"Changdeokgung (Palace) * * * * *" Top 5 Page for this destination Changdeokgung Palace Tip by Ewingjr98

The Changdeokgung (창덕궁) palace was built in 1405 by King Taejong, destroyed by the Japanese in the invasion of 1592, and rebuilt from about 1610-1616. In the early 1900s, numerous buildings caught fire or were torn down by the Japanese

The palace has three main areas: the outer hall for state functions, the inner hall for the King and Queen's private quarters, and the back garden. The Secret Garden -- or Biwon -- is the main attraction and makes Changdeokgung unique from the other palaces. This is a magnificent Korean garden that was was not really a secret, just closed to the public in Royal times. One of my favorite areas in the Biwon is the area around Buyongji, the pond surrounded by great little pavilions.

Vistors to Changdeokgung can see the palace on their own time. All visitors to Biwon must be on a guided tour. English tours are conducted 3 or 4 times a day, the best time being around 1530. Get there early... most days there is a changing of the guards ceremony at 1500.

Changdeokgung tickets cost 3,000 Won. Biwon tours cost an additional 5,000 Won.

Address: 2-71, Waryong-dong Jongno-gu Seoul
Directions: Changdeok Palace is in central Seoul just east of Anguk Station.
othercontact: 080-999-1113
Phone: 080-290-8000
Website: http://www.ocp.go.kr/english/palace/pal_cdk.html#12