Changdeokgung Palace 2026: Secret Garden Tickets Guide

After experiencing the magical Changdeokgung Palace Moonlight Tour in late 2024, I knew I had to plan a return visit this year. However, when I looked up the 2026 schedule, I realized the spring tour sessions had already wrapped up!

If you are hoping to catch the next round, here is everything you need to know about the upcoming autumn schedule for the Moonlight Tour, along with essential tips on how to book the famous Secret Garden (Huwon) tour.

Changdeokgung Moonlight Tour Autumn Schedule

2026 Changdeokgung Moonlight Tour (Second Half)

Event Period: Every Spring and Autumn

Program: Nighttime guided tour of Changdeokgung Palace and traditional performances

Operating Hours: 7:00 PM – 10:00 PM (Two sessions daily)

The exact dates for the second half of the 2026 Changdeokgung Moonlight Tour have not been officially finalized yet. During my previous visit on 11/08/2024, I managed to secure my tickets about a month in advance without too much trouble.

Last year, the 2025 autumn tour ran from 09/04/2025 to 10/26/2025, operating four days a week from Thursday to Sunday. Because this event gets more popular every year, you really need to keep an eye on the schedule so you don't miss out.

Korea Heritage Service

If you head over to the Korea Heritage Service website and click on the 'Events' tab in the top-left corner, you'll find a calendar displaying all upcoming schedules.

While the official autumn 2026 dates aren't posted just yet, they are highly likely to go live starting in August. Keep checking back!

How to Book Changdeokgung Secret Garden Tickets

Royal Palaces and Tombs Center

Reservations for the Secret Garden (Huwon) are managed through the Royal Palaces and Tombs Center website. Booking opens on a first-come, first-served basis starting at 10:00 AM, exactly 6 days before your intended visit, and closes the day prior.

*Crucial Tip: To enter the Secret Garden, you must also purchase a general admission ticket for the main palace grounds. You can easily buy the general admission ticket at the physical ticket booth on the day of your visit.

If you show up without knowing this beforehand, you might face a fully booked Secret Garden sign, which is incredibly disappointing!

When checking the reservation system, I noticed that weekday slots usually have decent availability. However, for weekend visits, you should book at least 2 to 3 days in advance to secure your preferred time. The Secret Garden admission fee is ~$3 for adults.

The atmosphere of Changdeokgung Palace changes completely from day to night. July and August bring the peak of summer, making outdoor sightseeing quite hot and humid. But once autumn arrives, walking through the palace grounds with a cool, crisp breeze brushing past is an absolutely breathtaking experience.

Designated as a UNESCO World Heritage site, Changdeokgung Palace is a must-visit landmark for anyone traveling to Seoul. This year marks the 17th anniversary of the Moonlight Tour. While securing a ticket takes a bit of effort, the experience is worth every penny and minute of your time. I hope you successfully grab your tickets and have an unforgettable evening!

*Instead of just wandering around on your own, exploring the grounds with a professional guide who shares the deep history of the palace makes it even more special. Check out premium tour options to elevate your visit!