Changdeokgung Palace Guide (2026): Secret Garden, Hours & Fees

If you're exploring Seoul (서울) by tour bus, you'll pass by many of the city's historic palaces. For an unforgettable experience, make sure to visit Changdeokgung Palace (창덕궁), a UNESCO World Heritage site! This guide covers everything you need to know for your 2026 visit, including how to reserve tickets for the stunning Secret Garden (Huwon, 후원), entrance fees, operating hours, and whether it's a great spot for families with young children.

1. Changdeokgung Basic Information

Upon a recent visit, I noticed a new ticket office building. If you're only planning to explore the main palace grounds, you can easily purchase your tickets at the kiosks. For those eligible for discounts, such as families with a multi-child card, present your ID at the ticket counter. Note that both parents must have their IDs if both are seeking the discount.

2. Visiting Changdeokgung with Kids

If your visit coincides with the Royal Culture Festival (궁중문화축전), held annually in spring (usually April-May) and fall (October), you'll find various experience booths setup throughout the palace. My child particularly enjoyed Tuho (투호), a traditional Korean arrow-throwing game, which had a shorter wait time. It was a fun first experience for them! This festival is hosted across the Four Grand Palaces (사대궁), including Changdeokgung, so you can choose the one that best suits your interests.

Can you bring a stroller? Absolutely! From the entrance, wooden decks have been installed, making it easy to navigate with a stroller. While the stone paths around Injeongjeon (인정전), the main hall, can be a bit bumpy, the gaps aren't wide or deep enough to snag wheels, so it's perfectly fine for a leisurely stroll.

I told my 30-month-old that this was 'the King's house,' and they had a blast running through every corner, searching for the King! The palace grounds are expansive, offering plenty of space for children to explore. The unpaved paths even provided a chance for them to squat down and play with the soil, a rare treat they don't often encounter.

Aside from the area directly in front of Injeongjeon, most paths are well-maintained, making it easy to walk with a stroller and an active three-year-old. There's a cafe near the entrance if you need a break. Remember, diaper changing stations are available in the ticket office building's restrooms and also inside the Secret Garden.

3. Secret Garden Tour & Reservation

If you have the time, I highly recommend exploring Changdeokgung's Secret Garden (Huwon). This is truly the 'real deal' – a hidden gem much larger than you might expect, perfect for a peaceful, unhurried walk. However, because entry times and visitor numbers are limited, it's best to make a reservation in advance.

👉🏻 Go to Reservation Site

Online reservations open six days in advance at 10:00 AM KST, while same-day tickets are sold on a first-come, first-served basis starting at 9:00 AM. There's a separate admission fee for the Secret Garden: ₩5,000 (~$4) for adults (19+ years) and ₩2,500 (~$2) for children (7+ years). This is in addition to the main palace entrance fee. Please note that during foreign language commentary times, domestic visitors cannot make reservations. Due to limited capacity, booking can be quite competitive, so it's best to try right when reservations open.

The Secret Garden truly is a royal garden, where lush forests, serene ponds, and elegant pavilions blend to create a breathtaking landscape. Upon entering, you'll immediately encounter a large pond. Sitting by one of the pavilions, gazing out at the water, you can easily imagine how perfect it was for quiet contemplation.

While it's an ideal spot to appreciate nature, the Secret Garden does feature uphill paths. Honestly, if you're visiting with infants or toddlers, I wouldn't recommend the Secret Garden tour. Even just exploring the Secret Garden requires at least an hour, so it's best to consider your child's energy levels and overall condition before deciding to visit.

Changdeokgung's Secret Garden is exceptionally beautiful, especially when there's a cool breeze, like during the fall. Its tranquil and welcoming atmosphere will truly stay with you. Even with a reservation, make sure to arrive at least 10 minutes before your scheduled entry time to ensure a smooth experience.

4. Conclusion

To sum it up, Changdeokgung Palace offers a wonderful opportunity to immerse yourself in Korean history and culture. If you're visiting with infants or toddlers, or using a stroller, you can comfortably explore the main palace grounds. However, if you plan to visit the Secret Garden as well, be prepared for a longer walking tour and ensure you've secured your reservation in advance. Always consider the energy levels of both your child and yourself when planning your visit.