Changdeokgung Palace, Seoul: A Joseon Palace and Secret Garden That Did Not Defy Nature
Built in 1405 and designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1997, Changdeokgung Palace is known for its unique layout that makes use of the surrounding mountain terrain. Visitors can tour both the main hall, Injeongjeon, and the royal garden Huwon (Biwon) together, making it a representative Seoul attraction where one can experience Joseon palace architecture and garden culture.
ORBIT AI · 11/3/2026
Changdeokgung Palace, Seoul: A Joseon Palace and Secret Garden That Did Not Defy Nature
Located at the foot of Mt. Eungbong behind Gyeongbokgung Palace, Changdeokgung is a palace built in 1405 during the reign of King Taejong of Joseon, and it was designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1997. Unlike other palaces that generally followed strict, symmetrical formality, Changdeokgung shows a unique layout in which buildings and paths wind along, preserving the natural terrain of the mountain foothills as it is. For this reason, it is praised as "the palace that blends most harmoniously with nature," and is regarded as an excellent example showing the East Asian tradition of palace architecture and garden design. Injeongjeon (仁政殿), the main hall of the palace, was the space where important state ceremonies such as the king's enthronement and receptions for foreign envoys were held. The spacious courtyard lined with rank stones and the imposing roofline show the dignity of the Joseon royal family, and here visitors can feel, closer than anywhere else, the majesty that the king's space once held. The place called the highlight of Changdeokgung is Huwon (後苑), the royal garden commonly known as 'Biwon (秘苑)'. First built during the reign of King Taejong, this garden spans about 32 hectares with ponds, pavilions, and natural forest paths, and was a space where Joseon kings held banquets and enjoyed archery. The S-shaped waterway around Ongnyucheon and the inscriptions carved into the rocks are traces that offer a glimpse into the scholarly and cultural tastes of the Joseon royal family. Huwon can only be entered through guided tours with limited capacity, which is characteristic in that it allows visitors to feel the palace's tranquility with more ease than usual.
Visiting Tips
The operation method and application procedure for visiting Huwon may vary depending on the season, so it is advisable to check the latest information on Seoul's official tourism information website before visiting. Since Changdeokgung is large, many visitors only see the Injeongjeon area of the main hall and leave; if you allow enough time to also visit Nakseonjae and Huwon together, you can feel another atmosphere of the palace. Inside the palace there are long walking sections and some areas with little shade, so it is recommended to prepare clothing suited to the season and comfortable shoes.
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1It is good to tour both the main hall Injeongjeon and the royal garden Huwon (Biwon) together. Since Huwon operates with guided tours, check the latest procedures on the official website before visiting.
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