A UNESCO World Heritage palace praised for its harmonious integration with natural topography — and home to the breathtaking Huwon Secret Garden.
Introduction
Changdeokgung (‘Palace of Illustrious Virtue’) was built in 1405 as a secondary palace to Gyeongbokgung. Its layout uniquely follows the natural contours of the hillside rather than imposing a rigid grid — earning UNESCO World Heritage status in 1997. The Huwon (후원, ‘Rear Garden’) is a 300,000m² landscape garden of pavilions, ponds, and centuries-old trees accessible only via guided tour. The Buyongjeong pavilion reflecting in Buyongji Pond is one of Korea’s most photographed scenes. Moonlight tours (달빛기행) are held seasonally and sell out within minutes.
Highlights
- UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1997
- Huwon Secret Garden — guided tour only
- Buyongjeong Pavilion & Buyongji Pond
- Seasonal moonlight tour (달빛기행)
- Natural hillside palace layout unique among Korean palaces
Basic info
Map
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