3 East Seoul Palaces Guide: Changdeokgung, Changgyeonggung, Jongmyo
Hello, travelers!
This Seoul palaces guide is designed especially for first-time visitors who want to experience the most beautiful royal heritage in the city. If it is your first time in South Korea, the eastern royal palaces are one of the best places to begin your journey in Seoul. This area brings together three historic sites located side by side — Changdeokgung (창덕궁), Changgyeonggung (창경궁), and Jongmyo Shrine (종묘) — creating a walkable heritage zone filled with gardens, forests, and centuries of royal history. Among all the places in Seoul, this cluster of palaces is what I’ve always been most excited to introduce to first-time visitors.
Quick Comparison of the 3 Seoul Palaces Guide
This section of the Seoul palaces guide helps you choose quickly at a glance.
|
Palace |
Why visit |
Subway |
|---|---|---|
|
Changdeokgung |
Royal Family’s Garden, UNESCO heritage |
Line 3 |
|
Changgyeonggung |
Western-style glass conservatory |
Line 4 |
|
Jongmyo |
UNESCO ancestral shrine, Korea’s royal ritual site |
Line 1 & 3 |
Changdeokgung – The Secret Garden
Why you should go
Changdeokgung is known for its harmony with nature and is listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Many locals and repeat visitors actually prefer this palace to Gyeongbokgung because it feels quieter and more natural.
Highlights
- Huwon (meaning “the garden behind the royal residence”)
Huwon(The Secret Garden) is a reservation-only area, open exclusively through scheduled entry times. This secluded space sits behind the palace and preserves the natural landscape once enjoyed by the royal family. - Seasonal beauty
Especially lovely during spring flowers and autumn foliage.
Who will enjoy Changdeokgung the most
- Love nature and gardens
- Prefer a calmer atmosphere
- Are willing to spend more time walking and listening to explanations
Changgyeonggung – The Grand Glasshouse
Why you should go
Changgyeonggung is best known for its iconic Grand Greenhouse (Daeonshil) — a rare Western-style glass conservatory built in 1909. This beautiful botanical space makes the palace feel different from other royal sites, blending Joseon-era architecture with early modern garden design.
It’s one of the most photogenic spots in the palace and a favorite for travelers who enjoy calm, garden-style walks.
Highlights
- The Grand Greenhouse (Daeonshil) – a historic glass conservatory filled with seasonal plants
- Open lawns and tree-lined walking paths perfect for slow, relaxing strolls
- Cherry blossoms in spring and warm autumn colors around the greenhouse
- A gentler, more neighborhood-park vibe compared to larger, formal palaces
Visiting tips
- Around 1–1.5 hours is enough for most visitors.
- It is located close to Changdeokgung, so you can easily visit both on the same day.
Who will enjoy Changgyeonggung the most
- Travelers who want something quieter than Gyeongbokgung
- Families with children who need more open space
- Visitors who enjoy palace architecture but prefer a slower pace
Jongmyo Shrine – UNESCO Heritage & Korea’s Most Sacred Royal Site
Why you should go
Jongmyo is the ancestral shrine of the Joseon Dynasty, dedicated to the memorial tablets of kings and queens.
It is considered the most sacred royal space in Korea and is recognized as UNESCO World Heritage for its exceptional preservation of Confucian rituals and wooden architecture.
Compared to other palaces, Jongmyo feels quieter, more solemn, and deeply atmospheric — a place where you can sense the rhythm of Korean royal history in a peaceful forested setting.
Highlights
- Jongmyo Jerye (Royal Ancestral Rituals) – Korea’s oldest surviving Confucian royal ceremony
- UNESCO World Heritage for its cultural continuity and historical value
- Jeongjeon Hall
– the world’s longest single wooden structure of its kind
– The 19 spirit chambers of Jeongjeon are arranged from left to right, each dedicated to a king and queen of the Joseon Dynasty.
– The first chamber enshrines Taejo (the founder of Joseon), and the later chambers continue in historical order until the last kings of the dynasty.) - A calm, forested layout that feels completely different from the palaces
- Beautiful walking paths that emphasize symmetry and quietness
Visiting tips
- Usually takes 1–1.5 hours for most visitors
- Some areas may require guided tours or timed entry, depending on season
- Located right next to Changdeokgung and Changgyeonggung, making it easy to combine in the same day
- Closed on Tuesdays, so check schedule in advance
Who will enjoy Jongmyo the most
- Travelers who enjoy calm, historical, and sacred spaces
- Visitors interested in Confucian culture, ritual, or traditional Korean ceremonies
- Photography lovers looking for peaceful, symmetrical architecture
- Anyone wanting a quiet break between palace visits
East Seoul Palaces Guide: Operating Hours
Use the timetable below or visit the website to plan your visit easily. Each palace has different hours depending on the season and tour type, so check the details before you go.
East Seoul Palaces Guide: Admission Fees
These are the admission fees for foreign travelers.
Remember: Changdeokgung’s Secret Garden is an add-on ticket and must be bought together with the main palace admission.
Exploring the eastern royal palaces is one of the most memorable ways to experience Seoul’s history in a single walkable route. From Changdeokgung’s forested gardens to Changgyeonggung’s calm pathways and the solemn atmosphere of Jongmyo Shrine, each site offers a different layer of the city’s royal past. If you plan your visit using the hours and fees above, you can comfortably explore all three in one day — and truly understand why this heritage zone remains one of the most beloved areas for first-time visitors to Seoul.
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