Historical places

Changdeokgung Palace | Insadong

I want to introduce some historical areas. I know visiting old places is one of the trite courses of traveling but I think it is really important to understand our culture. So I want to introduce some historical area.

Changdeokgung Palace

Address 2-71 Waryong-dong Jongno-gu,Seoul
Description Changdeokgung Palace, was built during the Joseon kingdom(1395~1910), has more buildings preserved than any other palace from that period. The palace is designated as Historical Site No. 122, and it covers a total area of 580,000 square meters, although the main palace grounds which do not include the Secret Gardens cover an area of 120,000 square meters. Changdeok Palace is one of UNESCO's World Heritages

Changdeokgung Palace was designed and built according to more Korean specifications handed down from the Three Kingdoms Period, and consequently retained much more that was uniquely Korean and Changdeokgung Palace is the only palace that preserves the architectural style of the Joseon Dynasty.



Biwon Garden Originally named Huwon, (meaning "rear garden"), Biwon is typical of palace backyards where kings and other members of the royal family would go to relax and entertain. In 1997, it was registered as a World Heritage.

The rear garden, Huwon is located behind Changdeokgung Palace. A serenely exquisite garden, Huwon was used by the king and royal family during the Joseon Dynasty as a place for relaxation.
It features many ponds, pavilions and wooded areas containing thousand-year-old trees. Huwon is considered as the best representative garden of Korea��s distinct natural beauty.

Ongnyucheon, or the Stream of Jade-Clear Water, was reserved only for kings in Changdeok Palace's rear garden, known as the Secret Garden. The garden has long been a tourist attraction, but since 1976, King Jeongjo's Ongnyucheon was off-limits to the public. However Ongnyucheon was opened for the first time in 28 years. Last April, the spot was opened to all visitors, along with Jondeokjeong, the pavilion area near Ongnyucheon. So it is really good chance to feel the pristine beauty of palace.
Travel Tips - The tour is divided into general tour and special tour.
    Special Tour

  • To avoid damages, the Cultural Properties Administration limits the number of visitors to the Ongnyucheon area (special tour) to 50 for each tour.
  • So, to take part in the special tour, reservations must be made at least three days in advance on the internet.
  • It is available until Nov.30 (except for Mondays)
  • It offered at 10 a.m., 1 p.m. and 2 p.m. daily
  • Admission fee is 5,000 won
  • Unfortunately, English guide is not available yet.

    General tour

    Admission time
    Korean Mar.   09:45~ 16:45 (every 45 min)
    Apr.~Oct.   09:15~14:15 (every 45 min)
    Nov  09:15~15:45 (every 45 min)
    Dec.~Feb.  09:45~15:45 (every 45 min)
    Japanese Mar.~Oct.  09:30 10:30 12:30 14:30 16:30
    Nov.~Dec.  09:30 10:30 12:30 14:30
    EnglishJan.~Dec.  11:30 13:30 15:30
    ChineseJan.~Dec.  11:00 15:00

  • Closed : Every Monday
  • Admission Fee: Age 25 and over 2,300 won, Age 7~24 and Youth 1,200 won

-In front of Donhwmun, Changing of the Royal Guards Ceremony is held 3 times from 2 PM daily.

Transportation - At Anguk Station (Seoul Subway Line No.3/ Exit No.3) walk towards Biwon for 20 minutes.
- At Jongno 3 ga Station ((Seoul Subway Line No.5/ Exit No.6) takes 10 minutes to Changduk Palace on foot.
Related Article Secret spot in Secret Garden to open (Apr.28 2004)

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