Is the Secret Garden at Changdeokgung Palace Worth It?
The Secret Garden at Changdeokgung Palace is one of the few places in Seoul that genuinely feels hidden, but because it requires an additional ticket and a timed entry, many visitors debate whether it’s worth the extra cost and planning. After walking its shaded, downhill paths in near silence, I can confidently say - absolutely yes, it was one of the most peaceful palace experiences I had in Korea.
What Is the Secret Garden at Changdeokgung Palace?
The Secret Garden, officially known as Huwon, was once a private retreat reserved exclusively for Joseon-era kings and members of the royal family. Located behind the main palace grounds, this expansive garden was designed for rest, reflection, and quiet enjoyment rather than formal ceremonies.
Unlike the grand courtyards and throne halls found throughout Changdeokgung, the Secret Garden feels natural and secluded, with a winding path, forested areas, tranquil ponds, and traditional pavilions tucked into the landscape.
Why the Secret Garden Requires a Separate Ticket
Access to the Secret Garden is intentionally limited. Visitors must purchase a separate ticket and enter during a scheduled time slot, with only 100 people allowed inside during each time slot - 50 of these tickets are pre-sold online, 50 are available in person. Ticket availability, entry times, and same-day access rules can change seasonally, so it’s best to check the Changdeokgung Palace official website before your visit.
This extra step can feel inconvenient at first but it’s exactly what makes the experience so special. The controlled entry keeps the garden from feeling crowded or rushed, preserving the calm atmosphere that originally made it a royal retreat.
What It’s Like Inside the Secret Garden
Walking through the Secret Garden truly feels like stepping away from Seoul. The main path is downhill but overall it’s an easy and relaxed walk. There’s also an abundance of shade, which is especially welcome during warmer months.
Because visitor numbers are limited, the garden remains quiet, peaceful, and tranquil. There’s no sense of being herded along or competing for space. Instead, it’s a slow, immersive experience that allows you to pause, observe, and enjoy the surroundings. (However, if you get stuck behind a tour group, I recommend walking ahead and circling back or hanging back a bit.)
Are There Guided Tours?
Entry to the Secret Garden is organized around guided tours. Tours are offered in Korean and foreign languages, but there are specific time slots for the foreign language ones. I signed up during the Korean language tour and the tour guide told me not to wait and to walk the gardens myself.
One of the first information signs you’ll encounter inside the Secret Garden includes a QR code linking to an audio guide available in several languages. This is absolutely worth scanning before you begin your walk.
Listening to the audio guide as you move through the garden adds meaningful context, explaining the history of the area, the purpose of different pavilions, and why certain natural features were designed the way they were. It’s surprisingly informative and more than makes up for the lack of English-language guided tours.
Is the Secret Garden at Changdeokgung Palace Worth It?
If you’re already visiting Changdeokgung Palace, the Secret Garden is well worth the extra cost and planning. The limited entry creates a rare sense of calm, the shaded paths make it comfortable to explore, and the overall experience feels intimate and unhurried.
Yes, it requires an additional ticket. Yes, you’ll need to plan around a timed entry. But if you’re looking for one of the most serene and memorable palace experiences in Seoul, the Secret Garden delivers. Unlike many palace gardens designed for display, the Secret Garden was intentionally preserved as a private retreat - one of the reasons its layout still feels so natural today.
Changdeokgung’s Secret Garden is just one piece of a much larger story. Seoul is home to five grand palaces, each with its own character, history, and atmosphere - and exploring them reveals how deeply the city’s past is woven into modern life. I’ll be sharing more about the other royal palaces of Seoul, along with a deeper walk-through of the Secret Garden itself, for anyone who wants to explore these spaces more thoughtfully and at a slower pace.
