Changgyeonggung Palace (couple trip)
How Couple-Friendly is Changgyeonggung Palace?
What makes it 86% Couple-Friendly: Peaceful gardens, pond views and night light shows suit romantic walks, and hanbok rentals add fun savings; short on on-site cafés, so dinner plans need venues outside the palace.
Positives:
- Secluded corners: Quiet courtyards and hidden stone bridges make intimate photo spots.
- Free evening art: Moonlight Lotus Show adds a unique, no-extra-fee experience after dark.
Challenges:
- Limited seating: No benches near the pond—bring a small mat or stand along the rail.
- Ticket line: Weekends at noon may have a short queue—buy tickets online if possible.
What is Changgyeonggung Palace?
- A historic royal palace complex in central Seoul, established in 1483 as a secondary residence for Joseon dynasty monarchs
- A 200,000-square-meter site featuring 29 traditional wooden pavilions, shrines, manicured gardens and stone bridges
- Architecture that unites classical Korean palace halls with the restored 1909 Western-style Grand Greenhouse overlooking Chundangji Pond
What is so special about Changgyeonggung Palace for couple trip?
- Forest-framed paths ideal for quiet couples’ strolls
- Traditional hanbok entry for free admission and photos
- Historic Western-style greenhouse offers lush backdrops
- Romantic Moonlight Lotus Show lights up the pond
- Torchlit guided tour shares palace stories
Recommended visit duration: 2–3 hours
Why 2–3 hours visit duration is ideal for couple trip: Gives you time to explore main halls, wander the greenhouse, and enjoy photos without rushing.
Couple-Friendly Activities in Changgyeonggung Palace
Stroll the palace grounds:
Walk from Honghwamun Gate through pine-lined paths to Myeongjeongjeon Hall and the Grand Greenhouse.
Tip: Start at the main gate and follow the stone bridges to catch reflections in pond waters.
Rent a hanbok for photos:
Put on traditional dress at rental shops just outside the gate, then explore in costume.
Tip: Wear the hanbok into the palace to skip the ticket fee and pose by the greenhouse arches.
Experience the Moonlight Lotus Show:
Watch nightly light projections on Chundangji Pond walls combining water and art.
Tip: Arrive 15 minutes early to claim a spot along the pond edge before dusk.
Book “The Queen’s Night Outing” tour:
Join a free guided evening walk by torchlight to hear palace legends.
Tip: Reserve online at least three days in advance to secure your spots.
How to Make the Most of Your Visit to Changgyeonggung Palace
- Early arrival: Visit at opening to enjoy the halls before tour groups arrive.
- Hanbok pickup: Book your costume rental in advance to spend more time inside the palace.
- Tour reservation: Sign up for the night tour online three days ahead to avoid disappointment.
Reviews of Changgyeonggung Palace
Ann Chalk
Well worth a visit. There's two sites which interconnect. The first main palace has an excellent audio guide and site map which you can access via the QR code at the entrance. The second Changgyeonggung palace is set in lovely park grounds, with ponds and a glass house. Toilets were nice and clean. You get free entry if you wear Korean national dress, which was nice for us tourists to see.
Alexandra Bailey
This palace is the palace used by the surviving Queens of the Joseon dynasty, there are many well known stories based in this palace. The palace was almost destroyed during the Japanese colonial period when it was turned into a theme park and some buildings were removed/sold but since that time it has been restored/maintained to some of its former glory. We saw it around sunset and it was nice to ...
M.
Beautiful traditional palace, definitely worth visiting—especially for the Secret Garden. A separate ticket is required for the garden, and it’s best to arrive early as it’s very popular. Like other palaces, entrance is free if you wear a hanbok (traditional Korean clothing). Great spot for photos and soaking in the peaceful atmosphere!
Minh Mom
Great place must visit once go to Korea. This place reflect the old architect and culture of Korea kingdom. Will need 2 hours to complete discover here. If you want to have a good album. This one is one of the best choices
Cate LA
This historical palace is stunning. Best to go late in the day after the crowds have gone. I went at 330pm and was able to enjoy most of the palace alone. It really feels like you have gone back in time.
When is the best time to visit Changgyeonggung Palace (Seoul, South Korea)?
In spring (Mar–May), cherry blossoms line the courtyards; in autumn (Sep–Nov), maple leaves light up the gardens. The Moonlight Lotus Show runs nightly Mar–Dec after dusk.
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Typical Budget for a Couple (2 Adults)
| Item | Cost (Approx.) |
|---|---|
| Palace tickets for 2 adults | KRW 2,000 |
| Hanbok rental for 2 sets | KRW 40,000 |
| Total Estimated | KRW 42,000 |
Note: All prices are indicative and may vary. Please check directly with the venue for the most accurate and up-to-date information.
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Map of Changgyeonggung Palace
Address: 185 Changgyeonggung-ro, Jongno District, Seoul, South Korea
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About Changgyeonggung Palace
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 2-762-486810 BEST nearby Activities
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