All About Changgyeonggung Palace 창경궁

📍185, Changgyeonggung-ro, Jongno-gu, Seoul | 서울특별시 종로구 창경궁로 185
🚆 Anguk Station (line 3, exit 3)
🕒 09:00 – 21:00 (Last admission 20:00) | Closed on Mondays
₩  Adults (age 25~64): 1,000 won | Group of 10: 800 won | Free: aged 18 and below, aged 65 and over, those wearing a Hanbok, Culture Day (the last Wednesday of every month)
🌐 royal.cha.go.kr
☎️ +82-2-762-4868
✍🏻 Changdeokgung Palace and Changgyeonggung Palace are connected, so you can tour both simultaneously.

If you’re seeking a traditional palace experience in Seoul without the crowds, Changgyeonggung Palace is the perfect choice. Constructed initially as Suganggung Palace by King Sejong for his father, King Taejong, it later underwent renovations and was renamed Changgyeonggung Palace during the reign of King Seongjong. During Japanese colonial rule, it was transformed into a park with a zoo and botanical garden but was restored to its former glory in 1983. While compact and simple, Changgyeonggung Palace is rich in Korean history, offering visitors a glimpse into the past. In this article, we will look at its main attractions and facilities.

How to get to Changgyeonggung Palace

By Subway: Take Seoul Subway Line 3 to Anguk Station, Exit 3. Walk straight along Yulgok-ro for about 1 km, then turn left onto Changgyeonggung-ro. Walk approximately 300 meters to reach the palace entrance on the left. If you prefer not to walk too far, use Exit 6 from Anguk Subway Station. Walk straight to bus stop #01200 and take bus 272, 151, 171, or 172. Ride for just two stops, and you’ll arrive across the street from Changgyeonggung Palace.

By Bus: Take any of the following buses: Blue Bus No. 100, 102, 104, 151, 171, 272, 301, 601, 710, or Airport Bus No. 6011, and alight at Changgyeonggung Palace.

By Seoul City Tour Bus: You can take the Seoul City Tour Bus to visit Changgyeonggung Palace and other places in Seoul. Just exchange your ticket at the Gwanghwamun Stop, and you’re good to go. With the pass, you can get on and off the bus whenever you like throughout the day. For more details, check out our post, Seoul City Tour Bus.

Check Out the Seoul City Tour Bus Ticket Prices!

Tips

• Dressing in Hanbok grants complimentary entry, offering a unique experience and enhanced photo opportunities. Refer to our Hanbok renting guide for details here.
• Free guided tours are available in various languages: English (Tue-Sun) at 11:00 and 16:00, Chinese (Tue-Fri) at 9:30 and 15:00, and Japanese (Tue-Sun) at 10:00 and 14:00, each lasting one hour. The tour starts in front of the Information Booth. Arrive 30 minutes earlier to apply.
• For those planning to explore multiple palaces in Seoul, consider purchasing The Royal Palace Pass for KRW 10,000, valid for three months. This pass allows entry to Gyeongbokgung, Changdeokgung, Changgyeonggung, Deoksugung, and Jongmyo Shrine. You can buy it on major travel platforms such as Klook and GetYourGuide or on-site at any palace.

Main attractions at Changgyeonggung Palace

Myeongjeongjeon Hall

Myeongjeongjeon Hall, the oldest throne hall in Korea, is the focal point of Changgyeonggung Palace. It hosted significant royal ceremonies such as the king’s enthronement, state examinations, and celebratory events. Inside, you’ll find the king’s throne and a remarkable folding screen adorned with depictions of the sun, moon, and five peaks. These symbols represent the king, queen, and the unity of the entire nation, adding to the palace’s grandeur and historical significance.

