Changdeokgung & its Secret Garden — UNESCO site
A palace that bends to the land rather than the other way round. The Joseon kings' favourite residence, its rear "Secret Garden" (Huwon) — ponds and pavilions woven into the woods — is the finest example of Korean garden design. Inscribed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1997.
History
Built in 1405 under King Taejong as a secondary palace to Gyeongbokgung, it was the first to be rebuilt after the 1592 invasions and served as Joseon's de facto main palace for some 270 years. It is famous for halls laid out to follow the natural terrain rather than levelling it. The whole of Changdeokgung was inscribed by UNESCO in 1997; its rear garden is also called Biwon, the ‘secret garden.’
Getting there
About a 5-minute walk from Exit 3 of Anguk Station (Line 3). You can tour the palace grounds freely, but the Secret Garden is only accessible on timed guided tours, so book ahead.
Tips
- ·The Secret Garden is entry by guided tour only (KO/EN/CN/JP)
- ·Tickets open 6 days ahead at 10am KST and sell out fast in peak season
- ·The tour runs 70–90 min over slopes and stone paths — wear comfy shoes
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