Hotels near Changdeokgung Palace and Secret Garden

Changdeokgung (Palace of Prospering Virtue) was built 1405 as the second royal palace of Joseon, but became the primary palace from 1623-1872 after Gyeongbokgung was destroyed. The 58-hectare site is UNESCO-listed and survives with original Joseon-era buildings (unlike Gyeongbokgung which is mostly reconstructed). The 32-hectare Huwon (Secret Garden) at the rear was the private retreat of the royal family and is accessed only by 1-hour guided tour.

Secret Garden tours run 11:30 in English, plus Korean and Japanese hourly. Tickets 8000 KRW combined (3000 palace + 5000 garden) - reservations open at 09:00 and sell out by 11:00. The garden's autumn maple peak in late October is among Seoul's most-photographed natural scenes. Main palace ticket 3000 KRW. Open Tuesday-Sunday 09:00-18:00 (closed Mondays). Allow 4 hours including the Secret Garden tour.

Pro Tip: Reserve the 11:30 English Secret Garden tour ticket via cdg.go.kr 6 days in advance (online booking opens exactly 6 days before tour date) - same-day tickets sell out by 11:00. The autumn foliage in late October is the year-round highlight.