only essentials to move easily through palace grounds.
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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