Daeonsil Grand Greenhouse

The Grand Greenhouse inside Changgyeonggung Palace is a must-see! Built-in 1909, it’s Korea’s first Western-style greenhouse. Originally part of a zoo project by the Japanese colonial government, it is a unique piece of history from Emperor Sunjong’s era. Inspired by London’s Crystal Palace, the design boasts striking pointed arches and window frames.

Today, the Grand Greenhouse is a lush haven for native and rare tropical plants. Its informative markers are in Korean and English, so you can learn more about the plants. You’ll find a charming Renaissance-style fountain and a captivating garden with winding paths outside. It’s a great spot to snap memorable photos during your palace visit.

Chundangji Pond

Chundangji Pond, adjacent to the Daeonsil, comprises two ponds: Daechundangji and the smaller Sochundangji. The smaller pond, created in 1909 by merging eleven rice paddies using the naenongpo method, is a testament to ingenuity. The surrounding land served as royal farmland and residences for the royal family’s ladies and maids. Today, it’s a popular destination for leisurely walks, offering serene views of blooming flowers in spring and colorful foliage in fall.

Gyeongchunjeon Hall

Gyeongchunjeon, originally built by King Seongjong in the 14th year of his reign for his mother, Dowager Queen Insu, has endured a tumultuous history. Destroyed during the Japanese Invasion of Korea in 1592, it was reconstructed in 1616 under Prince Gwanghae’s reign. However, tragedy struck again in 1830 during King Sunjo’s reign when it was burnt down, only to be rebuilt in 1834 by the same king. Notably, Gyeongchunjeon is the birthplace of King Jeongjo, the 22nd king of the Joseon Dynasty, and King Heonjong, the 24th king. Additionally, the calligraphy on its signboard was penned by King Sunjo, the 23rd ruler of the Joseon Dynasty.

Tongmyeongjeon Hall

Tongmyeongjeon, located northwest of Myeongjeongjeon, was the royal bedroom for the king and queen. It was one of the first buildings in the palace, but it was destroyed during the Japanese invasion of Korea. It was rebuilt but burnt down again during an uprising in King Jeongjo’s reign. Just like Gyeonchunjeon, it was rebuilt by King Sunjo in 1834. Around the hall is an elevated stone terrace called woldae, similar to other important buildings in Jongmyo Shrine. Inside, there’s a wooden floor with ondol heating on both sides.

Cherry Blossom Trees

Changgyeonggung Palace is a fantastic spot to catch the cherry blossoms in spring. The palace and its surroundings are adorned with numerous blossom trees, offering a breathtaking sight. Even at night, you can enjoy a lovely view of the spring flowers from the entrance.

Moonlight Tour at Changgyeonggung Palace

Make sure to stick around for the evening view during your visit! The palace takes on a completely different atmosphere at night. You can enjoy the unique experience of carrying traditional Korean lanterns, cheongsachorong, as you wander through the palace after dark.

It’s a wonderful way to admire the palace’s beauty illuminated by the night.

Seoul Guided Walking Tour at Changgyeonggung Palace

The Seoul Guided Walking Tour operates a free walking tour of Changgyeonggung Palace. It lasts around two hours and begins in Changgyeonggung Honghwamun. You can see more details and make a reservation at their official website here. 

• Route: Changgyeonggung Honghwamun →  Okcheongyo → Myeongjeongjeon → Sungmundang → Munjeongjeon → Munjeongmun → Gwancheondae → Gyeongchunjeon → Yeongchunheon → Tongmyeongjeon → Jagyeongjeon Site → Chundangji → Changgyeonggung Honghwamun
•  Length of tour: 2 hours
•  Meeting Place: Ticket booth at Changgyeonggung

Remember to include a visit to Changgyeonggung Palace in your Seoul itinerary. Whether you’re a history buff or just looking for a serene spot, the palace has something for everyone. We hope this guide helps you plan an enjoyable trip to Seoul. Safe travels!

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• Gyeongbokgung Palace 경복궁: All you need to know
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• Changdeokgung Palace 창덕궁: Ultimate Guide